This paper considers the relation between board classification, takeover activity, and transaction outcomes for a panel of firms between 1990 and 2002. Target board classification does not change the likelihood that a firm, once targeted, is ultimately acquired. Moreover, shareholders of targets...

We empirically investigate whether corporate governance structure is different between focused and diversified firms, and whether any differences in corporate governance are associated with the value loss from diversification. We find that, relative to focused firms, CEOs in diversified firms...

There is an extensive existing literature on the cost efficiency of banking institutions that estimates cost inefficiencies of the order of 15 to 30%. The persistence of such staggering inefficiencies is surprising given the competitive nature of the industry. Using a novel estimation framework...

There is an extensive existing literature on the cost efficiency of banking institutions that estimates cost inefficiencies of the order of 15 to 30%. The persistence of such staggering inefficiencies is surprising given the competitive nature of the industry. Using a novel estimation framework...

This paper examines the results of material mergers between bank holding companies (BHCs). Merged BHCs experience post-merger profitability below the industry average. The market reaction to the merger announcements is significantly negative. The most important causes of the poor post-merger...

The average cash to assets ratio for U.S. industrial firms increases by 129% from 1980 to 2004. Because of this increase in the average cash ratio, American firms at the end of the sample period can pay back their debt obligations with their cash holdings, so that the average firm has no...

The average cash-to-assets ratio for U.S. industrial firms more than doubles from 1980 to 2006. A measure of the economic importance of this increase is that at the end of the sample period, the average firm can retire all debt obligations with its cash holdings. Cash ratios increase because...