Determinants of disclosure level of intangible assets by Brazilian public companies

Abstract

Considering the particular characteristics of intangible assets accounting, in 2008 the Pronouncements Accounting Committee (CPC) deemed it necessary to set forth procedures for disclosure of such elements. However, it is considered that even obliged to meet the standards, companies avail themselves the discretion with regard to disclosure practices. There may be possible economic incentives that determine a higher level of disclosure. Thus, the objective was to analyze whether there is an association between the disclosure of information about intangible assets and characteristics of companies listed in BM&FBovespa. For this, the notes to the financial statements of 125 standardized non-financial companies from the year 2009 were analyzed. Adopting metrics developed from the provisions contained in the CPC 04, disclosure practices of these companies related to intangible assets were raised. We performed a correspondence analysis and applied tests of differences between means. The study indicated Antuthat the classes of intangible assets, the carrying value and the depreciated value, as well as the methods and useful lives are the most frequently items reported by companies. It is indicative of a positive association between the profit attribute and disclosure of intangible assets but the study was not conclusive. It was found that in companies listed in Novo Mercado the disclosure practices were not greater when compared with companies of the other two levels of  BM&FBovespa corporate governance.

Key words: economic characteristics, intangible assets, disclosure.