Reversible stopping (“switching”) implies super contact

This note shows that the second derivative of the value function exists (across a stopping threshold, short “super contact”) if reversibly stopping and entering involves no cost, called “switching”. This holds for discrete (real option) as well as for continuous stochastic control problems and proves particularly suitable in real option set ups since it provides the lacking boundary condition. However, super contact does not hold in dynamic games. A simple example documents the applicability of this condition. This paper was written during my visit of the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and I am grateful for the hospitality of and the stimulus at the School of Finance and Economics, in particular to Carl Chiarella. I also acknowledge many helpful discussions with Thomas Dangl on related issues, valuable suggestions from a referee and last but not least encouragement by Josef Kallrath