The R&D premium and takeover risk
Journal
Accounting Review
Journal Volume
91
Journal Issue
3
Pages
955-971
Date Issued
2016
Author(s)
Lin J.-C.
Abstract
To explain why firms with high research and development (R&D) intensity offer their investors higher stock returns, we argue that (1) high R&D capacity relative to firm valuation makes R&D-intensive firms attractive takeover targets, and that (2) the higher takeover probability leads their investors to face higher takeover risk, as proposed by Cremers, Nair, and John (2009), and require higher returns. We find evidence consistent with our hypothesis. Furthermore, we find that takeover probability also relates to large R&D increases, but not to innovation efficiency. Accordingly, we expect and find that takeover risk helps to explain the premium associated with large R&D increases, but not the innovation efficiency premium previously documented.
Subjects
R&D
Risk premium
Takeover risk
SDGs
Type
conference paper
