The evidence suggests that underwriter reputation
is positive, but only marginally related with mispricing
(Model 9). This may indicate some support for a
principal-agent conflict in that more reputable underwriters
can induce issuers to agree to a lower offer
price. Alternatively, issuers may become more tolerant
to lower offer prices in lacklustre markets with
the hiring of a prestigious underwriter, especially if it
means getting coverage by a prominent investment
bank as an intermediary in the IPO market.