A study and proposal about the concept and use of fair value

Abstract

This paper presents an analytic study about the concept of Fair Value, which has been much debated in recent years and promises to be, if its application becomes generalized in financial statements, a true revolution in techniques of valuation. This work briefly analyzes the most important aspects, determinations and concepts about Fair Value, presented by IASB, FASB and Brazilian rules. First, the analysis assumes a semantic character, so as to express the meaning of the words included in the concepts as clearly as possible. Next, a qualitative analysis tries to extract and assess the actual impact of concepts on the advancement of accounting practices. Initially, it should be emphasized that the Fair Value concept goes back quite a long time. In 1939, Kenneth MacNeal, in his pioneering work Truth in Accounting, defined the concept brilliantly; in fact, he talked about fair and true, always granting an economic meaning to valuations. The discussion about Fair Value has attracted increasing intention and gained sensationalistic dimensions since SFAS 133, issued by FASB in 1998. Then, we assess the efficacy and "fairness" of the concept or, better, concepts of Fair Value in comparison with Historical Cost, Replacement Cost and other concepts, which accountants have practiced for a long time. Finally, we suggest a trial period with information that complements and not simply replaces the traditional model. This allows Positive Accounting to play the role, through empirical research, of evaluating the cost-benefit relation of these alternatives before any precipitated decision is made.