Identifies and evaluates potential determinants of the switch from cost-allocation actuarial method to a benefit-allocation actuarial cost method. Effects of the switch; Causes of the decrease in pension expense and funding; Reasons for the switch in actuarial cost methods.
Studies the effects of the disclosure of nonpublic information to explain target firms' runups prior to mergers. Criticisms on the disclosure system; US Securities and Exchange Commission's disclosure laws; Effects of ownership control structure on the dissemination of firms' acquisition-related information.
Explores the use of accounting numbers in employee evaluation. Employee participation in accounting-based budgeting processes; Determination of employee participation; Links between accounting signals and performances expected to employees; Results of principal-agent analysis; Results of zero value to participation.
Investigates the degree to which the superiority of analysts' corporate earnings forecasts is associated with firm characteristics. Analyst advantage over a time-series model to past earnings variability; Relationship between analyst advantage and the amount of coverage in the `Wall Street Journal' newspaper.
Assesses the impact of five different capital gains tax regimes on lock-in effect and new risky investment decisions. Features of the tax regimes investigated; Comparison of the portfolio allocations of the subjects; Relationship between unfavorable tax consequences of selling assets and lock-in effect.
Discusses a link between two conflicting approaches to accounting theory. Proper income measurement or asset evaluation; Information disclosure; Corporate income measurement in the two approaches; Divergence of accounting value and economic value.