Search Results (46)

This research investigates the liability management of Thai life insurers in a prolonged low-interest rate environment. It examines the impact of interest rate changes on life insurance products, solvency, and profitability. The study identifies a significant shift in product portfolios toward non-interest-sensitive products, which helps mitigate financial risk and enhance solvency. The solvency of Thai life insurers is influenced by their return on assets, with higher risk exposures requiring more capital, potentially lowering solvency levels. However, the proportion of risky investment assets is not significantly related to the solvency position in the Thai market. The market index return is a significant predictor of stock returns for Thai life insurers, while changes in interest rate sensitivity are not statistically significant between low-rate and normal periods. The average solvency level under Thailand’s regulatory regime is also not statistically different between normal and prolonged low-interest rate situations. This study contributes to the understanding of liability management practices among life insurers in Thailand and provides insights into the challenges and strategies for maintaining solvency and profitability in a low-interest rate environment. Full article

Purpose: This study aims to provide a comprehensive and objective view to investigate whether the motives of strong financial managers to adopt an accounting conservatism strategy have significant effects on improving financial growth opportunities in the context of banks listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange, while knowing how this relationship is affected by litigation risks. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using data from Saudi financial databases, this study examines how litigation risk moderates the relationship between accounting conservatism and financial growth in Saudi listed banks. Basu’s (1997) model and accrual-based metrics measure conservatism, whereas assets, liabilities, and business age are used to measure financial growth. Litigation risk factors included previous lawsuits. Validity was ensured using fixed-effects regression and robustness tests. Findings: The study found that accounting conservatism has a mixed impact on financial growth, litigation risk moderates the relationship between conservatism and financial growth, and litigation risk has a positive impact on accounting conservatism. Practical Implications: Use a balanced strategy to maintain accounting conservatism, lower litigation risk while maintaining the accuracy of financial statements, take legal risk into account when evaluating the quality of financial reporting, increase transparency without impeding growth, create guidelines tailored to a particular bank, and fortify governance to reduce lawsuits while permitting long-term financial growth. Originality/Value: In order to bridge the gap between conservatism strategies and long-term financial stability in emerging economies, this study examines how managerial decisions in accounting conservatism affect the financial growth of Saudi banks, incorporating litigation risk as a moderating factor. It also contributes to financial policies, risk management, and regulations. Full article

Temporary book-tax differences (BTDs) serve as critical proxies for understanding corporate earnings management and tax planning. However, the drivers of large negative BTDs (LNBTDs)—where book income falls below taxable income—remain underexplored. This study investigates the determinants and components of LNBTDs, focusing on their relationship with deferred tax assets (DTAs) and liabilities (DTLs). Utilizing hand-collected data from the tax disclosures of S&P 500 firms’ 10-K filings (2007–2023), I analyze 4685 firm-year observations to identify specific accounting items driving LNBTDs. Findings reveal that deferred revenue, goodwill impairments, R&D, CapEx, environmental obligations, pensions, contingency liabilities, leases, and receivables are significant contributors, often generating substantial DTAs due to timing mismatches between book and tax recognition. Notably, high-tech industries, like the pharmaceutical, medical, and computers and software industries, exhibit pronounced LNBTDs, driven by upfront revenue recognition for tax purposes and deferred recognition for financial reporting, capitalization, amortization and depreciation effects, and other deferred tax components. Regression analyses confirm strong associations between these components and LNBTDs, with asymmetry in reversal patterns suggesting that initial differences do not always offset symmetrically over time. While prior research emphasizes large positive BTDs and tax avoidance, this study highlights economic and industry-specific characteristics as key LNBTD drivers, with limited evidence of earnings manipulation via deferred taxes. These insights enhance the value relevance of deferred tax disclosures and offer implications for reporting standards, tax policy, and research into BTD dynamics. Full article

BCA methodically assesses the state of a building’s deterioration to support Maintenance, Safety, Function, and Compliance purposes. Originally used to assist in identifying urgent repair requirements, it has evolved and become one of the most used tools for assessing a building’s outstanding maintenance liability when a building is transacted or acquired. Nevertheless, current practices involve several conflicts; for example, high costs are associated with inspections, inconsistent building component registers, and ambiguity and consistency regarding reporting parameters, all of which lead to compounding errors that reduce reliability. To address these gaps, the current research, involving one hundred and eighteen (118) active facilities managers and asset inspectors, suggests the development of an extension of the deterioration scale (0–7) and methodologies to reduce errors and ambiguity. Furthermore, it suggests using weighted indices to focus on crucial building components, thus improving condition assessment. As was found, these tools improve the accuracy of BCA, facilitate better management of the asset’s life cycle, and provide support in decision-making. This study adds consistency, limits subjectivity, and provides a framework applicable to different building types, assisting future management for sustainability. It, therefore, stands to serve the field by providing detailed and concise best practices for conducting condition audits on built assets. Full article

