The usefulness of the value‐added statement in South Africa

Notes the lack of research on value added statements (VASs) from the users’ perspective and their increased publication by South African listed companies. Reports a survey of representatives of all financial statement user groups in South Africa to assess their use of VASs, their problems, possible future uses and the information needs/decisions being affected. Compares past and present use of VASs, discusses their shortcomings and shows how usage might increase if these were overcome. Summarizes reasons for the low usage of VASs and concludes that they should not be published in South Africa any more.