Corporate Social Responsibility and Cost of Equity: Evidence from Corporate Tax Disputes
Journal of Accounting, Ethics & Public Policy, Volume 13, No. 3 (2012)
18 Pages Posted: 3 Nov 2012
Date Written: November 2, 2012
Abstract
This study examines the relation between social concerns on firms' tax positions and their cost of equity. Corporate social performance can influence capital market processes but little empirical evidence has been presented yet in terms of the effects of tax disputes on shareholder preference. I contribute by showing that tax concerns expressed by a social monitoring index are associated with a higher implied cost of equity capital. In other words, firms may lower their cost of equity capital and contribute to the community by acting as non-aggressive taxpayers.
Keywords: cost of equity, tax disputes, corporate social responsibility
JEL Classification: H25, G30
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