Equity markets play a crucial role as a lifeline of capital to entrepreneurs. U.S. equity markets are so large and so efficient that they have become an inexpensive way for many companies to raise capital through the issuance of stock. Indeed, many experts argue that the primary benefit of the...

This paper examines compensation for the underwriting activity in firm commitment initial public offerings (IPOs) of common stock in the U.S. When compensation for origination, management and marketing efforts are excluded from total underwriter compensation, we find that the portion of the...