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Share Repurchases and Investment Policies

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Brockman
  • Hye Seung (Grace) Lee
  • Jesus M. Salas

Abstract

Our study examines the claim that share repurchases lead to reductions in real investments. Repurchase opponents argue that managers forego valuable investments to conduct opportunistic repurchases, while proponents argue that repurchases return excess cash to shareholders. We compare repurchasing firms’ real investments in capital expenditures, R&D, and employment to public and private non‐repurchasing firms—holding constant their growth (i.e., investment) opportunity sets. Our results provide no support for the claim that repurchases lead to lower real investments. Consistent with these findings, we also show that financial analysts do not revise downward their capital expenditure forecasts following repurchases.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Brockman & Hye Seung (Grace) Lee & Jesus M. Salas, 2026. "Share Repurchases and Investment Policies," The Financial Review, Eastern Finance Association, vol. 61(2), pages 555-575, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:finrev:v:61:y:2026:i:2:p:555-575
    DOI: 10.1111/fire.70032
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    References listed on IDEAS

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