Proportional consolidation versus the equity method: A risk measurement perspective on reporting interests in joint ventures

Under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), firms are required to proportionally consolidate joint venture investments, as opposed to the United States where the equity method is used. Using a sample of Canadian firms, this study investigates the relative information content of equity method and proportionally consolidated financial statement amounts for explaining market risk. This is possible for Canadian firms where detailed footnote disclosures permit the calculation of pro forma equity method amounts. The findings are surprising in that whereas proportionally consolidated financial statements are more risk relevant than equity method statements for explaining price volatility, equity method statements are more risk relevant than proportionally consolidated ones for explaining bond ratings. The findings suggest that different market participants use financial statement information differently. The study also finds that failure to disclose disaggregated joint venture accounting amounts, as is the case under US GAAP, masks information that could help market participants assess risk.