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Dividends and Market Signalling: an Analysis of Corporate Insider Trading

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  • Esther B. Del Brio
  • Alberto De Miguel

Abstract

This study tests the multiple†signal theory of dividends of John and Lang (1991) in the context of a European market. Our evidence shows that investors are more sensitive to insider trading signals than to signalled changes in existing dividends. In effect, the insider sales signal is universally understood as bad news. After controlling for the quality of a firm's investment opportunities, investors are found to penalise dividend outflows by mature firms that exhibit more informed insider sales activity. Finally, we offer an innovative exploration of the role of earnings announcements in market reaction to the dividend signal.

Suggested Citation

  • Esther B. Del Brio & Alberto De Miguel, 2010. "Dividends and Market Signalling: an Analysis of Corporate Insider Trading," European Financial Management, European Financial Management Association, vol. 16(3), pages 480-497, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:eufman:v:16:y:2010:i:3:p:480-497
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-036X.2008.00460.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Esther B. Brio & Ilidio Lopes-e-Silva & Javier Perote, 2016. "Effects of opportunistic behaviors on security markets: an experimental approach to insider trading and earnings management," Economia Politica: Journal of Analytical and Institutional Economics, Springer;Fondazione Edison, vol. 33(3), pages 379-402, December.
    2. Madura, Jeff & Marciniak, Marek, 2014. "Bidder country characteristics and informed trading in U.S. targets," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 256-284.

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