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Double Signals or Single Signal? An Investigation of Insider Trading Around Share Repurchases

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  • Michael Firth

    (Lingnan University of Hong Kong)

  • T. Y. Leung

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Oliver M. Rui

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

This study examines directors' dealing activity around share repurchasing periods in Hong Kong. There are significant insider trading activities before the share repurchasing period. Consistent with the signaling hypothesis, the directors' purchase activities during the share repurchase period are significantly higher than the expected level while the directors¡¦ sale activities are abnormally lower than the expected level. Double signals of share repurchases and directors¡¦ purchases create a stronger signal in conveying undervaluation. However, insider sales around share repurchase discounts the undervaluation signal. This study provides some evidence that information signaling is a dominating factor driving the share repurchase decision.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Firth & T. Y. Leung & Oliver M. Rui, 2008. "Double Signals or Single Signal? An Investigation of Insider Trading Around Share Repurchases," Working Papers 222008, Hong Kong Institute for Monetary Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:hkm:wpaper:222008
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    Cited by:

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    2. Moin, Abdul & Guney, Yilmaz & Kalak, Izidin El, 2020. "In search of stock repurchases determinants in listed Indonesian firms during regulatory changes," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 145-165.
    3. De Ridder, Adri, 2015. "Additional evidence on the frequency of share repurchases and managerial timing," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 154-164.
    4. Sadok El Ghoul & Omrane Guedhami & Robert Nash & He (Helen) Wang, 2022. "Economic policy uncertainty and insider trading," Journal of Financial Research, Southern Finance Association;Southwestern Finance Association, vol. 45(4), pages 817-854, December.
    5. Robert Hull & Sungkyu Kwak & Rosemary Walker, 2012. "Explanation for market response to seasoned equity offerings," Journal of Economics and Finance, Springer;Academy of Economics and Finance, vol. 36(3), pages 634-661, July.
    6. Cheng, Su-Yin & Hou, Han, 2013. "The information content of open-market repurchase announcements in Taiwan," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 59-75.

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