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The profits vs protests: Corporate value dynamics amidst activist uproar

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  • French, Joseph J.
  • Gurdgiev, Constantin
  • Shin, Seungho

Abstract

We examine the impact of student protests and geopolitical events on the firms targeted for divestment during the 2023–2024 Israel–Hamas conflict. Utilizing event study methodology, we analyze cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) across eight key conflict periods. We find positive CARs for targeted firms at the onset of the conflict, but significant negative CARs are reported as student protests escalated. This provides evidence of the tangible impacts of public pressure campaigns on market perceptions and valuations in the short-run. However, we observe positive CARs after student protests subsided which suggests potential limitations to the sustained impact of such activism and shows the market's capacity to normalize extraordinary events over time.

Suggested Citation

  • French, Joseph J. & Gurdgiev, Constantin & Shin, Seungho, 2024. "The profits vs protests: Corporate value dynamics amidst activist uproar," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 69(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:69:y:2024:i:pb:s1544612324012923
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2024.106263
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Divestment; Market adaptation; Geopolitical conflict; Activism;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G41 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • F51 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Conflicts; Negotiations; Sanctions

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