We develop a dictionary of linguistic extremity in earnings conference calls, a setting where managers have considerable latitude in the language they use, to study the role of extreme language in corporate reporting. Controlling for tone (positive vs. negative) of language, we document that...

This paper investigates the effect of vivid language on investor judgments. Recent research finds that investor judgments are significantly influenced by disclosure tone (positive versus negative). Holding tone constant, we investigate investors' reactions to vivid versus pallid information....

This paper investigates the effect of vivid language on investor judgments. Recent research finds that investor judgments are significantly influenced by disclosure tone (positive versus negative). Holding tone constant, we investigate investors' reactions to vivid versus pallid information....

We document that the stock market's reaction to unscheduled firm-specific news such as credit rating downgrades and 8-K filings is significantly weaker during December as compared to other months. In contrast, the market's reaction to scheduled earnings announcements is not significantly...