Theoretical models predict that the value of a real option should be increasing in the volatility ofthe underlying asset. Thus, if real options are economically important, then firm values should bepositively related to volatility. Consistent with this prediction, we find evidence that stock...

This paper provides evidence that the positive relation between firm-level stock returns and firm-level return volatility is due to real options that firms possess. Consistent with the theoretical prediction that the value of a real option should be increasing in the volatility of the underlying...