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Cash holdings and risk-adjusted returns: The role of business strategy, life cycle, and managerial ability

Author

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  • Gasbarro, Dominic
  • Miao, Hong
  • Schwebach, Robert G.
  • Zumwalt, J. Kenton

Abstract

This study explores the factors influencing firms’ cash holdings and their impact on shareholder returns. Firms are grouped into deciles based on Median Industry-Adjusted Cash Ratios (MACR). We examine the influence of market risk measures, operational and financial ratios, macroeconomic conditions, and key variables: business strategy, life cycle stage, and managerial ability. Our findings show that incorporating MACR with these variables improves the understanding of firm returns. ‘Prospector’ firms with high MACRs deliver strong excess returns, while ‘analyzer’ firms also outperform. Growth-phase firms with high MACRs show significant excess returns, while maturity-phase firms consistently perform well regardless of MACR. Managers with high ability generate excess returns at all MACR levels. Additionally, value-weighted portfolios outperform equally-weighted ones.

Suggested Citation

  • Gasbarro, Dominic & Miao, Hong & Schwebach, Robert G. & Zumwalt, J. Kenton, 2025. "Cash holdings and risk-adjusted returns: The role of business strategy, life cycle, and managerial ability," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:105:y:2025:i:c:s1057521925004636
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2025.104376
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • 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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