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The Efficiency of Internal Capital Markets: Evidence from the Annual Capital Expenditure Survey

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  • Sumit Agarwal
  • Victor Souphom
  • Guy Yamashiro

Abstract

We empirically examine whether greater firm diversity results in the inefficient allocation of capital. Using both COMPUSTAT and the Annual Capital Expenditure Survey (ACES) we find firm diversity to be negatively related to the efficiency of investment. However once we distinguish between capital expenditure for structures and equipment, we find that while firms do inefficiently allocate capital for equipment, they efficiently allocate capital for structures. These results suggest that when the decision will have long-lasting repercussions, headquarters will, more often than not, make the correct choice.

Suggested Citation

  • Sumit Agarwal & Victor Souphom & Guy Yamashiro, 2008. "The Efficiency of Internal Capital Markets: Evidence from the Annual Capital Expenditure Survey," Working Papers 08-08, Center for Economic Studies, U.S. Census Bureau.
    • Handle: RePEc:cen:wpaper:08-08
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    2. Gökberk Can & Samet Günay & Murat Ocak, 2021. "How does size affect capital expenditures? Evidence from Borsa Istanbul," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 1(1), pages 1-28, January.

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