会计金融风险dissertation

金融风险

 

财务理论将风险评估作为投资决策过程中最重要的部分之一。然而，对于一个已知的风险，为投资者解释流动市场的信息是很重要的。本研究旨在探讨会计信息和市场风险之间的关联。它也为毛里求斯的投资者评估多远的β值与会计变量可以是有用的。使用资本资产定价模型和会计风险变量的计算方法是来自理论基础和以前的实证研究结果。财务比率和系统风险水平之间的关系进行回归，对会计变量变化的β的变化得到。

 

经验证据表明，β是有效的在毛里求斯证券交易所（SEM）。然而，测试的功率是相对较低的捕捉系统的风险。这一发现是符合Campbell（1995），他获得了类似的观察新兴股票市场，Bundoo（2000）他也注意到相同的结果。最后的结果表明，会计变量和市场风险之间存在着很强的关联，也观察到这种关系是一致的。会计变量，如增长率，负债率，资产规模，流动性，利润率和会计测试是能够捕捉到市场风险得，β通常提供了一个高解释力的系统风险。研究结果反驳了一些市场风险措施和会计风险措施，Beaver等人（1979）获得之间的关联。

 

1 简介

 

毛里求斯的增长在证券交易所(SEM)在1989年至2007年是没有优先级的。上市企业的SEM股价蓬勃发展，导致高资本流入，在2007年财政年度的结束时，市场升至1730亿卢比的峰值。

 

Accounting Finance Risk

 

Financial theory describes risk assessment as one of the most important part in an investment decision making process. However, for a risk to be known, it is important for investors to interpret information flowing on the market. This study aims to examine the association between accounting information and the market risk over time. It also evaluates how far the beta value and accounting variables can be useful for investors in Mauritius. Beta estimates are calculated using Capital asset pricing model and accounting risk variables are derived from theoretical foundations and prior empirical findings. The relationship between the financial ratios and the level of systematic risk is obtained by regressing the variation in the beta against changes in the accounting variable.

 

The empirical evidence shows that beta is valid on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM). However, the power of beta is relatively low in capturing the systematic risk. This finding is in line with Campbell (1995) who obtained similar observation for emerging equity market and with Bundoo (2000) who noted same result. Finally the result shows that a strong association exist between accounting variables and market risk and it also observed that this relationship is consistent over time. Accounting variables like growth rate, debt ratio, asset size, liquidity, profit margin and accounting beta are able to capture market risk where beta generally provides a high explanatory power of systematic risk. The findings contradict the some of the association between the market risk measures and accounting risk measure obtained Beaver et al (1979).

 

简介-1 Introduction 

 

The growth experienced in the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM) during the years 1989 to 2007 was with no precedence. Stock prices of quoted companies on the SEM boomed, causing a high influx of capital which caused the market to rise to its peak with a net market capitalisation of MUR 173 billion in the end of the financial year 2007. Local investors who had investments in fixed deposits from local commercial banks shifted some of their investments to the SEM, with view of higher return. But Stock prices started to fall soon after the end of the month of February 2008 and within a year the SEMDEX reached a position which was a low as the values experienced in September 2006. 

 

While this fall was largely attributed to the morose international situation, as a result of the international financial crisis; there is also the question whether the SEM effectively capture risk which is inherent by companies quoted and how far investors in Mauritius used the publish financial information to evaluate and predict the level of risk in the operating environment.

 

Financial markets serve a key purpose in an economy by allocating productive resources among various areas so as to enable an efficient resource allocation, across different firms, investors assess the security and market expected prospects and risks and form a portfolio of investments based on their assessment. Security analysis usually involves an evaluation of the financial position and performance obtained from the financial statements published periodically by companies. In an efficient financial market the share prices is expected change to the fair value of the firm as new information flows into the market.

 

Financial theory describes risk assessment as one of the most important part in an investment decision making process. The return of a stock is often considered to be narrowly related with the risk which the investor is taking while holding that stock. This makes the generally accepted principle that the higher is the risk in investing in an asset, the higher should be the asset’s expected return. This implies that there is a positive correlation between risk and expected return in holding a stock. 

 

1.1 Problem Statement

 

The analysis of stocks return is intricately linked with the analysis of risk. Empirical studies carried by Graham et al (2001) has shown that the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), (an asset pricing tool which uses risk as a basis to calculate assets return) is used, by more than seventy five percent of the chief financial officers, as primary tools in the portfolio selection process. However some authors in the capital markets literature (Campbell (1995) and Chan et al (1991)) have argued that in the case of emerging stock exchanges the CAPM is inapplicable and beta is not significant.

 

However, for a risk to be known, it is important for investors to interpret information flowing to the market. Fama (1963) described three generic forms of market efficiency based on the market reaction to inflow of information. Markets which react to all past information are said to be in its weak form, those markets which react to all past and publicly available information are referred to as semi-strong efficient markets and those which react to all past, public and private information are considered as strongly efficient markets. A study made by Bundoo (2008) showed that Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM) has the characteristics of a market in its weak form. This implies that the SEM effectively responds to past information. Yet there is absence of empirical research which evaluates whether market return and risk are effectively pictured through accounting ratios. 

 

1.2 Aims and objectives 

 

This paper aims at analysing the share prices in the SEM and key accounting ratios to evaluate the financial position, performance of a sample of companies quoted across various economic sectors of the SEM with the view of answering the above question. It also seeks to test whether investors can trust beta in their decision-making process on the SEM.

 

The paper also aims at: 

 

understanding the relationship between the financial ratios, market return and risk; estimating the level of systematic for different business segment where financial market information is not available; and to guide investment in measuring the systematic in private and non listed companies in Mauritius.

1.3 Organisation of this paper

 

The paper is organised as follows: Chapter 2 provides a summary of literatures concerning risk measures, accounting tools and market-based models to measure the performance and risk; It also surveys the empirical researches on the SEM and similar markets; Chapter 3 develops the models which are to be used in the analysis of the relationship between systematic risk and accounting ratios; It also outline the methodology and sample data which is used in the analysis; Chapter 4 presents the key findings from the study and Chapter 5 concludes the paper.

 

文学观点-2 Literature review

 

Risk and return of a firm are the two most important factors in the development of financial strategy for both individual investors and firms. Risk is inherently multi-dimensional and as such it has multiple characteristics which may be classified as financial and non financial. These characteristics make up the risk profile of a security, which is generally observed as changing with time and at different levels of a market. These changes in turn, impact on the return of the investors either by creating value or destroying the initial value before the investment. 

 

Modern financial theories have proposed different models which are founded on sound theoretical analysis which can be used to estimate the different degree of riskiness of a particular security. These risk measures are then used in valuation models to estimate the return which an investor, with a defined risk attitude, can expect from an investment. As described in chapter 1, above, the applicability of such financial theories remain untested in many emerging markets. 

