The application of BR-GAAP and US-GAAP: an analysis of the reconciliation of differences in net earnings and book equity of the AMBEV Corporation

Abstract

This study examines the effect of the disclosure of the reconciliation of differences resulting from the use of US-GAAP and BR-GAAP. Its aim is to provide a better understanding of accounting information to external users. The study reviews the literature on the objectives of accounting and accounting information, users of accounting, regulating institutions of US and BR-GAAP, and the different accounting treatment resulting from such standards. It can be classified as qualitative in terms of approach and descriptive in terms of objectives. The method employed is the comparative procedure. The object of study are the net earnings and book equity reconciliation statements regarding the years 2000, 2001, and 2002 submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by Companhia de Bebidas das Américas (AMBEV) according to form 20F. The analysis concludes that the company made a major contribution to a better understanding of the effects of the differences between US-GAAP and BR-GAAP in its financial statements on the part of external users.

Key words: GAAP, reconciliation, accounting information.