Risk Shocks, Uncertainty Shocks, and Corporate Policies

Abstract

We originate risk and uncertainty shock measures through textual analysis of corporate annual reports and assess their implications for corporate policies. Risk shocks are followed by long-lasting diminishing leverage, investment, employment, dividend payouts, stock repurchases, and increasing cash holdings, with small, high credit risk, and non-profitable firms displaying stronger effects. As risk diminishes, firms need not reverse cash holdings and payouts. Uncertainty shocks are followed by a short-term reduction in leverage, while other corporate policies remain unchanged. Overall, risk shocks trigger persistent policy adjustments, while managers adopt a "wait-and-see" strategy until uncertainty resolves. The evidence is robust to various considerations.

Keywords: risk, uncertainty, leverage, investment, employment, payoutS, cash holdings, textual analysis

JEL Classification: G03