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Recovery and exit of zombie firms in Portugal

Author

Listed:
  • Carlos Carreira

    (University of Coimbra)

  • Paulino Teixeira

    (University of Coimbra)

  • Ernesto Nieto-Carrillo

    (University of Coimbra)

Abstract

The resources sunk in zombie firms have risen over the last two decades, hampering productivity growth in developed economies. In this paper, we examine the recovery and exit of zombie firms among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME), as well as the determinants of these transitions. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the determinants of the probability of a zombie recovering or exiting in a European context. The study also contributes to the discussion of the definition of zombie firms. Based on a panel of Portuguese manufacturing and services firms covering the 2004–2017 period, we do find a widespread presence of zombies. As expected, they are relatively less productive than non-zombies, while the probability of transition into recovery and exit is relatively low, which we interpret as evidence in favour of the presence of high barriers to firm mobility. In turn, the regression results show that downsizing and restructuring, as well as debt restructuring, are crucial in enhancing recovery of zombie firms. These are non-trivial results from the perspective of managers and policy makers. We performed several exercises using alternative definitions of zombie firms and estimation techniques and found that our findings are robust. Plain English Summary A 1% decline in the share of highly indebted and unprofitable firms (i.e. zombies) is estimated to increase the average labour productivity by 3.1 percent. Recovery of zombies in particular can be enhanced by downsizing and restructuring. Based on a very large panel of Portuguese small- and medium-sized manufacturing and services firms, covering the 2004–2017 period, we do find a widespread presence of zombie firms. Moreover, the chance of these firms to recover or exit is relatively low, an evidence of the presence of high barriers to firm mobility and resource misallocation. Our results have important managerial and policy implications: (1) a coordinated and holistic restructuring strategy (technological, operational and debt-related) is crucial to increase the likelihood of recovery of weak companies; (2) governments should formulate an adequate institutional framework in order to strengthen the selection of zombie firms, namely by designing more reallocation-friendly insolvency regimes and discouraging creditors to refinance unviable firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos Carreira & Paulino Teixeira & Ernesto Nieto-Carrillo, 2022. "Recovery and exit of zombie firms in Portugal," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 59(2), pages 491-519, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:sbusec:v:59:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s11187-021-00483-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s11187-021-00483-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Diane Coyle & John McHale & Ioannis Bournakis & Jen-Chung Mei, 2023. "Recent Trends in Firm-Level Total Factor Productivity in the United Kingdom: New Measures, New Puzzles," Working Papers 036, The Productivity Institute.
    2. Carlos Carreira & Joana Lopes, 2022. "The Role of Different Types of Creditors on Zombie Firm Creation," Notas Económicas, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, issue 55, pages 131-142, December.
    3. Deng Ming & Wang Jinbo, 2022. "Why do zombie firms seldom die or resurrect? The effect of government subsidies on the survival duration of China’s zombie firms," Economics - The Open-Access, Open-Assessment Journal, De Gruyter, vol. 16(1), pages 212-228, January.
    4. Nieto-Carrillo, Ernesto & Carreira, Carlos & Teixeira, Paulino, 2022. "Giving zombie firms a second chance: An assessment of the reform of the Portuguese insolvency framework," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 156-181.
    5. Daniel Gomes Fernandes, 2022. "Business Cycle Accounting for the COVID-19 Recession," Notas Económicas, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, issue 55, pages 47-66, December.
    6. J. Ignacio Conde-Ruiz & Eduardo L. Giménez, 2022. "The Changing Roles of Young Single Women in Jordan Before the Great Recession: An Explanation Using Economic Theory," Notas Económicas, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, issue 55, pages 9-47, December.
    7. Leonor Mesquita & Carlos Carreira & Rita Martins, 2022. "Market Power in Manufacturing and Services Industries," Notas Económicas, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, issue 55, pages 99-112, December.
    8. Manuel Correia de Pinho & Maria Manuel Pinho, 2022. "The 2011-2014 Economic Adjustment Programme for Portugal: A Plausible Counterfactual Scenario," Notas Económicas, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, issue 55, pages 69-99, December.
    9. Ren, Meixu & Zhao, Jinxuan & Zhao, Jingmei, 2023. "The crowding-out effect of zombie companies on fixed asset investment: Evidence from China," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    10. Carlos Carreira & Pedro Silva, 2023. "The Determinants of Trade Credit During and After the 2008 International Financial Crisis," Notas Económicas, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, issue 56, pages 90-110, July.
    11. Nelson Gomes & Nuno Gonçalves, 2022. "Innovation and the Financial Performance of Firms during the Great Recession and Recovery Period," Notas Económicas, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, issue 55, pages 115-131, December.

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