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Leverage and Cash Dynamics
[Is cash negative debt? A hedging perspective on corporate financial policies]

Author

Listed:
  • Harry DeAngelo
  • Andrei S Gonçalves
  • René M Stulz

Abstract

This article documents new and empirically important interactions between cash-balance and leverage dynamics. Cash ratios typically vary widely over extended horizons, with dynamics remarkably similar to (and complementary with) those of capital structure. Leverage and cash dynamics interact approximately as predicted by the internal-versus-external funding regimes in Myers and Majluf (1984, J. Finan. Econ., 13, 187–221.). Leverage is quite volatile when cash ratios are stable and vice-versa, while net-debt ratios are almost always volatile. Most firms increase leverage sharply as cash balances (internal funds) become scarce. Capital structure models that extend Hennessy and Whited (2005, J. Finan., 60, 1129–1165.) to include cash-balance dynamics explain some, but not all, aspects of the observed relation between cash squeezes and leverage increases.

Suggested Citation

  • Harry DeAngelo & Andrei S Gonçalves & René M Stulz, 2022. "Leverage and Cash Dynamics [Is cash negative debt? A hedging perspective on corporate financial policies]," Review of Finance, European Finance Association, vol. 26(5), pages 1101-1144.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:revfin:v:26:y:2022:i:5:p:1101-1144.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/rof/rfac043
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Gonçalves, Andrei S. & Leonard, Gregory, 2023. "The fundamental-to-market ratio and the value premium decline," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 147(2), pages 382-405.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Capital structure; Cash balances; Leverage dynamics; Financial flexibility; Payout policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies
    • G33 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Bankruptcy; Liquidation
    • G35 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Payout Policy

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