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Inflexibility of Share Repurchases

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  • Satoru Yamaguchi

Abstract

This paper investigates the flexibility inherent in open market share repurchases. Open market share repurchases are recognized as being flexible, since managers believe that they are not an ongoing commitment. However, I find that such returns significantly decrease upon announcing the completion of a repurchase program if firms do not concurrently announce new program authorizations. I also find that announcement returns significantly decline with completion rates and that a high completion rate acts as a negative signal, revealing that firms have finished the repurchasing activities and do not intend to continue share repurchasing in the foreseeable future. These results indicate that share repurchases are less flexible than they were previously thought to be.

Suggested Citation

  • Satoru Yamaguchi, 2021. "Inflexibility of Share Repurchases," International Review of Finance, International Review of Finance Ltd., vol. 21(1), pages 255-281, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:irvfin:v:21:y:2021:i:1:p:255-281
    DOI: 10.1111/irfi.12267
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    References listed on IDEAS

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