This paper investigates the impact of accruals and cash flow components of earnings on the stock prices and whether the stock prices fully reflect information about future earnings contained in the accrual and cash flow components of current earnings. This is an interesting issue of narrow framing, an application of behavioral finance. We mainly follow Sloan (1996)’s methodology but adjust hypothesis settings to fit the real situation of stock market in Taiwan. We find that high earnings performance that is attributable to cash flow components is more likely to be sustained than high earnings performance that is attributable to accrual components. / This paper investigates the impact of accruals and cash flow components of earnings on the stock prices and whether the stock prices fully reflect information about future earnings contained in the accrual and cash flow components of current earnings. This is an interesting issue of narrow framing, an application of behavioral finance. We mainly follow Sloan (1996)’s methodology but adjust hypothesis settings to fit the real situation of stock market in Taiwan. We find that high earnings performance that is attributable to cash flow components is more likely to be sustained than high earnings performance that is attributable to accrual components.

Nuclear power plants across the United States are reaching the end of their current operating licenses, forcing decision makers to think about the way forward. As they consider the best alternatives for dealing with aging nuclear plants, it is becoming increasingly important to have an accurate method for calculating the long-term costs of nuclear power plants. This report begins by investigating the methodologies currently used in these calculations. They focus on the uncertainty associated with deregulated electricity markets and can be broken down into two main categories: discounted cash flow and real options analysis. Next the report discusses the limitations of the current methodologies, focusing specifically on those aspects of evaluation that are currently eclipsed by electricity market uncertainty. Finally the report offers recommendations for addressing these limitations and creating a stronger analytical framework for calculating the lifetime cost of nuclear power plants. / text

Darbe analizuojama AB „Pieno žvaigždės“ įmonės vertė. Nagrinėjama problema – ar įmonės akcijų rinkos kaina atitinka tikrąją įmonės vertę. Darbe atlikta pagrindinių vertės nustatymo metodų palyginamoji analizė. AB „Pieno žvaigždės“ vertes nustatymui pasirinkti du metodai: diskontuotų pinigų srautų, tenkančių įmonei ir palyginamųjų rodiklių. Diskontuotų pinigų srautų metodu nustatyta akcijos kaina - 3,50 lito. Akcijos rinkos kaina – 2,10 lito (2009 m. gegužės mėn). Tai parodo, kad įmonės akcijos yra nepakankamai įvertinamos rinkoje. Palyginamieji rodikliai lyginti su panašiomis dydžiu pieno perdirbimo įmonėmis užsienyje. Palyginamųjų rodiklių metodu apskaičiuota apytikslė akcijos vertė – 3,51 lito. Palyginamųjų rodiklių analizė patvirtina, kad įmonės akcijos yra nepakankamai įvertinamos. Atsižvelgiant į tyrimo rezultatus, rekomenduojama pirkti AB „Pieno žvaigždės“ akcijas. / This paper studies the value of JSC company „Pieno žvaigždės“. The main question addressed is: does company’s market share price is equal to the true value of the share. This paper analyses main valuation methods. For valuation of JSC “Pieno žvaigždės” share discounted cash flow to the firm and relative valuation approaches are chosen. Price calculated by the method of discounted cash flow to the firm - 3,50 litas. Market value of the share – 2,10 litas (as of May 2009). The findings show that shares of the company are undervalued in the market. Relative valuation ratios are compared to dairy companies abroad which are similar by size. Price calculated by relative valuation method – 3,51 litas. Relative valuation method proves that shares of the company are undervalued in the market. According to the findings of the paper it is recommended to acquire shares of JSC “Pieno žvaigždės”.