 

This chapter reviews the financial models which are commonly used by practitioners for estimating of the risk of stocks and stock market and their corresponding returns. It also summarises the main financial ratios which are used to analyse the financial risk, financial performance and the value of the firm. Finally a summary of the accounting tools and market-based models to measure return is also presented. 

 

2.1 Risk 

 

It has always been difficult for practitioners to reach a consensus on the definition of risk. Moles (2004), nevertheless, provides a simple definition which is taken in this paper as basis for risk measurement. He defines risk as “the chance (or probability) of a deviation from an anticipated outcome”. With this definition it is implied that risk is made up of at least these 3 elements: 

 

1. probability: which means that risk can be quantified and expressed as a parameter, number of value;

 

2. deviation from anticipated outcome: which is extent to which the actual result may deviate from that which is expected;

 

3. anticipated outcome: this means that it is the consequence of the actual results deviating from the expected results that leads to risk. Newbold et al (2003) states that probability can be measured using past data by considering the proportion of times that an event occurred. For the case of an investor the anticipated event would be the financial return which he or she can expect by holding an asset. The measurement of the deviation from the anticipated return is normally done using the standard deviation of returns generated by an asset with regard to the expected return. 

 

2.1.1 Systematic and unsystematic risks

 

The deviation from the anticipated return is caused by is explained by 2 levels of risk: systematic risk and unsystematic risk. The sum of these two main categories of risk is the total risk to which an investor is exposed to.

 

Systematic risk is associated with overall movements in the general market or economy and therefore is often referred to as the market risk. The market risk is the component of the total risk that cannot be eliminated through portfolio diversification.

 

Unsystematic risk which is a component of the portfolio risk that can be eliminated by increasing the portfolio size, the reason being that risks that are specific to an individual security such as business or financial risk can be eliminated by constructing a well-diversified portfolio.

 

2.2 The Capital asset pricing model

 

Markowitz (1952) constructed a mean-variance model to observe the trade-off between risks and return. The model mathematically proved that return can be maximised, while minimising the overall risk, by holding a diversified portfolio. The idea was based on the concept that securities that are inversely correlated or having coefficients which are less than one. Such negative or low correlation coefficient results in a low covariance between securities in the portfolio. The low covariance implies a comparatively low level risk. However, Sing et al, (2001) observed that the model ignore the general risk-averse attitude of most investors. 

 

The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), developed by Sharpe (1964), is based on the framework set out by Markowitz (1952) which considers that investors invest their money in a portfolio of assets. The CAPM states that the return which a risk averse can expect from investing in a risky asset is a risk premium over the risk free rate. The formula 1 below states the formula which can be used to calculate the expected return.

 

E(Ri) = Rf + i ( E(Rm) - Rf ) (2.1)

 

where:

 

E(Ri) - expected rate return of stock I;

 

i - relative risk of share I;

 

E(Rm) - expected rate return of the market portfolio; and

 

Rf - risk-free interest rate.

 

Sharpe (1964) and Lintner (1965) explained that the correct measure of risk of an asset is its beta factor, a standardised measure of the systematic risk and that the risk premium per unit of riskiness is the same across all assets. 

 

CAPM has been developed by considering some assumptions such as normal distribution of assets return, perfect divisibility of assets and return, the existence of a risk free rate, perfect market conditions, inter alia, which might not exist in the real world. Despite the fact that most of the above assumptions are neither valid nor fulfilled, the CAPM has become an important tool in finance. It is widely used by finance practitioners for assessment of cost of capital, portfolio performance, portfolio diversification, valuing investments and choosing portfolio strategy among others. 

 

The β factor in the equation 2.1 measures the volatility of the specific asset with regard to the volatility in the market, that is, the market risk. Mathematically it is expressed as in equation 2, below:

 

(2.2)

 

where: 

 

systematic_riskasset = covariance of the asset and that of the market

 

market_risk is the volatility in the market portfolio, it is measured by the standard deviation of prices of the market portfolio. 

 

2.2.1 Empirical review of Capital asset pricing model

 

The empirical studies undertaken by Jensen et al. (1972) found supportive evidence for CAPM. The authors found that the actual return, for a sample of companies quoted on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), were consistent with the predictions of the CAPM. They noted that the relationship between the average return and beta was very close to a linear one and that portfolios with high betas had high average returns. The same result was confirmed by Black et al. (1972), who studied of all the stocks on the NYSE over the period 1931-1965. 

 

Black et al. (1972) formed portfolios of stocks and analysed the abnormal return with regard to the beta factor, and found a linear relationship between the average excess portfolio return and the beta. Black et al (1972) observed that the beta factor measured the responsiveness of the share return to changes in the returns of the market. Stocks with high positive betas had stock price which rose faster than the market. This implies that high beta stocks bear a higher degree of risk compared to stocks which have their beta factor as negative. Stock with negative beta behave negatively to changes in the market, as such, in a bearish market, it is more attractive to invest in these stocks as it helps to preserve the value of the investor.

 

Fama et al. (1973) also observed a larger intercept than the risk-free rate when analyzing the return against risk. They confirmed that there is a linear relationship between the average return and the beta, even over longer period. They further investigated whether the squared value of the beta and the volatility of assets returns explained the residual variation in the average returns across asset and found that, in addition to portfolio risk, there are other variables that affect expected return.

 

2.2.2 Critics against Capital asset pricing model

 

There has been also several criticism of the applicability of the CAPM in many markets. Empirical research undertaken by Basu (1977) proposed other factors which have to be considered instead of relying wholly on a single variable, beta. According to Basu (1977) the price earnings ratio has a great influence in market return. Banz (1981) challenged the model by indicating that firm size have a considerable impact on the average returns of a particular stock and thus firm size could better explain the volatility than the market beta. 

 

The author observed that the average return of small firms were higher than the average returns on stocks of large firms. Chan et al (1991) made a further observation, on the Japanese market, that stocks with high ratios of book value of common equity have significantly higher returns than stocks with low book to market equity. In this respect, book to market equity started to be regarded as being an important variable that could produce dispersion in average returns. 

 

Fama and French (1992) came up with the conclusion that a more realistic approach of the risk in the market is the multi-index models. Their study concluded the findings of Basu(1977), Stattman (1980), Banz (1981) and Chan et al (1991) who argued that size of the firm and the books to market equity ratio are far superior in explaining asset returns.

 

In contrast with CAPM which can be considered as a single factor model, Ross (1976) proposed a multifactor arbitrage pricing theory (APT). Groenewold et al (1997) examined the validity of the model for Australian data and compared the performance of the empirical version of the APT and the CAPM. They concluded that APT outperforms the CAPM in terms of within-sample explanatory power. The APT, however, is a generic model and does not specify any factor which has to be considered in analysing return with regard to risk.

 

2.2.3 The ongoing debate on the applicability of Capital asset pricing model

 

Nevertheless, there is no consensus in favour of CAPM due to the disparities in the empirical findings and the debate continues. In general, the studies challenge the data used by Fama et al (1993). Kothari et al (1995) argue that the findings of Fama et al (1993) depend essentially on how the statistical findings are interpreted. 

