Home Articles Abstract
Research Article

The Effect of Discretionary Actuarial Assumptions on the Value Relevance of Pension Accounting Information

Nam, Jian1 · Choi, Jongseo1

1 Pusan National University

Published: January 2021 · Vol. 50 No. 4 · pp. 1071-1105

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17287/kmr.2021.50.4.1071

Full Text

Abstract

This study examines the effect of discretionary pension actuarial assumption on the value relevance of pension accounting information. Extant literature document that firms’ financial profiles affect pension actuarial choices. However, it is difficult for investors to judge the soundness of the actuarial assumptions due to the complexity in nature. Furthermore, the pension assumptions determined by managerial opportunistic choices are likely to affect the value relevance of pension information. Using a sample of Korean listed non-financial firms which adopt a defined benefit(DB) pension plan from 2011 to 2018, we find that firms are likely to report aggressive actuarial assumptions when leverage is high or risk of loss-reporting exists. We also find that the aggressive actuarial choices due to the financial status negatively affect the value relevance of pension information, especially when the pension sensitivity increases.
Keywords: actuarial assumptionsdefined benefit pension planvalue relevance