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  • Accounting Review

Expected Stock Returns Worldwide: A Log-Linear Present-Value Approach

By: Akash Chattopadhyay, Matthew R. Lyle and Charles C.Y. Wang
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:27
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Abstract

This study provides the first large-scale study of the performance of expected-return proxies (ERPs) internationally. Analyst-forecast-based ICCs are sparsely populated and not robustly associated with future returns. Earnings-model-forecast-based ICCs are well-populated, but are unreliable outside the U.S. We adapt and extend the log-linear and present-value (LPV) framework—combining an accounting valuation anchor, its expected growth, and market prices—for estimating ERPs internationally, and implement a correction for the use of stale accounting data. An LPV ERP anchored on the book value of equity is positively associated with future returns in 26 of 29 equity markets, and largely subsumes the predictive ability of a broad set of firm characteristics previously shown to be associated with expected returns.

Keywords

Expected Returns; Discount Rates; Fundamental Valuation; Implied Cost Of Capital; International Equity Markets; Present Value; Investment Return; Equity; Markets; Global Range

Citation

Chattopadhyay, Akash, Matthew R. Lyle, and Charles C.Y. Wang. "Expected Stock Returns Worldwide: A Log-Linear Present-Value Approach." Accounting Review 97, no. 2 (March 2022): 107–133.
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About The Author

Charles C.Y. Wang

Accounting and Management
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  • A Decade of Corporate Governance Reform in Japan (2013-2023) By: Charles C.Y. Wang and Akiko Kanno
  • Silicon Valley Bank: Gone in 36 Hours By: Jung Koo Kang, Krishna G. Palepu, Charles C.Y. Wang and David Lane
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