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When and how are rule 10b5-1 plans used for insider stock sales?

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  • Fich, Eliezer M.
  • Parrino, Robert
  • Tran, Anh L.

Abstract

SEC Rule10b5-1 plans are intended to limit the ability of insiders to trade opportunistically. We study insider stock sales by CEOs both under and outside of these plans. While both groups exhibit opportunism, this behavior is more limited in plan sales and non-plan sales in well-governed firms. Furthermore, opportunism in plan sales is greater for transactions representing a larger fraction of the CEO's firm-related wealth. CEOs can circumvent the intent of Rule 10b5-1 by exercising their discretion over financial reporting and real earnings management and appear to benefit from material nonpublic information by selectively cancelling plans or using limit orders.

Suggested Citation

  • Fich, Eliezer M. & Parrino, Robert & Tran, Anh L., 2023. "When and how are rule 10b5-1 plans used for insider stock sales?," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 149(1), pages 1-26.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfinec:v:149:y:2023:i:1:p:1-26
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfineco.2023.04.009
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Insider trading; 10b5-1 plan; Corporate governance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • G38 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • K22 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Business and Securities Law

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