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Managerial Expectations of Synergy and the Performance of Acquiring Firms: The Contribution of Soft Data

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  • James Cicon
  • Jonathan Clarke
  • Stephen P. Ferris
  • Narayanan Jayaraman

Abstract

This study examines whether the “soft” information present in merger and acquisition (M&A) announcement press releases contains incrementally valuable news relative to traditional “hard” data. Using the methodology of Loughran and McDonald [2011], we construct measures of synergy expectations and managerial optimism for more than 1,200 M&A announcements over the period 1995–2007. We find that synergy expectations are positively related to announcement period returns, longer-run performance, and the market's reaction to quarterly earnings announcements. Managerial optimism is insignificant for explaining a merger's subsequent performance. We conclude that the soft information contained in M&A announcements concerning synergy expectations can provide useful information to investors.

Suggested Citation

  • James Cicon & Jonathan Clarke & Stephen P. Ferris & Narayanan Jayaraman, 2014. "Managerial Expectations of Synergy and the Performance of Acquiring Firms: The Contribution of Soft Data," Journal of Behavioral Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(3), pages 161-175, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:hbhfxx:v:15:y:2014:i:3:p:161-175
    DOI: 10.1080/15427560.2014.941060
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    Cited by:

    1. Jana P. Fidrmuc & Tereza Tykvova, 2023. "Are Acquirer Shareholders Happier when Their Industries Are Unhappy?," Swiss Finance Institute Research Paper Series 23-52, Swiss Finance Institute.
    2. Worek, Maija & De Massis, Alfredo & Wright, Mike & Veider, Viktoria, 2018. "Acquisitions, disclosed goals and firm characteristics: A content analysis of family and nonfamily firms," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 9(4), pages 250-267.
    3. Benson, David F. & Brau, James C. & Cicon, James & Ferris, Stephen P., 2015. "Strategically camouflaged corporate governance in IPOs: Entrepreneurial masking and impression management," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 30(6), pages 839-864.
    4. Li, Hui & Zeng, Min & Liu, Ya-Fei, 2023. "Secret sentiments make for good announcements: Does unjustified managerial belief benefit tourism firm performance?," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    5. Yekini, Liafisu Sina & Wisniewski, Tomasz Piotr & Millo, Yuval, 2016. "Market reaction to the positiveness of annual report narratives," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 48(4), pages 415-430.

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