We develop a zero beta industry model of growth options to explain the conflicting empirical findings on the relation between stock returns and idiosyncratic return volatility at the firm level. By allowing for the volatility of the underlying idiosyncratic choice variables to exhibit...

We examine the cross-sectional relation between log growth in physical capital to log growth in labor and subsequent stock returns. The ratio is a strong predictor of negative future abnormal returns. This relation strengthens with measures of financing constraint while remaining robust to...

We propose a unified explanation for two seemingly disparate empirical findings: the negative abnormal returns of distressed stocks, and of small growth stocks. Based on a counterintuitive result relating option prices to jump risk (Merton 76), we show via an investment valuation model that...

We propose a unified explanation for two seemingly disparate empirical findings: the negative abnormal returns of distressed stocks, and of small growth stocks. Based on a counterintuitive result relating option prices to jump risk (Merton (1976)), we show via an investment valuation model that...

Stocks with high idiosyncratic volatility perform poorly relative to low idiosyncratic volatility stocks. We offer a novel explanation of this anomaly based on real options, which is consistent with earlier findings on idiosyncratic volatility (the positive contemporaneous relation between...

Using longitudinal data from PSID, we show the positive relation between labor income and the equity share of financial wealth is stronger for those who have a higher persistence in shocks to permanent labor income. The results support the hypothesis that the cross sectional variation in...

We develop a firm valuation model with repeated expansion and contraction options to show operating profitability is a proxy for time-varying systematic risk. Relative to riskier assets, the proportionate value of contraction options increase as profitability falls, lowering the firm beta....

We examine the cross-sectional relation between the ratio of log growth in physical capital to log growth in labor and subsequent stock returns. The ratio is a negative predictor of abnormal returns and the relation strengthens with measures of financing constraint while remaining robust to...