In this study we empirically investigate broad implications of these recenttheoretical models that link expected returns to corporate investment and relatedchanges in valuation. Our contribution is two-fold. First, we documentempirical relations among firm-level investment, market values, and book-tomarketratios. Specifically, we find that classification of stocks to valuationportfolios by Fama–French methodologies is implicitly conditioned by priorgrowth rates in firm-specific capital expenditures. Controlling for size, firmscategorized as growth (low book-to-market) stocks significantly accelerate investmentprior to the portfolio classification year. In addition, their market valuesrise and their book-to-market ratios decrease. Value (high book-to-market)firms slow investment and increase their book-to-market ratios. Since marketvalue increases following investment in sufficiently positive net present valueprojects, and by more than book value, firms classified as growth stocks appearto be exercising investment options around the portfolio formation period whilefirms classified as value stocks appear to be disinvesting. In short, we find anempirical relation between past firm-specific investment activity and valuationratios.