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Firm complexity and capital structure: evidence from U.S. public firms

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  • Pandey, Rudresh

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of a firm’s information complexity on capital structure decisions, focusing on how |firm disclosure complexity influences financial leverage. Using a large panel of U.S. public firms, I document a significant and positive association between information complexity and multiple measures of leverage, including book, market, short-term, and long-term debt ratios. The effect is particularly pronounced among financially constrained firms, highlighting the role of information complexity in mitigating financing frictions. The findings contribute to capital structure theory by identifying information complexity as a structural firm attribute that enhances debt capacity, complementing trade-off and information asymmetry perspectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Pandey, Rudresh, 2026. "Firm complexity and capital structure: evidence from U.S. public firms," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 208(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:208:y:2026:i:c:s0148296326000871
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2026.116053
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    JEL classification:

    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis

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