Effect of the IFRS adoption on the cost of capital: Evidence from Korea

Abstract

This study investigates whether the cost of capital of Korean listed firms was substantially reduced after the IFRS adoption in long-term aspect and which firms listed in KOSPI or KOSDAQ market had been more enjoyed the benefit. Prior studies related to this subject don’t provided consistent results and have limitations of insufficiency of research periods and generalization problem. Therefore, this study analyzes the positive effect of the IFRS adoption in Korea using long-term based approach and differential measurements (CAPM and WACC) to facilitate generalization. Results of the study found that the cost of capital of Korean listed firms had been significantly reduced during 5 years after the IFRS adoption. In addition, the cost of capital of KOSPI listed firms was reduced more than KOSDAQ listed firms. The results provide meaningful implications to evaluate the effects of IFRS adoption on the cost of capital and to assess accomplishment of fundamental purpose of the IFRS adoption in Korea.