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Trade credit, cash holdings, and financial deepening: Evidence from a transitional economy

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  • Wu, Wenfeng
  • Rui, Oliver M.
  • Wu, Chongfeng

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of financial deepening on the relationship between trade credit and cash holdings among Chinese listed firms. We first document an asymmetric effect of trade payables and receivables on cash holdings, in that firms hold an additional $0.71 of cash for every $1 of credit payable but use $1 of receivables as a substitute for only $0.15 of cash. We then find that firms in regions with higher levels of financial deepening hold less cash for payables while substituting more receivables for cash. A more highly developed financial sector helps firms to better use trade credit as a short-term financing instrument. Finally, we find that the ratio at which receivables are substituted for cash increased following the implementation of the new receivables pledge policy in 2007, which allowed firms to use receivables as security for loans. This policy event represents an exogenous shock that mitigates the endogeneity concern.

Suggested Citation

  • Wu, Wenfeng & Rui, Oliver M. & Wu, Chongfeng, 2012. "Trade credit, cash holdings, and financial deepening: Evidence from a transitional economy," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 36(11), pages 2868-2883.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbfina:v:36:y:2012:i:11:p:2868-2883
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2011.04.009
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cash; Trade credit; Financial deepening; Receivables; Payables;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies
    • 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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