We derive and test q-theory implications for cross-sectional stock returns. Under constant returns to scale, stock returns equal levered investment returns, which are tied directly to firm characteristics. When we use GMM to match average levered investment returns to average observed stock...

We derive and test q-theory implications for cross-sectional stock returns. Under constant returns to scale, stock returns equal levered investment returns, which are tied directly to firm characteristics. When we use GMM to match average levered investment returns to average observed stock...

"Momentum is consistent with value maximization of firms. The neoclassical theory of investment implies that expected stock returns are connected with expected marginal benefits of investment divided by marginal costs of investment. Winners have higher expected growth and expected marginal...