scholarly journals The impact of firm characteristics on speed of adjustment to target leverage: a UK study

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Fitzgerald ◽  
J. Ryan
2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bashar K. Abu Khalaf

The different capital structure theories propose the possible asymmetric behavior of capital structure. Thus, this paper empirically investigates whether non-financial Jordanian firms follow symmetrical or asymmetrical adjustment model. Then, an interaction model with the size and profitability (firm characteristics) investigated the impact of low/high profit and small/large size on the adjustment of leverage towards the target leverage ratio. This paper covered the period of 14 years (2002-2015) for a total of 110 companies listed on Amman Stock Exchange (75 industrial and 35 services). Results indicate that although Jordanian firms seek a target leverage ratio, their adjustment towards that target is Asymmetrical and high profitable and large companies tend to adjust faster than low profitable and small size companies.


Author(s):  
Norfhadzilahwati Rahim ◽  
Fauzias Mat Nor ◽  
Nurainna Ramli ◽  
Ainulashikin Marzuki

This study investigates two main objectives. Firstly, the determinants of capital structure were examined for each sector among Malaysian Shariah-compliant firms, and whether the inclusion of Islamic debt (leverage 1 and leverage 2) has led to different results due to changes in the screening methodology. Secondly, this paper analyzes the target Capital Structure and Speed of Adjustment for both before and after the Revised Screening Methodology. This study employs panel data analysis by using generalized method of moment (GMM). The sample consists of 192 Shariah-compliant companies in Malaysia during the period of 1999 to 2017. The results demonstrated that the firm has target capital structure and identified specific determinants that have affected the capital structure of Shariah-compliant firms in Malaysia. Moreover, the findings have also revealed certain implications toward large firms. Large firms tend to generate more income and profit, however at the same time, these firms require more debt to support investment activities. Hence, with regards to profitability, this study identified a negative relationship between profitability and leverage for Shariah-compliant firms for all sectors. Shariah-compliant firms with high profitability will use a lower leverage in their financial activities. Thus, the results strongly support the pecking order theory. Other than that, this study found that the lagged dependent variable (lagged leverage 1 and leverage 2) presented a positive significance, and concluded that the speed of adjustment takes approximately 2 years. This suggests that the Shariah-compliant firms close approximately by 30% to 70% of the gap between current and target capital structure within one and two years. Furthermore, the findings on the target leverage level imply that after the revised screening methodology was introduced in November 2013, the speed of adjustment became faster than before the implementation of the new screening methodology. Thus, it is important for management to maintain the target leverage during financial decision making, which in turn strengthens the firm’s Shariah-compliant financial stability and sustainability, and continue to remain listed as Shariah-compliant securities. This paper provides an overview of capital structure behaviour in Malaysia.  


2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 1105-1133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralf Elsas ◽  
David Florysiak

AbstractResearchers in empirical corporate finance often use bounded ratios (e.g., debt ratios) as dependent variables in their regressions. Using the example of estimating the speed of adjustment toward target leverage, we show by Monte Carlo and resampling experiments that commonly applied estimators yield severely biased estimates, as they ignore that debt ratios are fractional (i.e., bounded between 0 and 1). We propose a new unbiased estimator for adjustment speed in the presence of fractional dependent variables that also controls for unobserved heterogeneity and unbalanced panel data. This new estimator is suitable for corporate finance applications beyond capital structure research.


Organizacija ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafezali Iqbal Hussain ◽  
Sebastian Kot ◽  
Hassanudin Mohd Thas Thaker ◽  
Jason J Turner

AbstractBackground and Purpose: This study investigates the impact of environmental reporting on speed of adjustment and adjustment costs which is evaluated based on the ability of firms to adjust to target leverage level for non-financial firms listed in the Malaysian Stock Exchange (Bursa Malaysia).Design/Methodology/ Approach: The study selects Malaysian firms based on the contracting and political cost of the economy which is seen as a relationship-based economy. This in turn influences a firm’s ability to obtain external financing and thus has an important impact on capital structure decisions. In addition, the method employed allows for a direct measure on adjustment cost for firms. The current study utilises a dynamic regime switching model based on the DPF estimator to estimate rate of adjustment to optimal target levels based on the distinction of environmental reporting of public listed firms. The approach allows statistical inferences to control for potential serial correlation, endogeneity and heterogeneity concerns which accounts for firm specific characteristics.Results: The empirical findings suggest voluntary disclosure on environmental reporting increases a firm’s ability to access external financing at a cheaper cost as evidenced by a more rapid rate of adjustment. The findings are consistent across differing endogenous and exogenous factors indicating that these firms tend to face lower adjustment costs.Conclusion: The current study provides a direct measure on the ability of firms to adjust to target levels via security issues and repurchases in the capital markets. This in turn is a reflection of perceived riskiness and value from the investors’ point of view in an emerging market. Prior studies have focused on environmental reporting and equity risk premiums and have not evaluated the direct impact on firm value given that the trade-off theory of capital structure predicts that firm value is maximised at target i.e. optimal levels of leverage. This study addresses the current gap in the literature by evaluating the impact on firms’ value, based on the adjustment cost.


2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 22-39
Author(s):  
Son Hung Tran

The principal objective of this article is to investigate the adjustment process toward target capital structure and analyze the impact of well-know firm characteristic variables on the speed of adjustment toward target debt ratio. Specifically, firms that tend to undertake quick adjustment have high profitability, low growth opportunities, limited tangible assets and small size, and then suggest some implication for the target to maximize firm value.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Albert Naiem Naguib ◽  
Eahab Elsaid ◽  
Abdel Moneim Elsaid

This study examines the relationship between dynamic capabilities (experience, routine, skills, firm characteristics, knowledge and technology) and competitive advantage sustainability in the Egyptian pharmaceutical sector. The data was collected using primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was collected from questionnaires distributed to 160 top managers in 20 pharmaceutical firms. The secondary data about pharmaceutical firms like rankings, revenues and market share was collected from external sources such as Intercontinental Marketing Service (IMS). The questionnaires examine six independent variables based on a five-scale Likert scale. The methodology used in the study is non-probability sampling (judgmental sampling), Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient and Chi-square tests. The results support the notion that there is a significant relationship between four of the six dynamic capabilities (experience, skills, firm characteristics and knowledge) and the competitive advantage sustainability for pharmaceutical firms in Egypt. Designing the questionnaire and formulating the questions to target the required field was challenging, given that the topic is dynamic and the business scene in Egypt has witnessed drastic political changes since January 2011. The study should assist pharmaceutical companies in Egypt in directing their investments properly and in determining the weaknesses in their dynamic capabilities that need to be addressed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Temitope Olamide Fagbemi ◽  
Olubunmi Florence Osemene ◽  
Oyinlade Agbaje

Sometimes the rivalry between shareholders and management is an indication of the level of entrenchment within the corporate environment. Managers are believed to routinely manipulate earnings in order to mislead shareholders about their company's actual economic outlook or performance. As a result, the study investigated the impact of managerial entrenchment, firm characteristics and earnings management of conglomerate companies in Nigeria. Employing the ex-post facto research design, the data was gathered from secondary source of the 6 listed conglomerate companies for the 11-year period running (2008-2018). The study used discretionary accruals a proxy for earnings management and to calculate discretionary accruals, the study used modified Jones model. The result showed that management entrenchment and firm characteristics have Impact on multinational firms ' earnings management in Nigeria. Specifically, from the conglomerate’s entrenchment proxies, CEO’s tenure has a positive and significant impact on earnings management (coff. =1.062821, p-value =0.0367) and management entrenchment as measured by CEO’s shareholding has a negative and insignificant effect on earnings management (coff. =-6252391, p-value = 0.4090) while firm size, profitability and leverage indicated a significant and positive impact on earnings management (coff, = 0.124587, p-value = 0.0000; coff. = 0.006647, p-value = 0.0431 and coff. = 0.032065, p-value = 0.0000). The study therefore recommended among others that management should reduce the debt in their capital structure in order to improve their companies’ value and their capital structure should be majorly financed by equity rather than debt and reduce CEOs tenure to minimise earnings management practices.


2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 367-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chukwuma C. Nwuba ◽  
Uche S. Egwuatu ◽  
Babatunde M. Salawu

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate client influence on mortgage valuation in Nigeria to establish and rank the means of influence clients employ, and the impact of firm characteristics on client influence. Design/methodology/approach – A combination of cross-sectional survey and focus groups research designs was adopted. Questionnaire structured on five-point Likert format was used to collect data from a sample of valuation firms in five Nigerian cities. Descriptive statistics, χ2, and moderated hierarchical linear model were used for data analysis. Findings – Clients’ means of influence on valuation are more of subtle approach than threat or coercion. The most prevalent means are respectively, plea for assistance, promise of continued retainership on banks’ valuer panels, and disclosing the loan amount. Client influence differs across cities; firm characteristics have no influence on client pressure. Practical implications – The research provides basis for valuation bodies to review practice rules and standards and seek for legislation for valuer independence. It can serve as material for teaching and training in professional ethics. Social implications – Biased valuations jeopardises credit risk mitigation process with potential for destabilising banks, finance sector, and consequences for the economy. Originality/value – The study provides empirical evidence of the nature of client influence across several major Nigerian cities. In contrast to existing Nigerian studies that focus on single cities, the study covers several cities. It therefore provides a broad basis for problem-solving and decision-making.


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