The WACC Fallacy: The Real Effects of Using a Unique Discount Rate

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Finance
Year: 2015
Volume: 70
Issue: 3
Pages: 1253-1285

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

type="main"> <title type="main">ABSTRACT</title> <p>In this paper, we test whether firms properly adjust for risk in their capital budgeting decisions. If managers use a single discount rate within firms, we expect that conglomerates underinvest (overinvest) in relatively safe (risky) divisions. We measure division relative risk as the difference between the division's asset beta and a firm-wide beta. We establish a robust and significant positive relationship between division-level investment and division relative risk. Next, we measure the value loss due to this behavior in the context of acquisitions. When the bidder's beta is lower than that of the target, announcement returns are significantly lower.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:jfinan:v:70:y:2015:i:3:p:1253-1285
Journal Field
Finance
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25