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The q-theory explanation for the external financing effect: New evidence

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  • Huang, Yuan
  • Lam, F.Y. Eric C.
  • Wei, K.C. John

Abstract

Several studies document a robust negative association between net external financing and average stock returns, which is referred to as the external financing effect. Using total asset growth as a comprehensive measure of overall corporate investment and total profitability gross of R&D expenditures as a measure of true economic profitability, we provide new evidence in support of the q-theory explanation for the external financing effect. We also test the market timing explanation for the external financing effect but fail to document supportive evidence.

Suggested Citation

  • Huang, Yuan & Lam, F.Y. Eric C. & Wei, K.C. John, 2014. "The q-theory explanation for the external financing effect: New evidence," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 69-81.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbfina:v:49:y:2014:i:c:p:69-81
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2014.08.010
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    Cited by:

    1. Alan Meng Li & Dharmendra Naidu & Farshid Navissi & Kumari Ranjeeni, 2018. "Net stock issuance anomaly and cash flow explanation: A research note," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 43(2), pages 286-304, May.
    2. Chuan ‘Chewie’ Ang, Tze & Lam, F.Y. Eric C. & Ma, Tai & Wang, Shujing & Wei, K.C. John, 2019. "What is the real relationship between cash holdings and stock returns?," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 513-528.
    3. Adrian Melia & Paul Docherty & Steve Easton & Tom Smith, 2016. "Net share issues and the cross-section of equity returns under a dividend imputation tax system," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 56(4), pages 1097-1117, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cross-section of stock returns; External financing; Total profitability; q-Theory of investment; R&D; Total asset growth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • M42 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Auditing

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