Abstract
We explore a subtle but important mechanism through which firms manipulate their information environments. We show that firms control information flow to the market through their specific organization and choreographing of earnings conference calls. Firms that "cast" their conference calls by disproportionately calling on bullish analysts tend to underperform in the future. A long-short portfolio that exploits this differential firm behavior earns abnormal returns of up to 95 basis points per month. Firms that call on more favorable analysts experience more negative future earnings surprises and more future earnings restatements. Further, firms that cast their calls have higher accruals, barely exceed/meet earnings forecasts, and subsequently issue equity.
Keywords: information;
strategic release;
firms;
conference calls;