Corporate Social Performance, Competitive Advantage, Earnings Persistence and Firm Value. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gregory, Alan; Whittaker, Julie; Yan, Xiaojuan
• Is Part Of: Journal of business finance & accounting. Volume 43:Number 1/2(2016)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: corporate social responsibility -- corporate social performance -- competitive advantage -- value relevance -- earnings persistence; Finance -- Periodicals; Accounting -- Periodicals; Business -- Periodicals; 658.15
• DOI: 10.1111/jbfa.12182
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-686X

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, using a generalised valuation framework inspired by Ohlson, we show that corporate social performance (CSP) is value relevant and that, in particular, it appears to be associated with a higher coefficient on earnings. This could be attributable to either a lower cost of equity for these firms, or greater earnings persistence. We show that, once industry membership is controlled for, any cost of capital effect is minimal. Regression tests based on realised earnings confirm that the valuation effect is attributable mainly to greater earnings persistence in firms with higher levels of CSP. These outcomes are consistent with higher CSP conferring a competitive advantage on firms.