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The Cross-Section of Labor Leverage and Equity Returns

Author

Listed:
  • Andres Donangelo
  • François Gourio
  • Matthias Kehrig
  • Miguel Palacios

Abstract

We study labor-induced operating leverage. Theoretically, we show that if labor markets are frictionless, two sufficient conditions for the existence of labor leverage are (a) relatively smooth wages and (b) a capital-labor elasticity of substitution strictly less than one. Our model provides theoretical support for the use of labor share—the ratio of labor expenses to value added—as a measure of labor leverage. We provide evidence for conditions (a) and (b), and we demonstrate the economic significance of labor leverage: High labor-share firms have operating profits that are more sensitive to economic shocks and have higher expected returns.

Suggested Citation

  • Andres Donangelo & François Gourio & Matthias Kehrig & Miguel Palacios, 2017. "The Cross-Section of Labor Leverage and Equity Returns," Working Papers 17-70, Center for Economic Studies, U.S. Census Bureau.
    • Handle: RePEc:cen:wpaper:17-70
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J20 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - General
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion

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