Final answer:
Visionary firms earned substantially higher returns than non-visionary firms from 1926 to 1995, due to their long-term planning and adherence to core values.
Step-by-step explanation:
From 1926 to 1995, visionary firms earned substantially higher returns compared to firms that were not considered visionary. Visionary companies are those that are considered to have long-term plans and a clear vision for the future. They focus on a core ideology, stimulating progress and align their business practices with their core values.
Research, like that presented in the book "Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies" by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras, often references the success of such visionary companies. These firms tend to perform better in the long run because they adapt over time while remaining true to their core beliefs, which in turn leads to enduring financial success.