 

Amihudm et al (1992) and Black (1993) supported the idea that the data are too noisy to invalidate the CAPM and showed that when a more efficient statistical model is used, the relationship between average return and beta is positive and significant. The author further suggested the findings in respect of size effect could be simply in a sample period effect and that it may not be noted in another period. 

 

Similarly, Berk (1995) questioned the findings of Chan and Chen (1991). The author emphasised that stock prices (and market value of the equity (MVE)) depend on the expected future cash flows which is used by investor to estimate the risk and the required rate of return. Therefore, if two companies have a higher discount rate and consequently its price and MVE will be lower. In this sense, MVE captures the information about the company’s risk, since any change in investors’ perceptions of risk is immediately reflected in the stock prices. 

 

Furthermore, when the expected return of a firm is defined as the expected cash flow divided by its MVE, the relationship between MVE and return is clearly negative for companies with equivalent cash flows. Berk concludes that for companies of similar cash flows, the higher the risk of the cash flow, the higher the discount rate investors apply to it, which causes price to decrease and expected return to increase. This concept has contradicted the findings of Chan and al (1991), which attribute higher returns to smaller companies.

 

Owing to its intuitive appeal, the CAPM has become an important tool in finance for assessment of cost of capital, portfolio performance, portfolio diversification, valuing investments and choosing portfolio strategy among others. However, there is no consensus in the literature as to what a suitable measure of risk is, and consequently, as to what is a suitable measure for evaluating risk-adjusted performance (Galagedera, 2007). As such, the debate for robust asset pricing models continues. Other studies (Ball and Brown (1969) and Beaver, et al (1970)) have focussed on accounting variable to convey information about the market risk.

 

2.3 Accounting variables as a measure of systematic risk

 

Research in accounting variable as a measure of risk has increased considerably since the last forty years with a number of published papers by Beaver et al (1970), Lev et al (1974) , Bernard (1989), Ohlson (1995), and Kothari (2001). Beta measures the relative risk whereby risk itself is determined by some combination of firm characteristics, market conditions, and the sensitivity of the firm stock to market conditions. As such, understanding the relationship between the accounting variable and the systematic risk can provide an alternative basis to a market based estimation and prediction which will in turn guide the accounting policy formulation and investment decision making (Brimble et al, 2007). 

 

The study by Beaver et al (1970) was the most quoted research in accounting and financial research. The author had improved the perdition of systematic risk by considering the firm specific characteristic and they identified significant association between market risk and firm specific accounting information.

 

The financial statements of firms were mostly used in providing considerable information that could be used to measure the inherent risk. In fact, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (1983) stated that the objective of financial reporting is to provide information that is useful to present and potential investors and creditors and other users in making rational investment, credit, and similar decisions. 

 

A number of studies investigated how financial information becomes impounded in security prices and affects investment decisions. These accounting data are converted into the financial constructs, such as growth, operating leverage, profitability, liquidity, and efficiency. There is considerable evidence that since the late 1800’s ratio analysis has been widely used in the valuation of published financial data (Connor, 1973). Researchers and investors use mainly financial ratios for risk modelling purposes based on different criteria of comparison which are discussed as follows:

 

Time series analysis: It also known as trend analysis and it is used to compare financial ratios over a period of time. Ratio analysis for one year may not present an accurate picture of the firm (Rao, 1989). As such, to appraise a firm’s performance, the present ratios need to be compared with the past ratios.

 

Cross-sectional analysis: This method compares ratios of one firm to the ratios of some other selected firms operating in the same industry at the same point in time (Pandey, 1999). Such comparison indicates the comparative financial position and performance of the particular firm.

 

Industry analysis: According to Pandey this type of analysis helps to ascertain the firm’s financial standings and capacity vis-à-vis other firms in the same industry. A study conducted by Beneda (2006) indicated that commercial lenders often consider the use of industry ratio analysis to be critical with regard to the potential success of the business. The main shortcoming of this analysis is that it is difficult to obtain the average ratio of an industry and if available the average ratio is composed of both strong and weak firms.

 

Financial ratios were used for locating possible takeovers and mostly to predict major events such as corporate failures (Scott, 2004). Other studies reported on an association between accounting ratios and market risk measures, and proposed that certain accounting ratios can be used as proxies in predicting future security (Beaver et al. 1970; Elgers and Murray, 1982).

 

2.3.1 Usefulness of accounting variables

 

The use accounting as means of estimating the systematic risk will allow the user of the financial statement to assess the investment alternative in terms risk, return and the value of the firms. Ryan (1997) has widely discussed the motive for relating accounting research to measures of market risk:

 

The volatility of market betas over time indicates that the ex post measure of systematic risk is does not provide meaning full information in estimating the future risk. As such, understanding the relationship between accounting variables and systematic risk could indeed be useful in measuring and predicting the actual and upcoming market risk. 

 

Market based measures of risk, like the capital asset pricing model, fail to consider most of the firm specific characteristic such as the operational factors and environmental contingencies which influence risk. The accounting risk based information gets closer to the identification these economic fundamentals. Therefore accounting model provides an actual risk determinants rather than just determining the level of risk.

 

Accounting risk model overcome the conventional problem were ex post measure of risk can not be applied due the fact that historical security returns is not available or insufficient like in the case non listed entities and for initial public offering 

 

Accounting variable are not affected by the noise found in traditional risk estimates which rely on past trading histories whereby significant variation in one period subsequently affect the overall risk level ;

 

The development of trading strategies and the construction of portfolios with the desired level of risk.

 

2.3.2 Theoretical and empirical review of the relationship between individual accounting variable and systematic risk.

 

Researchers on the association between systematic risk and accounting ratios were primarily initiated by Beaver (1970). The ratios used by the author were dividend payout, growth rate and leverage ratio, liquidity ratio, variability of earnings and co-variability of earnings. Other studies have further elaborated on these ratios and they also added other accounting based to measure the systematic risk. All these ratios aim at measuring the operating risk, financing risk and growth risk. The theories and empirical finding between these two variables are discussed as follows:

 

Dividend Payout

 

Corporate dividend policy has been the object of lively discussions in finance literature. The debate has revolved around the question of whether companies with generous distribution policies are less risky and whether there exists an optimal payout ratio. Theoretically, it is often asserted that firms with low payout ratios are more risky. This is because that cost for external finance is relatively high for risky firm than firm with low risk. In this respect, risky firms rely on the utilization of their own reserves to carry out business activities. 

 

Dividend payout also affects the systematic risk by the information perceived by variation in the dividend policy. The original idea behind the information content of dividends, was developed by Lintner (1956) who claimed that managers only increased dividends when they believe that the levels of the firm’s earnings have permanently increased. He argued that decrease in dividend may be interpreted as cash flow or liquidity problem. Miller and Modigliani (1961) have argued, on the other hand, that dividend policy is irrelevant to the market value of shares. In a model which disregards taxes, they conclude that the payout policy which the corporation adopts, has no effect on the price of shares. Similarly Watts (1973) and Gonedes (1978) found no evidence that changes in dividend policy contain new information regarding firms' future earnings. 

