Discussion of “Critical Accounting Policy Disclosures”

Abstract

Carolyn B. Levine and Michael J. Smith (2011) examine firms’ critical accounting policy (CAP) disclosures. With respect to motivation for disclosure, Levine and Smith (2011) document an increased likelihood of CAP disclosure for firms facing high ex ante litigation risk. Focusing on the informational value of disclosure, they find evidence consistent with CAP disclosure influencing investors’ valuation decisions. Although the paper provides a large sample analysis of a relatively new accounting disclosure practice, I raise some questions about what we can (and cannot) learn from their findings. In so doing, I highlight potential topics for future research.