Traditionally, financial theory has offered little guidance to managers who must choose whether to list their stock on an exchange or allow it to continue trading over-the-counter. Recent developments in market microstructure theory allow a more careful analysis of the exchange listing decision....

We find that the underperformance of IPO stocks relative to the market over a three-year holding period is less severe for IPOs handled by more prestigious underwriters. Consistent with prior studies, we also find that IPOs managed by more reputable underwriters are associated with less...