 

Gordon (1963) further pointed out that an increase in the proportion of retained profit now means higher cash dividends in the future and therefore conservative dividend policy has no effect on the risk factor. Still, Veikko (1967) explained that the higher the retention rate, the further in the future cash dividends are moved and the greater the uncertainty about their actual amount. Empirical evidence by Edward et al (1998) further showed that a significant negative relationship exists between the dividend pay out ratio and risk element.

 

Growth rate

 

Growth affects the systematic risk in two main ways as identified by Beaver et al (1973). Firstly, where a firm earns excessive earning opportunities, that is, where the expected rate is higher than the cost of capital. Growth is normally attained by an expansion in the assets size either through the acquisition of new plants or by creating new product line or by takeovers. The excessive earnings stream derived from these operations is argued to be more uncertain (i.e. volatile) than the "normal" earnings stream of the firm. In this respect the authors stated that a positive association exists between growth rates and risk. 

 

However, Harrigan (1984, 1986) have deepened this analysis and the author has observed different level of association over different industry life cycle characteristics. Harrigan argued that growth strategies, through takeovers and new product development, may be quite risky during an embryonic stage due to the high degree of product, process, and market uncertainty. In contrast, growth strategies may be less risky during times when demand conditions are growing in a stable manner. Finally, growth strategies are expected to become quite risky again as an industry is in transition to maturity because of the cut in the excessive earning streams. 

 

The second argument is related to the logic developed about the dividend payout ratio. Additional capital, utilized in the growth of the firm, would reduce the firm earnings in two main ways. If the expansion in asset is financed by the external debt, the firm earning would be eroded through finance cost. Whereas if the growth is financed through the retained earning, a sharp cut in earning attributable to the shareholder is expected. Both methods will ultimately lead to a reduction in dividend payout and thus increase the systematic risk.

 

Asset Size

 

Theoretically, larger firms are less risky than smaller firms. This is because large firms have better access to capital market, management skills and expertise and greater market liquidity. These factors provide opportunities to diversify and to seize new market opportunities to reduce operating risk which will impact on a lower beta than small firms. The studies of Dun et al (1970) reveal that the frequencies of failure are lower for large size firm than firm with low asset capitalization. Horrigan (1966) has shown that the most single important financial statement variable used to predict the bond rating of a firm was total assets. 

 

The author observed that if the asset returns are independent, the variance will decrease in direct proportion to the difference in asset size that is, as firm size doubles, the variance of the rate of return will be cut in half. Empirical work by Alexander (1949) observed that as firm size increase, the volatility in the earning streams decrease accordingly. 

 

Moreover firm with wide operating activities are required to make more disclosure. For example the Mauritian companies act, 2001, stipulate that firms with Turnover above MUR 30 Million are required to file a complete set of financial statements with the Registrar of Companies. This information may be consulted by the members of the public upon payment of a nominal fee. Thus, more information is available to evaluate risk level. Collins et al (1987) have identified that small and recently incorporated firms have a high probability of financial distress.

 

Accounting beta

 

Research about the association between the market based beta and an accounting beta originated with Ball and Brown (1969). Accounting beta measures the degree of co-variability of firm earnings and the market earnings. Beaver et al (1970) argue that, if beta is being the used as the market determined concept of risk, then the most direct approach would be to compute the beta value on accounting earnings. Bowman (1969) demonstrated that the higher the accounting beta, the higher the systematic risk. Hence a positive relationship is expected between the two variables. 

 

Earning Variance 

 

The important relationship between earnings and the market beta is their covariability, accounting beta, is shown in the above. However, the empirical research has generally shown earnings variability to be superior to an accounting beta. Beaver et al (1970) found in a model that use accounting variables to forecast market risk that earnings variability was the most significant variable and that accounting beta did not make a statistically significant contribution. 

 

The relationship established by Ball and Brown (1969) is therefore theoretical. Empirical results may differ from theory for two main reasons as advanced by Bowman (1969). The assumptions (i.e there are only pure equity firms (no debt) in the market portfolio) of the theory may not be applicable to the universe being tested. Secondly, the theoretical variables may be measured with error. 

 

However some empirical studies of Bildersee (1975), Laveren at al (1997) and Brimble et al (2002) found that both accounting beta and earning variability is significant and positively related to the systematic risk.

 

Profit Margin

 

Profit margin is an indication of the organizational control over its expenses. It measures how far the income from sales is actually kept in earnings. Hari (2005) states that investors can use this tool to explain the competitive strength of a company. That is, by analyzing gross profit margin trend, the health of a specific company can be determined. Increase in the profit margin means that the firm is operating efficiently and thus future excessive earning streams is more probable. Conversely a decreasing trend, as noted by Horrigan (1966), may imply that the business has already achieved its maturity state and the operating risk is quite high. 

 

Since it measures the volatility of the operating earnings to sales, a positive association is expected between the profit margin and the systematic risk. There is no clear consensus on the association between the two variable in accounting and finance literature. Mandelker et Al (1984) and Amit et al (1988) noted a positive association between operating leverage and systematic risk. 

 

Leverage ratio

 

Firm capital structure provides considerable risk based information. Modigliani and Miller (1958) showed that as debt is introduced, the earnings stream of the common stockholders becomes more volatile. Hence the leverage ratios can be used as a measure of the risk induced by the capital structure. A high financial leverage or debt ratio indicates possible difficulty in paying interest and this finance cost drained the shareholder income and thus increase the volatility of the shareholder return and also increase the risk of financial distress.

 

Gande at al (2002) viewed financial crises as usually involving a corporate debt problem. The financial turmoil of 2008 was mainly associated due to the dramatically increase in financial leverage following a relax net capital rule by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Empirical studies by Hamada (1972), Bowman (1979) and Brimble et al (2002), concluded positive relationship between financial leverage and the systematic risk. 

 

Liquidity ratio

 

Liquidity ratio refers to a firm’s ability to meet its short term obligation. Failure to pay off short term obligation may result in financial difficulty or bankruptcy in near future. Liquid assets are considered to be less risky compared to the other non current assets (e.g cash is a risk free asset) due to their ability to be easily covered into cash. In this respect, holding a huge amount of short term assets will reduce the systematic risk. 

 

However too much of liquidity may be costly in the long run since the assets are not being utilized efficiently. Empirical evidences by Beaver et al (1970) and Brimble et al (2002), showed that a positive relationship exists between liquidity ratio and beta values. However, empirical findings by Bildersse (1975) and Laverene et al (1997) showed that increase in the liquid asset of the firm would reduce the systematic risk exposure. Due to the different empirical evidences, conclusion about this relationship is limited.

