Seasoned equity offerings: What firms say, do, and how the market reacts

Using a sample of 438 firms that issued seasoned equity, we investigate the ex ante reasons stated by the firm for the use of capital, the actual ex post use of funds, and the market reaction to this information. We find that, regardless of the stated use of funds, firms increase capital expenditures and research and development following an SEO. In addition, firms increase their long term debt following an SEO, even when the stated reason for the capital is to pay down debt. The market reacts more favorably to the anticipated investment increases if the firm provides specific plans for the use of the soon-to-be-raised capital. The evidence is consistent with the view that agency issues are important factors in SEOs.