We examine the impact of mandatory ESG disclosure around the world on the cost of equity capital. Using a sample of firms in 62 countries and a difference-in-difference setting, we document that, on average, the ESG disclosure mandate significantly reduces the cost of equity for mandatory...

We propose a method for reducing standard errors associated with industry equity capital costs (ECC), a problem studied by Fama French (1997). Approximately 90% of the uncertainty regarding ECC estimates comes from the factor risk premia, as opposed to factor exposures. Furthermore, at least 75%...

We propose a redesign of sovereign Credit Default Swaps (CDS). Under our proposal, a notional CDS position of €100 can be settled by the delivery of whatever package of instruments a sovereign gives in exchange for legacy bonds with a face value of €100. To illustrate, suppose a European...

This paper estimates the implied cost of equity for Canadian and U.S. firms using a methodology based on the dividend discount model and utilizing firms' current stock price and analysts' forecasted earnings. We find that firm size and firm stock liquidity are negatively related to cost of...

This study derives and evaluates estimates of the equity risk premium inferred from the stock prices and analysts' earnings forecasts of U.S. insurance companies. During most of the sample period, April 1983 through September 2012, the quarterly median implied equity risk premium (IERP) of U.S....

In this study, we examine whether firms' engagement in Investor Relations and Stakeholder Communication (IRSC) activities reduce the cost of information asymmetry at the time of external financing. We also analyze the intermediary role of financing source (debt vs equity) and the existing level...

We hypothesise and test for a U-shaped relation between the cost of equity capital and the level of disclosure in annual report narratives. Using a computer-generated word-count-based index of the level of disclosure in U.K. annual report narratives, we document a negative relation with the cost...

This study examines the economic consequences of voluntary disclosures for investment forecasts. Using Japanese data, I examine whether voluntary disclosure of management forecasts of capital investments and research and development investments is related to the cost of capital in the same and...

A larger CEO network can reduce the cost of equity by reducing information asymmetry between the firm and outsiders, and by increasing trust between the firm and stakeholders. Alternatively, a larger CEO network can increase the cost of equity because higher CEO connectedness encourages greater...

This paper identifies the entrepreneur's exposure to idiosyncratic risk as an important determinant of the capital structure of private companies. The exposure to idiosyncratic risk is approximated by the share of personal net worth invested in one company (SNWI). Exposure to idiosyncratic risk...