 

Interest Cover Ratio

 

Interest cover is a measure of the adequacy of a firms earning relative to interest payments on its borrowing. The lower the interest cover the greater the risk that the earning will become insufficient to cover interest payments. The interest coverage ratio is calculated by dividing the earnings before interest and taxes by interest expenses (finance cost). This ratio is also an indication of the earning been drained out of the firm to service its debt. Therefore a negative relationship between the beta value and interest cover ratio is expected as per the findings of Bildrsee (1975). Interest cover is a measure of the adequacy of a firms earning relative to interest payments on its borrowing. The lower the interest cover the greater the risk that the earning will become insufficient to cover interest payments.

 

2.3.3 Empirical review on the association between accounting risk variable and systematic risk

 

A number of research have attempted to use the theoretical foundation of the above discussed risk related accounting variable (in section 2.3.2) into accounting risk model so as to be more reliable in measuring the systematic risk.. Ball and Brown (1969) evaluated the ability of accounting measures of risk (operating income, net income, and earnings per share) to convey information about the risk of the firm to the market. Applying regression analysis on a sample of 261 firms over the period 1946-66, they conclude that at approximately 35 to 40 percent of the cross-sectional variability in the systematic risk can be explained by the variables in the accounting income of firms.

 

Beaver et al. (1970) examined seven accounting variables including dividend payout, asset growth, financial leverage, asset size, current ratio, variance in earnings, and accounting beta. The authors have demonstrated significant empirical finding that accounting variables are meaningful in the prediction of systematic risk. Moreover, their best fit model shows that only three out of the seven accounting variable in their model are statistically significant in measuring the market risk. They found that growth rate and earning variability has a positive association with risk while a negative relationship exists between dividend payout ratio and the risk element. Their model had successfully captured 45 per cent of the vvariation in the systematic risk. 

 

Gonedes (1973) examined whether the evidence provided by the studies of Ball and Brown (1969) and Beaver, et al (1970), regarding the correlation between market-based and accounting-based estimates of systematic risk, is valid. Applying regression analysis to a sample of 99 firms randomly chosen from those listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Gonedes found a statistically significant relationship between market-based and accounting-based estimates of systematic risk but at a much lower level. Gonedes explained the differences as being the result of the market deflator of accounting earnings used. 

 

Accounting measures of the systematic risk were normally focused on financial statement. However recent studies have also extended the accounting variables by examining off-balance sheet accounting items. McAnally (1996) observed that credit risk related instruments are positively related to risk and market-related instruments are negatively related to risk. Cheon et al. (1996) further examined the impact of financial derivative on the systematic risk. The empirical result shows that foreign exchange, equity and credit derivatives have significant negative association with the market risk.

 

The conclusion of these studies was that accounting variables contain important risk based information. However there is little agreement on which accounting variables are more risk relevant and also how to benchmark these variables with systematic risk model (Brimble et al, 2007). Moreover, due to the lack of rigorous in the theory underlying these models and the often high level of correlation between the accounting variables, these studies identify very often different significant explanatory variables. Explanatory power of the accounting variable as a measure of systematic risk range from 35% (observed by Ball at al (1969)) to 50% as noted by Brimble at al (2002).

 

2.4 Stock Exchange of Mauritius- Empirical review

 

The Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM) was established under the Stock Exchange Act 1988, as a private limited company (converted into a public company in October 2008) responsible for the operation and promotion of an efficient and regulated securities market in Mauritius. SEM is today one of the leading Exchanges in Africa and a member of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE). SEM has to a large extent developed over the years from an initial five listed companies to 49 listed companies as at 2009. 

 

The stock market comprised two main equity markets (Official market and Enterprise Development Market) and one debt market. The total market capitalisation of companies listed on the official market amounted to MUR 87,055,291,580 in 2009. The Stock Exchange has categorized the listed companies on the official market into 7 sectors - namely Banks and Insurance, Industry, Investments, Sugar, Commerce, Leisure & Hotels and Transport.

 

At empirical level, researches have been conducted on the SEM on the efficiency at which the market captures public information in its stock price. Bundoo (2000) found that the SEM tends to behave as markets which are in the weak-form of market efficiency. Similar result was noted from the study of Magnusson et al (2002) who found that the SEM passes random walk tests for market efficiency. The days of the week effect was tested by Subadar (2008) and no significant presence of the day of the week effect was noted on the SEM. 

 

More so, it is a statutory requirement for all companies quoted on the SEM to apply the best practices in terms of the local code of corporate governance in their business. Non compliance with any of the prescribed code has to be disclosed. Such structures and the above findings by Bundoo (2000) and Subadar (2008) confirm the investors’ confidence on the proceeds of the SEM. 

 

研究方法论-3 Research Methodology

 

This chapter develops the models and methodology which will be used to analyse and understand the variation and correlation in the market beta with regard to the financial ratios and market return. The model will be also used to estimate the systematic risk of the market and the companies quoted on the SEM. This is in the purview of analysing the relationship of risk with accounting ratios and testing the relevance of the accounting ratios in an investment decision-making process.

 

3.1 Population and Sampling

 

Figure 3.1 shows the evolution of the SEM-7 and the SEMDEX for the period starting 30 March 2008 to 30 March 2009. It can be observed that the SEMDEX is highly dependent on the performance of companies in the SEM-7. A regression test made confirms that 99% of the variability observed in the SEMDEX is explained by the SEM-7. As such all companies being part of the SEM-7 index as at 31 December 2008 will be considered as part of the sample on which detailed analysis will be undertaken. 

 

It is noted that companies in the SEM-7 does not fully represent all the key sectors of the Mauritian economy. Hence 20 additional companies quoted from the 7 different industries, that is, Bank & Insurance, Commerce, Industry, Investments, Sugar, Transport and Leisure & Hotel, will be considered in the sample.

 

The selected companies (Annex 1) will be analysed for a period of 8 years. For comparative purposes, the data set will be grouped in three time intervals, that is, from 2002 to 2005, 2005 to 2008 and from 2002 to 2008. The time horizon has been segmented so as to reflect the economic reforms undertaken by the Government of Mauritius after the year 2005. Some of the main reforms were with regard to the fiscal system, where the corporate tax rate was halved from 30% to 15% within the first 2 years. Other regulatory changes relate, inter alia, to the enactment of the Securities Act 2005 which governs the running and management of the SEM. 

 

Figure 3.1:Evolution of SEMDEX and SEM-7

 

3.2 Methodology

 

3.2.1 Market Measure of Systematic Risk

 

The systematic risk for the individual securities is derived from the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). Basically, the CAPM provides an expression which relates the expected return on an asset to its systematic risk. CAPM is a single index model which takes only one factor as a proxy for systematic risk, the beta factor, in explaining returns. The general equation of the model is:

 

ri- rf = Constant + Bi (rm – rf) (3.1)

 

Where,

 

Ri is the expect return of the stock

 

Rm is the expected return of the market portfolio 

 

Rf is the risk free interest rate

 

Equation 3.1 will be adapted to incorporate the proxies as per Table 3.1:Proxies used in the eqaution 3.1 and which are discussed in the following sections.

