The first term is positive. The second term contains ∂π/∂k, which is negative. A higher value of k (i.e., a weaker legal environment) implies that (∂π/∂R)/ π increases, so that the value of the firm, π, becomes more sensitive in percentage terms to a change in the rate of return, R. The same result holds if we allow firms to borrow debt as well as issue equity.