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Connecting book rate of return to risk and return: the information conveyed by conservative accounting

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  • Stephen H. Penman

    (Columbia University)

  • Xiao-Jun Zhang

    (University of California, Berkeley)

Abstract

This paper revises the standard interpretation of the book rate of return as a measure of profitability. Rather, due to conservative accounting, the book rate of return informs about risk and the expected return to the investor. In contrast to asset pricing research, where the book rate of return is viewed as positively associated with risk and expected stock returns, the paper demonstrates the opposite: with the effect of conservative accounting, the book rate of return is negatively associated with risk and expected return. The empirical analysis indicates that the market prices equities accordingly. It also shows how the previously documented positive correlation is due to a misunderstanding of accounting and how the book rate of return enters into asset pricing in a way that is consistent with the accounting.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen H. Penman & Xiao-Jun Zhang, 2021. "Connecting book rate of return to risk and return: the information conveyed by conservative accounting," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 26(1), pages 391-423, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:reaccs:v:26:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s11142-020-09558-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11142-020-09558-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Penman, Stephen & Zhu, Julie, 2022. "An accounting-based asset pricing model and a fundamental factor," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 73(2).
    3. Stephen Penman, 2023. "Accounting for Intangible Assets: Thinking It Through," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 33(1), pages 5-13, March.
    4. Huai Zhang & Jin Zhang, 2023. "Political corruption and accounting choices," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 50(3-4), pages 443-481, March.

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