Our results provide strong evidence of the anticipation and transfer of information throughout an industry at the announcement of initial bidding activity. First, the abnormal returns of bidding firms are significantly positively related to the length of time between bid announcements in the...

We investigate a sample of firms whose number of reported segments falls by one or more for the first time in their reporting history. The firms in our sample have a significantly larger diversification discount, underperform, and underinvest relative to comparable firms. Firms are more likely...

A sample of firms that focus by divesting at least one segment allows us to investigate the characteristics of segments divested as well as the nature of focusing firms. We find that firms are more likely to divest segments unrelated to the core activities of the firm and that the probability...

We investigate a sample of firms whose number of reported segments falls by one or more for the first time in their reporting history. The firms in our sample have a significantly larger diversification discount, underperform, and underinvest relative to comparable firms. Firms are more likely...

A sample of firms that focus by divesting at least one segment allows us to investigate the characteristics of segments divested as well as the nature of focusing firms. We find that firms are more likely to divest segments unrelated to the core activities of the firm and that the probability...

The free cash flow hypothesis advanced by Jensen (1988) states that managers endowed with free cash flow will invest it in negative net present value (NPV) projects rather than pay it out to shareholders. Jensen defines free cash flow as cash flow left after the firm has invested in all...

This study investigates arbitrage activities and their impact on acquisitions. The literature contains arguments for both passive and active roles of arbitrageurs during the takeover process. Larcker and Lys (1987) suggest that arbitrageurs are passive, having superior ability to predict offer...

We analyze the history and performance of concept stocks, defined as stocks whose current valuation appears out of line with tradition valuation metrics. Although the obvious current example is Internet stocks, concept stocks characterize every period. Popular concept stocks of earlier periods...

This paper examines speculation spreads following initial acquisition announcements in 362 cash tender offers spanning the 1981-1995 period. Speculation spreads in acquisitions, defined as the percentage difference between the bid price and market price one-day after the initial announcement,...

Congress and activists recently proposed to give shareholders an advisory vote on executive compensation, i.e. say-on-pay. Proponents argue that say-on-pay further aligns owner-manager interests. Opponents worry that shareholder vote will restrict the board and management and inhibit their...