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Firm-level Uncertainty and Frictions: Implications for Capital and Financial Decisions in the US

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  • Danilo Stojanovic
  • Veljko Bojovic

Abstract

This paper examines how profit volatility has influenced firms’ decisions over the past four decades. Using Compustat data, we document that: (1) high-investing firms cut their investment rate more sharply than other firms, implying that extensive margin investment decisions - whether to invest in new projects or not - are important for the uncertainty effects; (2) the interaction between firms’ financial and real conditions amplifies the negative impact of increased uncertainty on the investment rates. We also develop and calibrate a heterogeneous-firm model that incorporates both real and financial costs. In the model, higher capital adjustment costs increase the investment inaction rate by 31%, while higher financial costs reduce the investment spike rate by 46%. Incorporating irreversible capital into the collateral constraint reduces firms’ debt capacity, leading to an increase in the investment inaction rate, cash holdings, and net dividends.

Suggested Citation

  • Danilo Stojanovic & Veljko Bojovic, 2025. "Firm-level Uncertainty and Frictions: Implications for Capital and Financial Decisions in the US," CERGE-EI Working Papers wp793, The Center for Economic Research and Graduate Education - Economics Institute, Prague.
    • Handle: RePEc:cer:papers:wp793
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Capital Investment; Adjustment Costs; Extensive Margin;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • E22 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies

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