We explore differences in the levels of dispersed ownership that lead to a second returns-based free float hedging factor, which augments the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) in explaining the cross-section of stock returns. Using a comprehensive sample of stocks from Japan and the constituents of the S&P1500 in the US between 2000 and 2020, the results support the advantages of our prop
osed two-factor CAPM over alternative models based on liquidity, size, and book to market value, as well as momentum. We further document dispersed ownership premiums for Japanese regional stocks and discounts for the blue-chip Tokyo counterparts.
Controlling shareholders have been directly involved in some of the largest and most consequential bribery scandals in the world over the course of the...