Improved Methods for Tests of Long‐Run Abnormal Stock Returns

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Finance
Year: 1999
Volume: 54
Issue: 1
Pages: 165-201

Authors (3)

John D. Lyon (not in RePEc) Brad M. Barber (University of California-Davis) Chih‐Ling Tsai (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We analyze tests for long‐run abnormal returns and document that two approaches yield well‐specified test statistics in random samples. The first uses a traditional event study framework and buy‐and‐hold abnormal returns calculated using carefully constructed reference portfolios. Inference is based on either a skewness‐adjusted t‐statistic or the empirically generated distribution of long‐run abnormal returns. The second approach is based on calculation of mean monthly abnormal returns using calendar‐time portfolios and a time‐series t‐statistic. Though both approaches perform well in random samples, misspecification in nonrandom samples is pervasive. Thus, analysis of long‐run abnormal returns is treacherous.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:jfinan:v:54:y:1999:i:1:p:165-201
Journal Field
Finance
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-24