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The phenomenon of zero-leverage policy: Literature review

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  • Saona, Paolo
  • Muro, Laura
  • Gregoriou, Andros

Abstract

One of the most puzzling, stylized facts in modern corporate finance is that many companies worldwide persistently follow a zero-debt or almost-zero-debt policy. This paper reviews the literature on this puzzling policy. We survey articles published in the Web of Science and the SCOPUS databases since the zero-debt policy was first formally discussed in 1990 when zero-levered companies started to emerge. Our literature review provides unique conceptual and methodological knowledge contributions, by critically analyzing prior works and paving the way for the advancement of new paradigms. It traces the evolution of knowledge in the field of capital structure by establishing connections among various literature works, creating a cohesive and integrated understanding of the zero-debt puzzle. It offers insights from different perspectives presented in each study, thereby enhancing comprehension. Moreover, it critically questions existing theories' adequacy in explaining the reasons behind a significant number of global corporations opting to avoid debt.

Suggested Citation

  • Saona, Paolo & Muro, Laura & Gregoriou, Andros, 2023. "The phenomenon of zero-leverage policy: Literature review," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:riibaf:v:66:y:2023:i:c:s0275531923001381
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ribaf.2023.102012
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    7. Saona, Paolo & San-Martin, Pablo & Vallelado, Eleuterio, 2024. "The zero-debt puzzle in BRICS countries: Disentangling the financial flexibility and financial constraints hypotheses," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 61(C).
    8. Virginia Blanco-Mazagatos & M. Elena Romero-Merino & Marcos Santamaría-Mariscal & Juan Bautista Delgado-García, 2024. "One more piece of the family firm debt puzzle: the influence of socioemotional wealth dimensions," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 63(2), pages 831-849, August.

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    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • 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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