Stock split signalling: Evidence from short interest

Abstract

We test the split signaling hypothesis by examining the reaction of sophisticated investors to stock split announcements. Return-based tests of signaling used in earlier studies produce conflicting results and have been criticized as unreliable. We overcome this issue by focusing on the long-term post-split behavior of short sellers, who are widely regarded as sophisticated investors. Upon controlling for alternative hypotheses and conventional short selling determinants, we find a substantial reduction in short interest in reaction to split announcements. Furthermore, consistent with signaling, the degree of the reduction is positively related to signal strength and to the splitter's level of information asymmetry. Overall, our results are consistent with the view that firms use stock splits to relay positive value-relevant signals.