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An Analytic Framework For Interpreting Investment Regressions In The Presence Of Financial Constraints

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  • Andrew B. Abel
  • Stavros Panageas

Abstract

A financial constraint that prevents access to external funds induces non-classical measurement error in average q as a proxy for unobservable marginal q. Unlike classical measurement error, this measurement error biases upward the coefficient on average q in a univariate regression of investment on average q. In a multiple regression of investment on average q and cash flow, the coefficient on cash flow is positive. The positive cash-flow coefficient indicates the presence of a financial constraint, but it does not indicate a shortage of liquidity to fund current investment. In addition, the coefficient on average q is biased downward.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew B. Abel & Stavros Panageas, 2020. "An Analytic Framework For Interpreting Investment Regressions In The Presence Of Financial Constraints," NBER Working Papers 26898, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:26898
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    Cited by:

    1. Mary Amiti & Sang Hoon Kong & David Weinstein, 2020. "The Effect of the U.S.-China Trade War on U.S. Investment," NBER Working Papers 27114, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Andrew B Abel & Stavros Panageas, 2023. "Precautionary Saving in a Financially Constrained Firm," The Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 36(7), pages 2878-2921.
    3. Mirko Draca & Jason Garred & Leanne Stickland & Nele Warrinnier, 2023. "On Target? Sanctions and the Economic Interests of Elite Policymakers in Iran," The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 133(649), pages 159-200.
    4. Umar Farooq & Mosab I. Tabash & Ahmad A. Al-Naimi & Krzysztof Drachal, 2022. "Corporate Investment Decision: A Review of Literature," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-17, December.
    5. Matteo F. Ghilardi & Roy Zilberman, 2024. "Macroeconomic Effects of Dividend Taxation with Investment Credit Limits," Journal of Political Economy Macroeconomics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 2(3), pages 409-448.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E22 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
    • G33 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Bankruptcy; Liquidation
    • G35 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Payout Policy

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