Relative performance evaluation (RPE) compensates managers on their relative performance against a peer group. Since observing more peers' performance allows managers to better estimate the performance level required to achieve RPE targets, we conjecture that releasing earnings later than peers...

There is reliable evidence that managers smooth their reported earnings. If some firms manage earnings downwards (upwards) when they experience large positive (negative) earnings shocks and if investors have cognitive limits or are inattentive, then it is plausible that the post-earnings...

While prior studies find that returns on option straddles are generally negative, we show that returns on straddles purchased prior to earnings announcements are actually positive. The earnings announcement impact is compounded when the pre-portfolio formation volatility is low (high) and the...