In addressing asset-liability management (ALM) problems, goal programming (GP) has been widely applied to integrate multiple objectives. However, it is inadequate in handling data changes in ALM caused by interest rate fluctuations. Therefore, a more robust and improved ALM optimization method is needed to manage fluctuations in financial ratios in ALM. This study introduces a novel approach by combining a systematic literature review (SLR) with the preference reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) method and bibliometric analysis to investigate the application of robust goal programming (RGP) models in ALM. The methodology involved planning, search and selection, analysis, and result interpretation as part of the SLR process. Using PRISMA, seven relevant publications were identified. The results of this SLR present a new strategy to combine goal programming and robust optimization to enhance ALM. Model development steps include constructing weighted goal programming (WGP) or lexicographic goal programming (LGP) models, using factor analysis for financial ratios, applying the best-worst method or simple additive weighting (SAW) for prioritization, and modeling financial ratio uncertainty with robust counterparts. This research provides a foundation for further studies and offers guidance to non-financial companies on adopting RGP for strategic ALM decisions and optimizing ALM under uncertainty. Full article

The aim of this article is to examine which selected internal factors influence the profitability (ROA) of companies in the energy sector in Poland and how they do so, over the period 2018–2021, taking into account two groups: all types of activities (984 companies) and electricity production (508 companies). This study uses Pearson correlation analysis, Wilcoxon pairwise rank test, descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression to build eight ROA econometric models, four for each group. The research shows that in the energy sector, in particular, variables relating to the capital structure (total equity/total assets, long-term liabilities/total assets, short-term liabilities/total assets and long-term liabilities/short-term liabilities ratios) have a statistically significant impact (positive or negative) on the profitability (ROA). The aforementioned ratios appear in various combinations in all eight ROA models. The use of equity to finance the activities of companies in this sector seems to be particularly beneficial, as the total equity/total assets ratio occurs in as many as seven out of eight models and, moreover, it always has a positive impact on the ROA. The remaining analyzed variables relating to the structure of assets (fixed assets/total assets ratio), financial liquidity (current ratio) and the age of the company appear in the models as statistically significant quite rarely, having a different impact on the ROA (positively or negatively). However, variables such as the fixed assets/current assets and total liabilities/total equity ratios do not have a statistically significant impact on the ROA at all in any of the studied groups of enterprises. The research results suggest that managers, in order to shape profitability (measured by ROA), should pay special attention to the capital structure, i.e., the proportions of the use of equity, long-term liabilities and short-term liabilities to finance the operations of energy companies as these independent variables appear most often in ROA models. Other analyzed factors, such as the assets structure (the share of fixed assets in total assets) or financial liquidity, also have an impact on the return on assets; therefore, their use in energy companies should also be considered. Moreover, the research shows a large diversity of factors shaping ROA in econometric models, the way they affect the dependent variable (positive or negative) and the degree of model fit (R²), both in individual years and in the two groups of companies studied. This proves that it is not possible to clearly and finally determine which factors and how (positive or negative) they affect the profitability. This influence can change over time depending on the circumstances, which indicates the need for the continuous involvement of decision makers in the management process and making decisions based on reliable and appropriate-to-the-situation analyses. Full article

The concept of fair value, defined by the valuation of assets and liabilities at their current market worth, remains central to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and has persisted despite critiques intensified by the 2008 financial crisis. This valuation method continues to be prevalent under both IFRS and the US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The adoption of IFRS has notably enhanced the role of accounting in information analysis, vital for owners who prioritize both secure accounting practices and reliable data for strategic management decisions. Real estate, a significant business asset, has long been a focal point in accounting discussions, prompting extensive research into the applicability and effectiveness of various accounting standards. These investigations assess the adaptability of standards based on property type, utility, and valuation techniques. However, the challenge of accurately determining the fair value of real estate remains unresolved, signifying its importance not only in the corporate manufacturing realm but also among development companies striving to manage property values efficiently. This study addresses the challenge of accurately determining the fair market value of real estate in Kazakhstan, leveraging a multi-methodological approach that encompasses statistical models, regression analysis, data visualization, neural networks, and particularly, an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). The integration of these diverse methodologies not only enhances the robustness of real estate valuation but also introduces new insights into effective asset management. The findings suggest that ANFIS provides superior precision in real estate pricing, demonstrating its potential as a valuable tool for strategic management and investment decision-making. Full article

