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Investment Cash Flow Sensitivity as a Measure of Financing Constraints: Evidence from Selected African Countries

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  • Letenah Ejigu Wale

Abstract

The use of investment cash flow sensitivity as a measure of financing constraints is an unresolved research agenda. This paper endeavors to explain the conflicting evidence by using proxies for both internal financial constraint and external financial constraint measures. Data is taken from selected six African countries, a region where no previous studies are conducted. It is observed that the investment curve is Ushaped when firms are classified on the basis of internal financial constraint measure (i.e. cash flow). Using external financial constraint proxies (age, size and payout) it is found that all category of firms show positive and significant investment cash flow sensitivity. This suggests that the sampled African firms are externally financial constrained. It is concluded that the way firms are a priori classified as internal vs. external financial constrained matters. This raises the issue of whether the term financial constraints itself is a multidimensional construct.

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  • Letenah Ejigu Wale, 2014. "Investment Cash Flow Sensitivity as a Measure of Financing Constraints: Evidence from Selected African Countries," Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, AMH International, vol. 6(8), pages 647-657.
    • Handle: RePEc:rnd:arjebs:v:6:y:2014:i:8:p:647-657
    DOI: 10.22610/jebs.v6i8.525
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