 

Table 3.1:Proxies used in the eqaution 3.1

 

Variable Of General Equation

 

Proxy Used

 

Ri

 

Expect return of the stock

 

Monthly return on a share

 

Rm

 

Expected return of the market portfolio

 

Monthly SEMTRI return

 

Rf

 

Risk free interest rate

 

Weighted-average treasury bill rate

 

3.2.1.1 Return of Individual Securities

 

The return of the different securities is to be computed by using the closing share price of the shares of the sampled companies, on a monthly basis. The formula to be used in calculating the monthly stock returns is as follows: 

 

ri = lnPt – lnPt-1 (3.2)

 

where,

 

ri represent the return generated by stock i;

 

Pt is price of the stock i in the month t;

 

Pt-1 is price of the stock i in the month t-1.

 

3.2.1.2 Market Return

 

The Stock Exchange of Mauritius Total Market Index (SEMTRI), will be used to estimate the market return. SEMTRI provides domestic and foreign market participants an important tool for performance measurement of the local market. Besides from capturing the price movements of listed stocks, the SEMTRI incorporates the added feature of providing investors a good measurement of total return (which combines both capital gains/losses on listed stocks and gross dividends obtained on these stocks).

 

3.2.1.3 Risk Free Rate.

 

The weighted-average yield rate on Government of Mauritius Treasury Bills that has a maturity period of one year will be used as market proxy for the risk-free rate. However this annual rate is converted to the effective monthly rate using the following formula:

 

(3.3)

 

The beta value is calculated by regressing the monthly return of an individual stock on the SEMDEX index. The regression equation used is as per equation 3.1. However, data was regressed over the different time interval mentioned in section 3.1.

 

3.2.2 Accounting measures of systematic risk

 

So as to understand the relationship between the financial ratios and the level of systematic risk, variation in the beta obtained through equation 3.1 is examined against changes in the financial ratios. Some of the ratios used are explained by Beaver et al (1970) as in equation 3.4. The model is adapted to form equation 3.5 so as to include other accounting dimensions which were not considered by Beaver et al (1970). The model makes a regression analysis of the accounting ratios of the individual firm considered over the three different intervals. That is, from 2002 to 2005, 2005 to 2008 and from 2002 to 2008. 

 

Equation 3.4:

 

βt= αt + b1 + b2 + b3 + b4+ b5 + b6 + b7 + b8+ b9

 

Where; is the accounting beta for the t-period interval

 

is the earning variance for the t-period interval

 

is the average growth for the t-period interval

 

is the average size for the t-period interval

 

is the average dividend pay-out for the t-period interval

 

is the average liquidity for the t-period interval

 

Is the average debt ratio for the t-period interval

 

Given the importance of the profit margin and interest cover ratio, as seen in the chapter 2, literature review, they were added to equation 3.4 to form the following equation: 

 

 

Equation 3.5:

 

βt= αt + b1 + b2 + b3 + b4+ b5 + b6 + b7 + b8+ b9

 

Where;

 

is the average profit margin ratio for the t-period interval

 

is the interest coverage ratios for the t-period interval 

 

3.3 Expected outcome 

 

While the accounting ratios were widely discussed in section 2.3.2, the expected relationship of each ratio with respect to the systematic risk is resented in table 3.1

 

 

Table 3.2:Accounting Variable and their expected outcome

 

3.4 Statistical Software Used 

 

The collected data will be initially processed in the Microsoft Excel 2003 where the securities returns and other descriptive statistic (such as mean and dispersion) are to be computed. Microsoft Excel will also be used to generate charts and graphs. The information will be further processed to undertake more advanced statistical and econometrical tests using software packages like as the Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) 13.0 and Microfit 4.0. 

 

Some of the test which will be run will comprise of, inter alia:

 

the coefficient t-statistic to measure the level of the significance of beta and the accounting variable;

 

adjusted r-squared test to measure the goodness of fit of the sample data; 

 

the Durbin-Watson statistical test will be employed to detect the presence of auto-correlation;

 

数据分析和结果-4  Data analysis and findings

 

This chapter analyses the result obtained from the models developed in chapter 3. It starts by analysing the market returns and by measuring the level of risk of the sample companies. The results are further used to study the relationship between systematic risk and accounting ratios. Further tests on the relevance of the accounting ratios in an investment decision-making process are also undertaken.

 

4.1 Return on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius

 

In order to understand the volatility of the monthly return on the stock exchange of Mauritius (SEM) for the period starting from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2008, the 3 available market indices (SEM, SEMDEX and SEMTRI) were analyzed. Table 4.1 details the minimum and maximum monthly returns recorded for these indices with their corresponding mean and standard deviation. As it has been observed from the standard deviation of the market indices, total market risk were in the range of 4.75% and 5.61%. This means that the returns on SEM were relatively stable over the period, despite that in the short run the returns showed some volatility. This showed that the SEM does not follow a random walk in the long run as observed by Fowdar et al (2008). 

 

As the interest rate for the Mauritian Government T-Bill was used as a proxy for the risk free rate, it was important to assess the relative risk (and return) of the SEM against the T-Bill. As such the standard deviation in the monthly interest rate for T-Bills was calculated for the same period to be 0.16% (as compared to that of the SEMDEX which amounted 4.77%). The corresponding average monthly return teh T-Bill amounted to 0.68% as compare to 1.48% for the SEMDEX. The return generated by the SEM was slightly more than twice as much as that obtained by the T-Bill, when compared to the total risk; the SEMDEX was nearly 30 times as more risk as that of T-Bills. 

 

Figure 4.1:Trend of the market indices

 

Source: Computed

 

After February 2008, the return on the SEM fell drastically to arrive at its lowest position in October 2008. This abnormality is mainly due to the effect of the global financial crisis where the volatility in the SEM-7 increased from 3.98% to 7.59% while the return fell abnormally from a margin of 4.92% to loss of 4.84%.

 

4.2 Return of the SEM-7

 

The relationship between risk and return for the blue chips companies, which were quoted on the SEM-7 market index, was further examined given the strong correlation noted in section 3.1 between the SEM-7 and other companies quoted on the SEM. The table 4.2 below presents the monthly average return of these seven companies and its corresponding standard deviation, the maximum return, minimum return recorded and its correlation coefficient with regard to the SEM-7 index. 

 

The table 4.2 confirms the result obtained at the market level, that is, investing on the stock exchange of Mauritius is composed of high element risk but investors can also earn an average monthly rate of 1.52% on most of the companies forming part of the SEM-7. This result is as expected from the section 3 which showed the high level of correlation between the SEMDEX and the SEM-7. 

 

Companies like State Bank of Mauritius Ltd, New Mauritius Hotels Ltd, Rogers & Co. Ltd and Sun Resort Limited showed a correlation above 70 % with the SEMDEX market index. The Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd, Mon Trésor Mon Désert Ltd, and Ireland Blyth Ltd also showed a comparatively low correlation (less than 35 %) with the market index. The minimum returns on the SEM -7 market were in the 2003 where the returns of Mauritius Commercial Bank fell by 144% which was a result of the MCB and NPF scandal in March 2003.

