Transition to IFRS: Financial statement effects and taxation at the construction industry in Greece

Abstract

This study evaluates the IFRS adoption on the financial statements and taxation of Greek companies at the construction industry in Greece, which are listed at the Athens Stock Exchange. The research computes the taxation amount paid and employs twelve accounting measures for the analysis of financial statements for the IFRS transition period (three years before and after their adoption in Greece). Regarding the taxation, the amount paid in the pre- to post-IFRS period was considerably decreased (about 28%). Regarding the examined accounting measures, the transition to IFRS lead to a deterioration of some basic financial ratios (more specifically, five profitability ratios) and could, therefore, affect the overall profitability and performance of the examined companies in their industry sector. Our results provide also evidence that IFRS adoption increased firm value, while a lower level of earnings can influence accounting quality and could be examined further as a red flag for earnings manipulation. The present study, as a recent empirical result of the IFRS impact and taxation on the construction sector in Greece, could be useful for policy makers, tax and other state authorities or managers.