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Firms' investment under financing constraints. An euro area investigation

Author

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  • Rozália Pál

    (European University Viadrina)

  • Roman Kozhan

    (The University of Warwick)

Abstract

In this paper we describe a theoretical model of optimal investment of various types of financially constrained firms. We show that the resulting relationship between internal funds and investment is non-monotonic. In particular, the magnitude of the cash flow sensitivity of the investment is lower for firms with credit rationing compared to firms that are able to obtain short-term external financing. The inverse relationship is driven by the leverage multiplier effect. A positive cash flow shock increases the short-term borrowing capacity of the firm, which in turn has a positive effect on investment and firm's growth. Moreover, the leverage multiplier effect is the highest for firms relying on short-term credits and it is lower for firms that are able to obtain long-term financing. Analysing a large euro area data set we find strong empirical support for our theoretical predictions. The results also help to explain some contradictory findings in the financing constraints literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Rozália Pál & Roman Kozhan, 2006. "Firms' investment under financing constraints. An euro area investigation," CERS-IE WORKING PAPERS 0606, Institute of Economics, Centre for Economic and Regional Studies, revised 21 Jul 2006.
    • Handle: RePEc:has:discpr:0606
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Financing constraints; growth; investment; cash flow sensitivity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D92 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Intertemporal Firm Choice, Investment, Capacity, and Financing
    • G3 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance
    • 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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