Baigiamajame magistro darbe nagrinėjamos Lietuvos elektros inžinerinių paslaugų sektoriaus įmonių verslo vertės valdymo problemos ir plėtros aktualijos. Atlikta išsami mokslinės literatūros analizė, numatytos inovacijų, rizikos valdymo panaudojimo galimybės teoriniu aspektu, nagrinėjami įmonių susijungimai ir įsigijimai: analizuojama sandorių samprata, pateiktos šių sandorių rūšys ir skirtumai, išskirtos pagrindinės sandorių priežastys, taip pat aprašyti susijungimų ir įsigijimų proceso etapai ir išanalizuoti pagrindiniai įmonių ir sandorio vertinimo metodai, bei pasiūlyti konkretūs sprendimai šio sektoriaus įmonių veiklos tobulinimui, įtakosiantys jų veiklos efektyvumą, teikiamų paslaugų kokybę ir konkurencingumą. Išnagrinėta verslo strategijų, rizikos valdymo, inovacijų reikšmė ir aktualumas įmonės veikloje. Išnagrinėjus teorinius bei praktinius verslo vertės valdymo įmonėje aspektus, parengiau rekomenduotiną vadybinių procesų ryšių ir tarpusavio sąveikos schemą. Atlikta sisteminė organizacijos esamos padėties analizė, praktinis įmonės įvertinimas. Apskaičiuota įmonės vertė ir tikėtina sinergijos nauda, įmonėms susijungiant. Darbo pabaigoje pateiktos išvados ir pasiūlymai. / This master theses analyses business value management problems in the enterprises in the sector of electrical engineering services enterprises in Lithuania. The author has performed a thorough scientific literature on the topic analysis and took it as the background for the identification of risk and innovation processes and determination of possibilities to use it in sector enterprises` business value management activities. This paper analyses processes of mergers and acquisitions, concept, types, differences and reasons of transactions. The author has analyzed the steps of merging enterprises process as well as the methods of transaction valuation and prepared a set of proposed decisions for the development of the activities of electrical engineering services sector enterprises that could enhance activity efficiency, services` quality and competitiveness as well. Strong emphasis has been put on the business strategies, risk and innovation management of the enterprises` activities. The author having analyzed theoretical and practical business value management aspects prepared a scheme of interaction of managerial processes, performed systematic analyses of the enterprise including activity valuation while estimating synergy benefit from the merging process of two enterprises and at the end presented conclusions and recommendations.

This experimental study investigates the connotative meaning of the concept “cash”, as it relates to the cash flow statement, held by the three key parties to the accounting communication process: preparers, auditors and users. Concerns raised in the accounting profession regarding the susceptibility of the cash flow statement to manipulation, coupled with the recent introduction of NZ IAS 7 (cash flow statement) provide the motivation for investigating the potential for miscommunication (either intentional or unintentional) between the main parties to the financial reporting process. The study investigates inter and intra group differences in measured connotative meaning of the old and new definitions of “cash”, and determines the effect of connotative meaning on decision outcomes. Further, the study considers the overall quality of the two definitions, as perceived by the three financial reporting groups. Three key findings are indicated. The first is that the three financial reporting groups do not share the same cognitive structure in which the meaning of the concept “cash” is held. An important implication is that comparisons between the connotative meanings held by the three financial reporting groups cannot be validly made. Secondly, significant differences in the measured meaning were observed across the two definitions within each of the three subject groups. Thirdly, the decision outcomes for each of the three subject groups were significantly different under the two definitions. Also there was some evidence that the differences in the decision outcomes were linked to the differences in the measured connotative meaning. These results raised several concerns regarding the potential for miscommunication between the three key parties to the accounting communication process and highlighted the importance of standard-setters assessing the effect on connotative meaning of possible changes in wording to key concepts within the cash flow statement.

If a programme which intends to measure performance is to work successfully in an organisation, it is necessary to understand the contingent factors that need to be in place regardless of philosophical beliefs. It must be integrated with the overall strategy of the business; all approaches to performance measurement emphasise the alignment of objectives, measures, strategic decision making and rewards. This is crucial, as it is not possible to measure performance unless it is clear what an organisation is trying to achieve. Value-based management (VBM) is a powerful management framework with the aim to focus all managerial processes on shareholder wealth creation. It therefore encourages all staff levels within the organisation to focus on value creation. Various metrics have been developed to measure the value creation process within the organisation. The application of VBM principles at the lower levels within the organisation is critical to ensure that lower level staff applies value-creating principles in their daily jobs. Anglo Platinum has also adopted VBM, which will help the organisation to enhance decision-making and ensure pursuing strategies that maximise value. Anglo VBM is a management system which will enable the company to significantly improve the quality and speed of decision-making and to drive performance and profitable growth. It requires a detailed understanding of where and why value is created or consumed within the businesses through assembling a comprehensive fact base. A quantitative study was done to collect primary data through the use of standardised questionnaires that were distributed to respondents at Bleskop and Brakspruit shafts as well all the accountants at Rustenburg Platinum Mine, which forms part of Anglo Platinum. The results from this study indicate that there is a low understanding of VBM as well as a strong focus on business unit objectives and on short-term goals. A key recommendation would be to use incentive mechanisms to be aligned to VBM. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

