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The corporate calendar and the timing of share repurchases and equity compensation

Author

Listed:
  • Ingolf Dittmann

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Amy Yazhu Li

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Stefan Obernberger

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Jiaqi Zheng

    (University of Oxford)

Abstract

This study examines whether the CEO uses share repurchases to sell her equity grants at inflated stock prices, a concern regularly voiced in politics and media. We find that the timing of buyback programs and equity compensation, i.e., the granting, vesting, and selling of equity, is largely determined by the corporate calendar through blackout periods and earnings announcement dates. As a consequence, share repurchases and equity compensation are positively correlated. This correlation disappears once we account for the corporate calendar and should thus not be interpreted causally. Our results do not support the conclusion that CEOs systematically misuse share repurchases at the expense of shareholders. To the contrary, equity compensation increases the propensity to launch a buyback program when buying back shares is beneficial for long-term shareholder value.

Suggested Citation

  • Ingolf Dittmann & Amy Yazhu Li & Stefan Obernberger & Jiaqi Zheng, 2022. "The corporate calendar and the timing of share repurchases and equity compensation," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 21-101/IV, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20210101
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Payout policy; share repurchases; equity-based incentives; short-termism;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G35 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Payout Policy
    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation
    • M52 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Compensation and Compensation Methods and Their Effects

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