The value relevance of IFRS 16 in the Moroccan context

Abstract

The implementation of IFRS 16 - Leases, on January 1, 2019, by introducing a unique model for accounting lease contracts for lessees, is supposed to meet the common objective of the international and the American accounting standard setters (IASB and FASB), to improve the method of accounting for leases (operating and financing) and provide accurate and relevant accounting information. In this context, this study aims to analyze the value relevance of the adoption of IFRS 16, in companies listed on Casablanca stock exchange, by employing the valuation framework developed by Ohlson (1995), widely used in the literature to assess the value relevance of accounting information by its ability to explain stock market prices. Results confirm those obtained by previous research on the value relevance of IFRS standards in Morocco, concluding that the transition to IFRS 16 did not lead to the production of more relevant financial information compared to the old standard (IAS 17). This study aims to enrich the current literature that is interested in the application of IFRS standards in the context of developing countries. Its results also help to inform accounting standard setters in these countries in their plans to modernize their accounting information systems. Our research nevertheless has limitations, including the size of the sample, given the optional application of IFRS in Morocco, as well as the relatively limited depth in terms of time since the transition to the standard in 2019.   

JEL Classification: M4.

Paper type: Empirical research.