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R&D and performance persistence: Evidence from the United Kingdom

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  • Anagnostopoulou, Seraina C.
  • Levis, Mario

Abstract

There is compelling evidence from both the United States and United Kingdom suggesting that R&D investment is positively related to operating and/or market performance. This study extends prior research on R&D and valuation by further examining the sustainability or persistence of operating growth and market performance as a result of R&D investments. We use a large dataset of U.K. companies during the period 1990-2003 and our findings confirm the relation between R&D intensity and consistent growth in Sales and Gross Income, but only in the cases when a firm needs to engage in R&D activity because of the industry in which it operates. Moreover, our evidence indicates not only a positive relation between R&D intensity and subsequent risk-adjusted excess returns among firms that engage in R&D as testified by prior literature, but we also show that R&D intensity improves persistence in excess stock returns: the highest R&D-intensity firms are found to earn higher risk-adjusted excess returns more consistently than the sample median return, compared to lower R&D-intensity firms, as well as firms with no R&D. We interpret this finding as consistent with at least some form of market mispricing.

Suggested Citation

  • Anagnostopoulou, Seraina C. & Levis, Mario, 2008. "R&D and performance persistence: Evidence from the United Kingdom," The International Journal of Accounting, Elsevier, vol. 43(3), pages 293-320, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:accoun:v:43:y:2008:i:3:p:293-320
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