Key research themes
1. How do accounting principles and quality of earnings influence the interpretation of financial results and firm valuation?
This research theme explores the concept of earnings quality, its measurement, and how accounting standards and principles influence the accuracy and interpretability of financial results. It investigates the multidimensional nature of earnings quality and its critical role in reflecting a firm's operating performance and intrinsic value, directly impacting firm valuation decisions by investors and analysts. The theme also covers the implications of subjective judgments in accrual accounting and the ethical considerations involved in presenting financial outcomes.
2. What is the role of financial statement components and ratio analyses in facilitating investment decisions and financial performance evaluation?
This theme examines how investors and analysts use the components of financial statements—including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements—and financial ratios to assess a company's performance and make informed investment decisions. It also investigates the acceptance and perceived usefulness of financial statements by investors, and how ratio analysis methodologies illuminate liquidity, profitability, leverage, and risk-return trade-offs that impact corporate financial management.
3. How do market conditions and firm-specific factors affect the interpretation of profitability metrics in relation to stock returns?
Research under this theme investigates the complex relationship between accounting profitability indicators (such as net income, Earnings Per Share (EPS), and return on equity) and stock market returns. It challenges the assumption that profitability always positively influences stock prices, considering market-specific events, investor sentiment, and differential interpretation of earnings announcements by analysts.