One of the important operational and in some cases, also strategic business decisions, is in respect of the investment of funds. Although there are a number of assets to invest in, two particular popular investment asset classes are land and/or property. Land however, is becoming a very scarce resource. It can be argued that many companies investing in the property sectors' main income is generated from the sale of land. A new way of gaining a sustainable income stream is followed. This is done by investing in different kinds of property development projects. One of the problems that companies face is to determine whether a property development project is a good investment, meaning that it will generate sustainable and acceptable profits in the long term. Companies evaluate prospective investment opportunities by assessing whether the expected return, adjusted for project risk, exceeds the company?s required return. Different impact parameters exist and were identified in the study. Valuation methods used in determining the overall feasibility were discussed and evaluated to see the impact on the property development project. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

If a programme which intends to measure performance is to work successfully in an organisation, it is necessary to understand the contingent factors that need to be in place regardless of philosophical beliefs. It must be integrated with the overall strategy of the business; all approaches to performance measurement emphasise the alignment of objectives, measures, strategic decision making and rewards. This is crucial, as it is not possible to measure performance unless it is clear what an organisation is trying to achieve. Value-based management (VBM) is a powerful management framework with the aim to focus all managerial processes on shareholder wealth creation. It therefore encourages all staff levels within the organisation to focus on value creation. Various metrics have been developed to measure the value creation process within the organisation. The application of VBM principles at the lower levels within the organisation is critical to ensure that lower level staff applies value-creating principles in their daily jobs. Anglo Platinum has also adopted VBM, which will help the organisation to enhance decision-making and ensure pursuing strategies that maximise value. Anglo VBM is a management system which will enable the company to significantly improve the quality and speed of decision-making and to drive performance and profitable growth. It requires a detailed understanding of where and why value is created or consumed within the businesses through assembling a comprehensive fact base. A quantitative study was done to collect primary data through the use of standardised questionnaires that were distributed to respondents at Bleskop and Brakspruit shafts as well all the accountants at Rustenburg Platinum Mine, which forms part of Anglo Platinum. The results from this study indicate that there is a low understanding of VBM as well as a strong focus on business unit objectives and on short-term goals. A key recommendation would be to use incentive mechanisms to be aligned to VBM. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

One of the important operational and in some cases, also strategic business decisions, is in respect of the investment of funds. Although there are a number of assets to invest in, two particular popular investment asset classes are land and/or property. Land however, is becoming a very scarce resource. It can be argued that many companies investing in the property sectors' main income is generated from the sale of land. A new way of gaining a sustainable income stream is followed. This is done by investing in different kinds of property development projects. One of the problems that companies face is to determine whether a property development project is a good investment, meaning that it will generate sustainable and acceptable profits in the long term. Companies evaluate prospective investment opportunities by assessing whether the expected return, adjusted for project risk, exceeds the company?s required return. Different impact parameters exist and were identified in the study. Valuation methods used in determining the overall feasibility were discussed and evaluated to see the impact on the property development project. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

