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The effect of securities litigation on external financing

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  • Autore, Don M.
  • Hutton, Irena
  • Peterson, David R.
  • Smith, Aimee Hoffmann

Abstract

Using a comprehensive sample of securities litigation, we examine the effect of financial fraud on the subsequent use of external financing. We find that firms with a recent history of securities litigation, particularly more severe litigation, are less likely to seek external debt and equity financing. This negative relationship between prior litigation and external financing is stronger for firms with high information asymmetry. Furthermore, firms significantly reduce their investments in capital expenditures and research and development during the three years following a litigation filing. Thus, the reduction in the availability of external financing due to allegations of financial fraud can have a tangible impact upon the investment opportunities of the firm.

Suggested Citation

  • Autore, Don M. & Hutton, Irena & Peterson, David R. & Smith, Aimee Hoffmann, 2014. "The effect of securities litigation on external financing," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 231-250.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:27:y:2014:i:c:p:231-250
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2014.05.007
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    11. Malm, James & Soyeh, Kenneth W. & Kanuri, Srinidhi, 2023. "Litigation risk and corporate performance," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 37(C).
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    16. Onur Bayar & Yini Liu & Juan Mao, 2023. "Shareholder litigation and short selling ahead of private equity placements," The Financial Review, Eastern Finance Association, vol. 58(4), pages 833-858, November.
    17. Kung‐Cheng Ho & Yujing Gong, 2022. "Information asymmetry and capital structure: Evidence from the Chinese stock market," International Finance, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(1), pages 84-102, April.
    18. Do, Trung K., 2021. "Shareholder litigation rights and corporate payout policy: Evidence from universal demand laws," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 58(C).
    19. Tang, Xudong & Wang, Lin, 2024. "When your friend takes a fall: Spillovers of patent infringement lawsuits on firm innovation via cross-owners," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
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    25. Arena, Matteo P., 2018. "Corporate litigation and debt," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 202-215.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Securities litigation; External financing; Information asymmetry; Investment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K22 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Business and Securities Law
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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