The value relevance of environmental performance

Abstract This paper provides insight into how environmental information is reflected in the market value of listed Swedish companies. Using the residual income valuation model, we express market value of equity as a function of book value of equity, accounting earnings, and environmental performance, where the last variable is used as a proxy for other value-relevant information. Our research is motivated by the recommendation of the Swedish Society of Financial Analysts regarding environmental reporting. This recommendation assumes that environmental information has value relevance, since it is likely to affect the expected future earnings of listed companies. We contribute empirical findings to current debate on the relationship between environmental performance and shareholder value. The cost-concerned school argues that environmental investments represent only increased costs, resulting in decreased earnings and lower market values. The value creation school regards environmental efforts as a way to increase competitive advantage and improve financial returns to the investors. The current research finds support for the cost-concerned school, because the results indicate that environmental performance has a negative influence on the market value of firms.