 

4.3 Systematic Risk

 

So as to test whether investors can trust beta in their decision-making process, the systematic risk is measured in terms of the market beta. The beta value has been calculated by regressing the individual stock return on the market index return on a monthly basis as per the equation 3.1. The beta values for the companies forming part the SEM-7 Market are presented in table 4.3.

 

From table 4.3, it is observed that most of the companies forming part of the SEM-7 market index have their beta values at significance level of 1% level except for Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd which is significant at 5% level. This means that market risk has an influence on stock’s performance. If an investor undertakes his/her investment analysis is done solely on this finding, then beta is a good measure of risk. 

 

Out of the seven companies, it has been observed that two companies have beta value higher than one. These stocks were comparatively more risky than stocks with a beta value lower than one. The high beta coefficient indicates that it is risky to invest in the blue chips companies which are in conformity with the standard deviation obtained in table 1. Similar observation was noted in other emerging equity markets like in South Africa, Korea, Singapore and Mexico (IMF, 2001). 

 

4.3.1 Reliability of beta

 

Investment decision cannot be made by analyzing exclusively the level of significance of stock beta value. More test needs to be conducted to verify how good is the beta is. In this respect, the adjusted r-square is also analysed. A low value of r-squared has noted across the seven companies of the SEM-7. Only three out of the seven companies have an adjusted r-square over 50%. 

 

Similar low adjusted r-square was also observed by other authors in emerging stock markets (Bundoo 2000 for the SEM), (Darasteanu 2002) and (Yurtsever and Talib Zahor, 2007). As such it can conclude that the sensitivity of beta is relatively low in measuring the systematic risk and there are other factors that have a great influence on stocks return. Such result is normally noted in emerging economies due to the limited data set (many zero values or traded over short term period) and also because such markets tend to offer contradictory result because of lack of integration (Campbell, 2005).

 

Figures 4.2 and 4.3 provides a visual illustration of the above finding for the two highest (graph 1) and two lowest r-squared (graph 2). From these graph, it can be clearly seen that most of the observations deviate from the line of the best fit which confirms the low explanatory power of beta.

 

Generally in time series analysis, there may be a problem of serial correlation whereby the errors associated with a given time period carry forward into future time periods. This might be the case for the dataset analysed above. So as to ensure that not such serial correlation in the above analysis the Durbin-Watson (DW) statistical test was applied. The principle of test states that if there is no serial correlation, the DW statistic will be around 2. The limit for non-serial correlation at 5% level of significance is considered to have the DW statistic lying between 1.671 and 2.329. For the purpose of the analysis of the SEM-7, the results of the DW test are presented in the table 4.4. The results indicate the analysis undertaken is not disturbed by the problem of the serial correlation.

 

 

4.3.2 Beta of the Listed Companies

 

The above sections have focused mainly on the analysis of the SEM-7 companies. In order to have a better understanding of the risk and return relationship over the different time intervals, the sample is extended to 24 companies quoted on the SEM. The results obtained for all the 24 companies are presented in table 4.5.

 

 

Source: Computed

 

The table 4.5 indicates that over the period from 2002 to 2008 there is an increase in the number statistically significant beta values. It can be observed, by analysing the 3 time interval considered, that the market risk for the listed companies have increased after the economic reform of the year 2005 which is shown by average beta values. It is further noted that the systematic risk is relatively lower under the SEMDEX market index (average beta is 0.43) than the SEM-7 market index (average beta is 0.83). Similar conclusion may be reached when analyzing the standard deviation from table 4.1. However despite the increase in the of compaines, the adjusted R-square values are, on average, 33% which shows that the model is still modest in capturing systematic risk

 

4.4 Association between the Systematic Risk and Accounting variable 

 

4.4.1 Relationship over different time interval

 

The relationship between the accounting variables and the systematic risk was analyzed over the different intervals as described in the research methodology and the results are presented in table 4.6.

 

Table 4.6: The association over different time interval

 

From table 4.6, it is found that almost the same relationship is observed over the different three intervals except for debt ratio and profit margin which have different negative coefficient in the interval 2005-2008. It has also been observed that 9 out of the 10 factors in the period 2005-2008 match the hypothesis drawn out of the literature review. The only factor for which an unlike result was obtained is the growth rate. The growth has been found to be negatively correlated with the systematic risk. 

 

4.4.2 Association between the Systematic Risk and Accounting variable

 

A more details analysis was undertaken to evaluate the association between the beta values and the accounting variables 24 sample companies of the SEM for the period from 2002 to 2008. As the Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited and State Bank of Mauritius Limited report their accounting information differently from other companies and it would further unavailable information they were excluded from the workings of the financial ratios presented in table 4.7.

 

Table 4.7: The association between systematic risk and accounting risk variables

 

Accounting Variable

 

From the table 4.7, it can be deduced that the hypothesis drawn out in the literature review (presented in figure 4.1) hold for the financial ratios, dividend payout, interest cover, earning variance and accounting beta, with regard to systematic risk. The accounting beta seemed to have a greater influence on systematic risk. It was observed that a unit change in the growth ratio can result in 1.67% of change in systematic risk. It was also observed that increase in dividend payout, asset size, growth rate, liquidity had a negative effect on the systematic risk.

 

It should be highlighted that one should also consider the statistical significance of the accounting variables along with its coefficient in respect of the systematic risk. By analysis the P-value it can be deduced that only three accounting variable; growth rate, profit margin and accounting beta, have significant impact on the systematic risk. Investor can use these variables to assess the level of systematic risk on the market. While the relationship between the profit margin and accounting beta matched the hypothesis stated in section 3.3, it was found that the growth rate had a negative relationship with systematic risk. The reasons for such findings are discussed in section 4.4.2.

 

By analysing the adjusted r-square it can be observed that the accounting variables account for 17.23% of the variation in the beta values. This may imply that the model had not captured most of the risk factors which might confidently explain the systematic risk. However, this result does not mean that the accounting variable do not provide meaningful risk based information. It might be that because of the low explanatory value of the beta, computed in section 4.3 (that is, the poor value of the adjusted r-square in figure 4.3), that the above result was obtained.

 

 In this respect a further analysis was conducted with the companies where the beta value had substantial capacity in predicting systematic risk. That is, using companies results which have a high adjusted r-square when regressing equation 3.1 . The association between the accounting variables of these companies and systematic risk are presented in table 4.8. From the same table, it is found four out nine accounting variable matched the hypothesis formulated in the section 3.3.

 

4.4.3 Summary of the findings on the association between the accounting variables and the systematic risk for the companies listed on the Stock Exchange Of Mauritius.

