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How do corporate characteristics affect capital structure decisions of French SMEs?

Author

Listed:
  • Ramzi Benkraiem

    (Audencia Recherche - Audencia Business School)

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of various corporate characteristics on the capital structure of French small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – OLS fixed‐effect regressions are used to estimate the influence of SME corporate characteristics on three capital structure measures, namely total, long‐term and short‐term debt. Findings – The findings suggest that size, profitability, growth and tangibility of assets influence, in a significant way, the capital structure of French SMEs. Furthermore, when decomposing the sample into two groups: small (1) and medium‐sized (2) firms, the findings indicate that corporate characteristics affect the capital structure of these two subsamples in the same direction, but with different amplitudes. Originality/value – The evidence presented and discussed in this paper extends the existing literature. From an academic perspective, the methodological approach and the empirical results provide a level of analysis unmatched by the previous research on French firms. Moreover, the findings can add to the knowledge and the understanding of SME corporate managers. They can provide useful information to assist them in their decision making regarding the capital structure of their firms at a time when difficulties of SME financing are more and more evoked in the French context.

Suggested Citation

  • Ramzi Benkraiem, 2013. "How do corporate characteristics affect capital structure decisions of French SMEs?," Post-Print hal-01121029, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01121029
    DOI: 10.1108/13552551311310356
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Alfredo Grau & Araceli Reig, 2021. "Operating leverage and profitability of SMEs: agri-food industry in Europe," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 57(1), pages 221-242, June.
    2. Kovermann, Jost & Wendt, Martin, 2019. "Tax avoidance in family firms: Evidence from large private firms," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 15(2), pages 145-157.
    3. Benkraiem, Ramzi & Lakhal, Faten & Zopounidis, Constantin, 2020. "International diversification and corporate cash holding behavior: What happens during economic downturns?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 362-371.
    4. Yarong Chen & Luca Sensini & Maria Vazquez, 2021. "Determinants of Leverage in Emerging Markets: Empirical Evidence," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 11(2), pages 40-46.
    5. Youssef Walid, 2019. "Life Cycle Theory of the Capital Structure: Evidence from Tunisian SMEs," Asian Economic and Financial Review, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 9(4), pages 432-449, April.
    6. Waluyo, 2018. "Do Efficiency of Taxes, Profitability and Size of Companies affect Debt? A Study of Companies Listed in the Indonesian Stock Exchange," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(1), pages 331-339.

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