The present study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and firm risk on working capital management policies among manufacturing firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). The study sample consists of 1200 observations and 200 companies listed on the TSE over a six-year period from 2016 to 2021; furthermore, the statistical method used to test the hypotheses is ordinary least squares (OLS). The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has led managers to increase current assets to total assets ratio (CATAR), current ratio (CR), quick ratio (QR), net working capital (NWC), cash to current assets (CTCA) ratio, while it has caused a decrease in operational cycle (OC), days account receivables (DAR), and current liabilities to total assets ratio (CLTAR). Furthermore, we find that the higher the company’s risk, the more managers are motivated to embrace the working capital investment policy, net working capital, cash to current assets ratio, and cash conversion efficiency (CCE). In general, our findings indicate that during times of crisis, Iranian companies tend to adopt conservative working capital policies to ensure sufficient liquidity to respond appropriately to unforeseen events. In this study, the theory of liquidity preference aligns with the observed behavior of firms in response to the COVID-19 crisis and firm risk, where the emphasis on liquidity and short-term financial stability becomes paramount. Full article

This study delves into the financial performance of the Compañía Española de Petróleos, S.A.U. (CEPSA) within the context of the ongoing ESG transformation in the Energy Sector. The primary aim of this research is to understand the critical dimensions essential for evaluating energy companies’ ESG performances. The research assesses the changes in CEPSA’s financial indicators over the last five years (2018–2022). The report uses DuPont analysis to evaluate CEPSA’s environmental and social responsibility performances. The study examines several financial performance metrics, including return on net assets, profitability, and corporate financing structure changes. The methodology of this study comprehensively assesses CEPSA’s sustainable development trajectory and ESG management system. The analysis reveals that CEPSA has consistently improved its sustainable development capabilities over the last five years by establishing a comprehensive ESG management system. While return on net assets and profitability indicators have shown positive trends, the financing structure has changed significantly. Notably, the proportion of debt financing has increased substantially, and there is a slight decline in the net profit margin. The formal transformation in 2020 further influenced increases in liabilities and fixed assets for CEPSA. The study focuses on CEPSA’s sustained improvements in ESG management and the associated shifts in financial metrics, adding originality to the study and offering a nuanced perspective on the evolving landscape of sustainable practices. The study reveals the financial implications of ESG transformation in the energy sector and offers valuable insights for stakeholders. Moreover, this research contributes to the existing literature by employing the DuPont analysis system to explore the intricate relationship between ESG performance and financial indicators in the energy sector. Full article

Defined benefit (DB) pension plans are a primary type of pension schemes with the sponsor assuming most of the risks. Longevity-indexed bonds have been used to hedge or transfer risks in pension plans. Our objective is to study an aggregated DB pension plan’s optimal risk management problem focusing on minimizing the solvency risk over a finite time horizon and to investigate the investment strategies in a market, comprising a longevity-indexed bond and a risk-free asset, under stochastic nominal interest rates. Using the dynamic programming technique in the stochastic control problem, we obtain the closed-form optimal investment strategy by solving the corresponding Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation. In addition, a comparative analysis implicates that longevity-indexed bonds significantly reduce solvency risk compared to zero-coupon bonds, offering a strategic advantage in pension fund management. Besides the closed-form solution and the comparative study, another novelty of this study is the extension of actuarial liability (AL) and normal cost (NC) definitions, and we introduce the risk neutral valuation of liabilities in DB pension scheme with the consideration of mortality rate. Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of key financial indicators influencing the operational efficiency of banks in Jordan over the period 2006 to 2021. The study, focusing on fifteen commercial banks, employs seven regression models to assess the impact of selected variables on bank operating efficiency. Our findings reveal novel insights with substantial contributions to banking practice. We identify a statistically significant influence of both bank-specific factors and temporal effects, demonstrating the nuanced dynamics shaping the operational efficiency of Jordanian banks. Notably, a positive and significant correlation is established between the operating efficiency ratio and return on assets, bank size, and the ratio of loan loss provisions to net interest income, providing valuable strategic guidance for effective management. Conversely, a significant negative relationship is observed between the operating efficiency ratio and the total expense ratio, underscoring the critical importance of careful cost management. No significant associations are found between the operating efficiency ratio and credit risk, the equity-to-asset ratio, the deposit-to-liability ratio, and the equity-to-liability ratio. This study makes a unique contribution by shedding light on these previously unexplored correlations, offering actionable insights for enhancing operational efficiency in the banking sector. Additionally, our research advocates for the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) to persist in adaptive policy measures, which are crucial for ongoing banking reforms and improved monitoring practices. Based on our empirical findings, these recommendations aim to fortify the resilience and adaptability of Jordan’s banking sector, contributing both academically and practically. Importantly, they reinforce the symbiotic link between a stable banking sector and sustained economic development in Jordan. Full article

