Return Predictability: The Dual Signaling Hypothesis of Stock Splits
Forthcoming, The Financial Review
57 Pages Posted: 28 Jun 2016 Last revised: 24 Dec 2018
Date Written: May 16, 2016
Abstract
This paper aims to differentiate between optimistic splits and overoptimistic/opportunistic splits. Although markets do not distinguish between these two groups at the split announcement time, optimistic (over-optimistic/opportunistic) splits precede positive (negative) long-term buy-and-hold abnormal returns. Using the calendar month portfolio approach, we show that the zero-investment, ex-ante identifiable, and fully implementable trading strategy proposed in this paper can generate economically and statistically significant positive abnormal returns. Our findings indicate that pre-split earnings management and how it relates to managers’ incentives, is an omitted variable in the studies of post-split long-term abnormal returns.
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