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Making Sense of Cents: An Examination of Firms That Marginally Miss or Beat Analyst Forecasts

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  • SANJEEV BHOJRAJ
  • PAUL HRIBAR
  • MARC PICCONI
  • JOHN McINNIS

Abstract

This paper examines the performance consequences of cutting discretionary expenditures and managing accruals to exceed analyst forecasts. We show that firms that just beat analyst forecasts with low quality earnings exhibit a short‐term stock price benefit relative to firms that miss forecasts with high quality earnings. This trend, however, reverses over a 3‐year horizon. Additionally, firms reducing discretionary expenditures to beat forecasts have significantly greater equity issuances and insider selling in the following year, consistent with managers understanding the myopic nature of their actions. Our results confirm survey evidence suggesting managers engage in myopic behavior to beat benchmarks.

Suggested Citation

  • SANJEEV BHOJRAJ & PAUL HRIBAR & MARC PICCONI & JOHN McINNIS, 2009. "Making Sense of Cents: An Examination of Firms That Marginally Miss or Beat Analyst Forecasts," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 64(5), pages 2361-2388, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jfinan:v:64:y:2009:i:5:p:2361-2388
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6261.2009.01503.x
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