Geographical and sectoral diversity of the statement of comprehensive income with IAS

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to verify the existence of geographical and sectoral differences and similarities in the method of presenting information in the statement of comprehensive income prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards. Design/Methodology/Approach: The empirical study covered information included in the statements of comprehensive income of 100 biggest capital groups listed on three stock exchanges, i.e., Paris, Frankfurt and Warsaw, for the period 2016-2018. In the quantitative analysis, techniques of descriptive statistics and statistical tests of significance were used. Findings: The study showed the existence of numerous similarities (both geographical and sectoral) in the way information is presented in the statement of comprehensive income concerning among others: the form of presentation, the variant of drawing up, the internal structure of this document or the method of presenting information about other comprehensive income. Practical Implication: The results of the study can be successfully used by users of financial statements because they relate to the important problem of comparability of financial data. They can also be used by institutions that create accounting standards. Originality/Value: The justification for undertaking comparative research is the fact that the vast majority of research so far in the scope of the method of presenting information in the statement of comprehensive income concerns solutions used by entities in one specific country. There are also no detailed comparative studies due to the type of business.