An analysis of the R&D effect on stock returns for European listed firms

Almost all studies on research and development (R&D) activity are based on US and British companies, and most of them show that this activity positively influences both stock returns and corporate value. This empirical study evaluates the effects of R&D on stock returns for a sample of listed companies from thirteen European countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom. We find that this effect is positive, and also significant, in predicting future returns. Other variables appear to be important too, such as book-to-market ratio and firm size. We also test a different set of hypotheses that aim to capture the many differences and peculiarities between these countries such as the development of the national equity and credit markets, the grade of disclosure for listed firms and the protection of minority shareholders. Generally, financial markets value R&D investment better in investor friendly environments and those with a high level of legal protection.