 

4.4.3.1 Significant accounting variables 

 

This finding reveals that an increase in the asset size of companies listed on the SEM does not increase the systematic risk. This is in contradiction with the findings of Castagna et al (1978). The authors argued that a high growth rate require high financing which ultimately affect positively the dividend payout ratio and leverage ratio. In this respect, the correlation between the growth rate and dividend payout ratio; growth rate and debt ratio was tested. The findings revealed that both debt ratio and dividend payout ratio are negatively correlated (with a value of -0.147 and -0.057 respectively) with the growth rate. Given the negative correlation between the debt ratio and growth ratio, the relationship between the increase in the number of share and growth rate was studied to know how growth was financed.

 

The results indicate a strong correlation between the increase in the number of shares and growth rate. As such it can be said that growth rate, in terms of change in the asset value, of the Mauritian companies has a negative impact on the systematic risk. This is because the increase in the asset has not affected the indebtedness of the companies. 

 

The non-market measure of the systematic risk, the accounting beta, is a useful indicator to guide investment decision on the Mauritian stock market. A positively statistically significant relationship was observed between the systematic risk and the accounting beta. This finding revealed that accounting beta is superior to the earning variability on the SEM. In fact, an increase in the accounting beta can affect the systematic risk by 1.67%. The finding was in line with the findings of Bildersee (1975), Laveren at al (1997) and Brimble et al (2002). Thus the accounting beta is a useful indicator of systematic risk of the sample companies. Moreover the findings in respect of the widely appraised empirical accounting variable (by Ball et al (1969) and Bowman (1969)), earning variance, showed that it is statistically insignificant in estimating the systematic risk. 

 

The empirical finding confirms that larger firms are less risky than smaller firms. The finding is in line with the portfolio theory, which suggests that larger firms become more efficient by increasing the number of assets in the portfolio. It can also be observed from table 4.8 that a positive correlation exists between the liquidity ratio and the systematic risk. This means that the non current assets (fixed and long term investment) have a significantly negative impact on the systematic risk of the listed companies in Mauritius. Similar relationship was observed in section 2.3.2. 

 

The relationship between the debt ratio and leverage ratio contradict the Modigliani and Miller theory, which says as debt is introduced, the earnings stream of the common stockholders becomes more volatile. It is observed that as debt is introduced among the listed companies the systematic risk decrease about one percent. The reducing systematic risk was also confirmed by Beaver et al. (1970) and Bowman (1979). Such result may be explained by the confidence in the Mauritian Financial System which ultimately reduce the systematic risk. In fact Mauritius is rated quite high by Moody, in respect of its credit system and quality of debts, among the developing countries (William Cox 2007). 

 

Even though there is no defined relationship between the liquidity ratio and the systematic risk, a positive association is more likely to reduce inability to meets a company’s short-term obligation. The empirical result concluded that a strong and positive relationship exists between liquidity ratio and systematic risk. 

 

Different results were noted between the two samples in respect of the profit margin as observed in table 4.8 and table 4.9. For the sample of the 24 companies, a negative relationship was noted whereas, when the relationship was tested for the companies having a high adjusted r-square, a positive relationship was noted. The coefficient for the profit margin was also more than 11% as noted in table __. As such, it can be said that the greater the volatility between the operating earning and the turnover of the listed companies, the higher is the systematic risk. Recent studies conducted on the Brazilian stock market by Medeiros et al (2006) also indicated similar relationship between the two variables.

 

4.4.3.2 Non significant accounting variables

 

From the Table 4.7 and 4.8, it is observed that Dividend Payout has no statistically significant relationship with the systematic risk. The idea developed by Lintner (1956), who claimed that dividend payout affects the systematic risk by the information perceived by variation in the dividend policy, was further tested. The author observed that managers only increased dividends when they believe that the levels of the firms’ earnings have permanently increased. In this respect, the correlation between the dividend payout and firms earnings was studied. The result indicated that a relatively weak association (with a correlation coefficient value of 0.029) exists between the two variables. Thus, dividend payout is not affected by the earning of the company. This is possible since the Mauritian companies, as stipulated in the Companies Act 2001, are allowed to distribute dividend from the retained earning even if the companies had incurred loss during a financial year. As such, dividend payout does not provide meaning full information in estimating the systematic risk. This finding was inline with the observation of Modigliani et al (1961).

 

Similar to the above observation, no significant statistical relationship has been observed between interest payments and systematic risk. Such finding was quite obvious. The level of interest payment is in fact affected by the level of indebtedness of the firm which is measured in terms of debt ratio. Consequently, given the fact that dividend ratio has a negative relation with systematic risk, interest payment is irrelevant in measuring the systematic risk. This is observed from table 4.7 where coefficient is below the critical level. 

 

The empirical findings revealed that accounting variable like growth rate, asset size, financial leverage, liquidity, profit margin and accounting beta provided useful information in measuring the systematic risk. However no association was observed between dividend payout, earning variance, interest cover and the systematic risk.

 

结论-5 Conclusion 

 

This study has estimated the systematic risk for a sample of companies listed on the Stock exchange of Mauritius (SEM) and it has further tested the relevance of the key accounting ratios in measuring the level of risk for a sample of companies listed on the Stock exchange of Mauritius (SEM) over three time intervals, that is, from 2002 to 2005, 2005 to 2008 and from 2002 to 2008. While empirical research, on the SEM, in the area of assessing the risk level of the quoted companies was widely discussed by Bundoo (2008, 2000), yet there is still no empirical research which evaluates whether market return and risk are effectively pictured through accounting ratios. 

 

The result indicates that risk is correlated with return and beta values for most of the sample companies are statistically significant at least at 10% level. Following the economic reform after the year 2005, it was observed that the sample of the quoted companies was more risky and this was reflected by the increase of 48% in the average beta value compared to the period from 2002 to 2005.

 

It was found that systematic risk is relatively lower under the SEMDEX market index than the SEM-7 market index. However, the power of beta was relatively low in capturing the systematic risk and therefore there are other factors that have a great influence on stocks return. Campbell (1995) showed that such result is obtained on emerging stock market due the fact that the markets tend to offer contradictory results because of lack of integration.

 

The main benefit of this study is to identify which accounting ratios are used to evaluate the risk level of companies in Mauritius so as to overcome the conventional problem where market measures of systematic risk (like Capital Asset Pricing Model and Sharpe ratio) is inapplicable because the company has no or insufficient trading history like in the case of initial public offering firms and for private and non listed entities. This is achieved by evaluating the association between nine accounting ratios and the systematic risk. 

 

The findings reveals that growth rate, asset size and dividend pay out are significantly and inversely related to systematic risk. It was observed that growth rate and dividend pay out contradict the positive association drawn from the literature review. Such a relationship was noted for the companies listed on the Stock exchange of Mauritius, because their expansion was financed from new issue of shares rather than long term loan. Moreover liquidity ratio, profit margin and accounting beta were found to be positively related to systematic risk. However a low level of statistical association was noted between dividend pay out, interest cover and earning variance. 

 

This study can be used as a basis for further research. By extending the period, it can be better the timing difference and to further develop into accounting risk model for private and non-listed entities.