O objetivo do estudo é apresentar um conjunto de alternativas ao mercado de seguro florestal que sistematize o processo de valoração da floresta em apólices de seguro e que proponha os indicadores mais importantes para mapeamento de riscos. Atualmente o cálculo do Valor em Risco (VR) se baseia no custeio ou no valor comercial da floresta. Esse método de cálculo apresenta limitações, pois é comum a seguradora ter que estimar esses valores. Um novo cálculo do VR é aqui proposto e leva em consideração o valor da floresta em função do seu potencial retorno econômico. Esse novo VR considera o fato de que um sinistro interrompe a expectativa de conclusão do atual ciclo de exploração, tendo como conseqüência (i) a perda de uma receita futura que seria obtida com a madeira produzida pela floresta atual, deduzidos os custos futuros; e (ii) a antecipação da ocupação da área com uma nova atividade, que só aconteceria após o término do atual ciclo de exploração. O método proposto é ilustrado com exemplos, sugerindo três modelos base de custeio: Alta, Média ou Baixa tecnologia, aplicáveis em qualquer parte do Brasil. Para o cálculo das receitas, foram geradas oito curvas de crescimento para eucalipto, com incrementos médio anuais (IMA), aos 7 anos, de: 24, 27, 32, 35, 41, 52, 47 e 60 m3ha-1ano-1, nomeadas de BP1, BP2, MP1, MP2, MP3, AP1, AP2, AP3, respectivamente. O novo VR foi aplicado em sete casos reais, em diferentes estados brasileiros. Cada local foi associado com uma estratégia de custos conforme a tecnologia empregada (Alta Média ou Baixa) e vinculado a uma das curvas de crescimento. O preço da madeira considerou valores regionais, e a taxa de desconto utilizada foi de 12% ao ano. Para o Local 1(PR), onde se considerou baixa tecnologia, curva MP1 de produção e madeira a R$45,00m-3, o novo VR se mostrou 5% inferior ao valor da apólice; para o Local 2(GO), alta tecnologia, AP2 e madeira a R$45,00m-3, o método sugere VR 29% inferior; Local 3(MA), média tecnologia, MP3, R$45,00m-3 a estimativa foi 17% superior; Local 4(MG), média tecnologia, MP3, R$33,00m-3, o resultado foi 66% inferior; Local 5(MS), alta tecnologia, MP3, e R$42,50.m-3, a estimativa resultou 41% superior; Local 6, média tecnologia, AP1, e preço R$46,50.m-3 observou-se um resultado 30% superior; e Local 7, média tecnologia, curva MP2, e preço de R$45,00m-3, a estimativa foi 11% superior. Sugeriu-se a utilização de sistemas de informação geográfica (SIG) e da fórmula de Monte Alegre (FMA) como alternativas para mapeamento de riscos. Foram identificados na literatura mapas de riscos de geada (Estado de SP) e de seca (Brasil) e aplicada a FMA em dados de Piracicaba/SP, indicando o benefício de sua utilização. Recomenda-se que o modelo de cálculo e mapas de risco aqui apresentados sejam incorporados pelas seguradoras em suas rotinas de elaboração de apólices de seguro floresta, para que se garanta um adequado respaldo técnico / The study objective is to present a set of alternatives to the forestry insurance market, to systematize the process of forest valuation and to propose the most important indicators for risk assessment. Currently the forest risk valuation (VR) is based on cost or market value of the forest. This calculation method has limitations because it is common for the insurer to have to estimate these values. A new calculation of the VR is proposed here and takes into consideration the value of the forest in terms of its potential economic return. This new VR considers the fact that hazards interrupts the expected completion of the current exploration cycle, resulting in (i) the loss of future revenue that would be obtained with the wood produced by the current forest, less the costs that would be spent and (ii) the anticipation of the area occupation with a new activity, which would only happen after the current cycle of exploitation. The proposed method is illustrated with examples, suggesting three model based costing: High, Medium or Low technologies, applicable anywhere in Brazil. For the calculation of revenues eight growth curves for eucalyptus were generated, with mean annual increments (MAI) at age 7, 24, 27, 32, 35, 41, 52, 47 and 60 R$.m-3.ha-1, named BP1, BP2, MP1, MP2, MP3, AP1, AP2, AP3, respectively. The new VR was applied to seven real cases in different states. Each site was associated with a strategy of cost as a function of the technology employed (high medium or low) and linked to one of the growth curves. The price of wood considered regional values, and the discount rate was 12% per year. For Local 1 (PR), was consider low-tech, production curve MP1, and wood to R$ 45,00m-3, the new VR showed 5% less than the value of the policy; for the Local 2 (GO), high technology, AP2 and wood to R$ 45,00m-3, the method suggests 29% lower than the policy VR; Local 3 (MA), medium-tech, MP3, R$ 45,00m-3 estimates a 17% higher VR; Local 4 (MG), medium-tech, MP3, R$ 33,00m-3, the result was 66% lower; Local 5 (MS), high-tech, MP3, and R$ 42,50m-3, the estimate suggests 41% higher; Local 6, medium technology, AP1, and price R$ 46.50m-3 was observed a 30% higher result, and Local 7, medium technology, MP2 curve, and price of R$ 45,00m-3, the estimate was 11% higher. It was suggested the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and Monte Alegre formula (FMA) as alternatives for risk assessment. Maps of frost risks (for SP state) and drought (Brazil), were indicated. The FMA was applied on Piracicaba/SP database, indicating the benefit of its use. It is recommended that the model calculation and risk maps presented here are incorporated by insurers in their daily development of forest insurance policies to ensure adequate technical support.