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We present a simple static way of optimizing the prices of bottles of wine for restaurants with a given cellar. In contrast to classical assortment pricing models, we posit that the cellar (i.e., inventory) is given and is not taken as a variable entering the optimization program. In our model, the optimal price is driven mainly by a rating parameter after the effect of initial cost is removed. This parameter plays the role of a dominant characteristic in hedonic models, even though the levels of stocks may also be determinant when they are very low. We provide a numerical sensitivity analysis of prices to various parameters and study a realistic large-scale example based on two wine lists with 50 bottles each. Finally, several extensions are discussed. (JEL Classifications: C61, L11, L83)

We show that the introduction of a leverage constraint improves the practical implementation of characteristics-based portfolios. The addition of the constraint leads to significantly lower transaction costs, to a reduction of negative portfolio weights, and to a decrease in volatility and misspecification risk. Furthermore, it allows investors to implement any desired level of leverage. In this study, we include 12 characteristics, thereby extending the classical size, bookto-market and momentum paradigm. We report several key indicators such as the proportion of negative weights, Sharpe ratio, volatility, transaction costs, the transaction cost-adjusted certainty equivalent returns, and the Herfindahl-Hirschman index. Analyzing the sensitivity of these key indicators to the choice of multiple combinations of the 12 characteristics, to risk aversion, and to estimation sample size, we show that constrained policies are much less sensitive to these parameters than their unconstrained counterparts. Finally, for quadratic utility, we derive a semi-closed analytical form for the portfolio weights. Overall, we provide a comprehensive extension of characteristics-based portfolio choice and contribute to a better understanding and implementation of the allocation process.

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