Decoding the source of value: evidence from listed firms in India

Purpose The objective of the study is to investigate the factors that differentiate long-term shareholder value (LTSV) creating firms from LTSV destroying firms. Design/methodology/approach Through the review of literature, the hypothesis for the study is developed. To test the hypothesis, the study collects data from S&P BSE 500 companies listed in Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Based on the average overall return to shareholders for the period from year 1991 to 2019, the study identifies top 25 LTSV creating and LTSV destroying firms. The top 50 firms form the basis of this study. The study uses descriptive statistics and independent sample t-test to test the hypothesis of the study. Findings Among the variables investigated such as capital management policy and effective capital management practices, business and financial strategy, intellectual capital strategy, relational capital strategy and human capital strategy, the study found effective capital management and governance as a long-term source of value for shareholders. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the importance of inclusion of value-relevant information in the annual report of the company. The study also supports the proposition that discretionary disclosure of intangible assets is relevant for the market to enable market participants to reasonably comprehend the fair value of the firm. Practical implications Adoption of a reporting framework that ensures the availability of all value-relevant information including off-balance-sheet resources is in the interest of the investors and policymakers alike. Originality/value This is a first such study exploring the value-relevant information and the source of long-term value for listed firms.