Intangible Values in Financial Accounting and Reporting ― An Analysis from the Perspective of Financial Analysts

Academics and practitioners argue that intangible values have become significant value drivers of today’s economy. Major production inputs no longer comprise of property, plant and equipment, but rather of brands, knowledge and other technological innovation. Based on this notion, information on such phenomena is supposedly crucial for existing and potential capital providers in making decisions whether to allocate resources to a company. This thesis examines the information use and needs of financial analysts with respect to intangible values. The purpose is to shed light on the usefulness of such information from the perspective of one of the primary user groups of IFRSs.

Dr. Stephan Gruber obtained his doctorate degree at the University of St. Gallen (HSG), Institute of Accounting, Control and Auditing.