Does Retrenchment Boost Performance? Evidence from Fallen Angels
Fisher College of Business Working Paper No. 2021-03-09
Charles A. Dice Center Working Paper No. 2021-09
66 Pages Posted: 14 Jun 2021 Last revised: 23 Nov 2021
Date Written: June 11, 2021
Abstract
We study restructuring by firms whose stock prices experience a sharp decline to a low price level– fallen angels. In response to a price decline, firms can retrench by reducing investments and cutting the workforce, or increase leverage and investments hoping for lottery-like payoffs. We find that relative to a matched sample, fallen angels retrench. While retrenchment helps boost stock prices, reducing fixed assets and employment also increase firm risk, lower growth opportunities, and reduce the probability a firm remains listed. We find no consistent evidence that retrenchment actions undertaken by fallen angels affect future operating performance.
Keywords: restructuring, low stock price, fallen angels, retrenchment, gambling for resurrection
JEL Classification: G10, G30, G34
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation