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A New Test of Capital Structure

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  • Colin Mayer
  • Oren Sussman

Abstract

This paper reports a new test of capital structure theories. It uses a filtering technique to identify large investment spikes. We find that the spikes are predominantly financed with debt by large firms and with new equity by small firms. In the process of financing large projects, firms move significantly away from their previous capital structure, as predicted by the pecking order theory. Furthermore, consistent with the pecking order theory, new equity issues are primarily associated with small, loss-making firms. However, we also observe a tendency for firms to adjust back to previous levels of leverage, consistent with a trade-off theory. We conclude that a combination of the pecking order and trade-off theories provides a good description of short-run and longer run dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Colin Mayer & Oren Sussman, 2003. "A New Test of Capital Structure," OFRC Working Papers Series 2003fe16, Oxford Financial Research Centre.
    • Handle: RePEc:sbs:wpsefe:2003fe16
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Bargeron, Leonce & Denis, David & Lehn, Kenneth, 2018. "Financing investment spikes in the years surrounding World War I⁎," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 130(2), pages 215-236.
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    9. Sapienza, Paola & Polk, Christopher, 2003. "The Real Effects of Investor Sentiment," CEPR Discussion Papers 3826, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    10. Tsyplakov, Sergey, 2008. "Investment frictions and leverage dynamics," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 89(3), pages 423-443, September.
    11. Saumitra, Bhaduri, 2012. "Why do firms issue equity? Some evidence from an emerging economy, India," MPRA Paper 38043, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    12. Massa, Massimo & Peyer, Urs & Tong, Zhenxu, 2005. "Limits of Arbitrage and Corporate Financial Policy," CEPR Discussion Papers 4829, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    13. Ralph de Haas & Marga Peeters, 2006. "The dynamic adjustment towards target capital structures of firms in transition economies," The Economics of Transition, The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, vol. 14(1), pages 133-169, March.
    14. DeAngelo, Harry & DeAngelo, Linda & Whited, Toni M., 2011. "Capital structure dynamics and transitory debt," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 99(2), pages 235-261, February.

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    JEL classification:

    • 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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