(Insert Table 2 about here)
In order to test the second research hypothesis, I perform regression (1) using either Italian GAAP or
IFRS numbers reported in the first separate financial statements issued under IFRS. As in prior studies
(e.g. Hung and Subramanyam 2007, Gjerde et al. 2008), value-relevance is measured using the
explanatory power of accounting measures for share prices, i.e. the accounting numbers with higher R2
are considered to be more value-relevant. In accordance with prior research (e. g. Khurana and Kim
2003, Hung and Subramanyan 2007, Gjerde et al. 2008), the statistical significance of the differences
in R2 is tested using a test based on Vuong (1989)9
.
If findings show that IFRS are less value-relevant than Italian GAAP, it would be difficult to reject
the claim of those who question IFRS adoption for separate financial statements. In fact, if IFRS are
primarily conceived for capital market investors, yet capital market investors do not consider them to
be more useful than Italian GAAP, why should they then be adopted?
This paper also follows a supplementary approach based on an incremental test, which examines
per se the value relevance of the adjustments introduced by IFRS to book value and net income (Amir
et al. 1993, Hung and Subramanyam 2007, Gjerde et al. 2008)10. I take Italian GAAP as a base and I
then look at the marginal value-relevance of having access to IFRS. As a result, the third research
hypothesis is as follows: