The application of IAS 32 in cooperatives has led to significant controversy in recent years. Until now, several studies have tried to predict the possible effects of its application. This paper attempts to analyse the impact on the cooperative share capital of the first application of the accounting standards for cooperatives adapted to the PGC 2007 (Orden EHA/3360/2010). To perform this analysis, a sample of cooperatives has been selected; and a comparative analysis has been performed on their financial information presented before and after the application of these accounting standards in order to determine any differences. A comparison has been made of the relative impact of their application between the cooperatives that have adapted their capital to the accounting standards, and the others. The results obtained confirm that the application of these accounting standards caused significant differences in the financial components of the balance sheet and in the majority of the ratios analysed. The differences are shown in a reduction in the level of capitalization and an increase in the indebtedness of the cooperatives, as well as a general worsening of economic ratios. Moreover, there are significant differences in the relative impact of the share capital and the equity ratio between cooperatives that have adapted their share capital to the accounting standards and the rest of the cooperatives. This impact has been more important in the cooperatives that have adapted their share capital. (C) 2013 ASEPUC. Published by Elsevier Espaiia, S.L.U. All rights reserved.