Asset-Liability Management (ALM) of banks is defined as simultaneous planning of all bank assets and liabilities under different conditions and its purpose is to maximize profits and minimize the risks in banks by optimizing the parameters in the balance sheet. Most of the studies `and proposed models in the ALM field are based on an objective function that maximizes bank profit. It is not easy to apply changes in these models in order to reach the optimal values of the parameters in the balance sheet. In this article, an attempt has been made to propose a linear model using constraints to achieve optimal values of balance sheet parameters using ALM objectives and considering balance sheet, system and regulatory constraints. It has also been tried to design the model according to the most possible mode and with the least changes and to minimize the size of the balance sheet. The analysis of the model presented in this article has been conducted using the parameters of the balance sheet and income statement of one of the famous Iranian banks. The results obtained from the proposed model show that the values of cash and receivables from banks and other credit institutions have decreased by 30% and increased by 200%, respectively, compared to the actual values of these parameters. Also, Total Income, Operating Income and Non-Operating Income have grown by 30% compared to the actual values of these parameters. Also, the values of a number of parameters are estimated to be zero after optimization. According to the results, it is obvious that the performance of bank managers, especially in the management of bank assets, is significantly different from the optimal values of the balance sheet, and the results obtained from the proposed model can help the management of banks as much as possible. Full article

Financial management is important for the construction sector, as construction companies contribute to the development of countries. Malaysia encourages the construction sector to develop advanced infrastructure related to transport and housing. Financial management is a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem, since companies have to consider multiple goals in order to make the optimal decision. Therefore, goal programming is proposed in financial management to solve optimization in MCDM problems. According to previous studies, there has been no comprehensive study conducted on optimization and comparison among the construction companies with a goal programming model. Thus, this study aims to propose a goal programming model to optimize and compare the financial management of listed construction companies in Malaysia for benchmarking purposes. Six goals of financial management, namely the total assets, total liabilities, equity, profit, earnings, and optimum management of construction companies are examined in this study. The results of this study show that the goal programming model is able to determine the optimal solution and goal achievement for each construction company. In addition, the model value can be further enhanced according to the optimal solution of the goal programming model. This study provides insights to the listed construction companies in Malaysia to identify the potential improvement based on the benchmarking and optimal solution of the goal programming model. Full article

This article discusses the issues caused by traditional water resource development and utilization, as well as policy issues in China that have led to a water crisis. The article proposes a theoretical approach along with a quantitative accounting of water resources, in order to solve these problems. To improve the value accounting method for water resources, the study focuses on a unified accounting perspective of water quantity and quality, allowing for an evaluation of water use efficiency and quality. The study uses prefecture-level cities in Hubei Province as a case study and finds that the water use efficiency of these cities has constantly improved, while water quality has shown an annual improvement. Water resource assets, liabilities, and net assets have increased, but with fluctuations. The study shows differences in water resource assets, liabilities, and net assets in the eastern, central, and western regions of Hubei Province. The unified accounting perspective of water quantity and quality provides a new idea and method for the preparation of water resource balance sheets and will effectively improve the management level and efficiency of water resources. Full article

Guidance on the appropriate accounting treatment of a credit card rewards programme (CCRP) transaction after the effective date of IFRS 15 is needed due to current uncertainty and inconsistencies. The objective of the research was to develop a theoretical model for the accounting treatment of CCRP transactions after the effective date of IFRS 15 by considering the relevant literature, including IFRS. This non-empirical qualitative literature study utilised document analysis and model building to construct the theoretical model. To provide practical guidelines in accounting for a CCRP transaction, a model embedded in a decision tree was developed as a heuristic to provide for various possible accounting treatments. It was found that a CCRP transaction can be accounted for in terms of IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets (as an expense and provision), in terms of IFRS 9 Financial instruments (as an expense and financial liability), or in terms of IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers (as a deferred revenue). The value of this article is that it provides answers in a clear and concise matter on a single page dealing with all the various elements of a CCRP transaction that impacts the accounting treatment. The CCRP theoretical model developed could eliminate uncertainty amongst CCRP management and increase the decision-usefulness of financial information. Full article