How do firms manage their interest rate exposure?

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 501-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Hecht
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Interest Rate ◽  
Cash Flow ◽  
Fair Value ◽  
Separate Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Firms ◽  
Exposure Data ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Data Granularity

Purpose This paper aims to identify how non-financial firms manage their interest rate (IR) exposure. IR risk is complex, as it comprises the unequal cash flow and fair value risk. The paper is able to separate both risk types and investigate empirically how the exposure is composed and managed, and whether firms increase or decrease their exposure with derivative transactions. Design/methodology/approach The paper examines an unexplored regulatory environment that contains publicly reported IR exposure data on the firms’ exposures before and after hedging. The data were complemented by indicative interviews with four treasury executives of major German corporations, including two DAX-30 firms, to include professional opinions to validate the results. Findings The paper provides new empirical insights about how non-financial firms manage their interest rate exposure. It suggests that firms use hedging instruments to swap from fixed- to floating-rate positions predominantly in the short-to medium-term, and that 63 [37] per cent of IR firm exposure are managed using risk-decreasing [risk-increasing/-constant] strategies. Practical implications Interviewed treasury executives suggest that the advanced disclosures benefit various stakeholders, ranging from financial analysts and shareholders to potential investors through more meaningful analyses on firms’ risk management activities. Further, the treasury executives indicate that the new data granularity would enable firms to carry out unprecedented competitive analyses and thereby benchmark and improve their own risk management. Originality/value The paper is the first empirical study to analyze the interest rate activities of non-financial firms based on actually reported exposure data before and after hedging, rather than using proxy variables. In addition, the new data granularity enables a separate analysis of the cash flow and fair value risk to focus on the non-financial firms’ requirements.

The determinants of corporate FX speculation – Why firms increase risk

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Hecht
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Estimation Errors ◽  
Accounting Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proxy Variables ◽  
Empirically Supported ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Data Granularity

PurposeEmpirical evidence on the determinants of corporate FX speculation is ambiguous. We note that the conflicting findings of prior studies could be the result of different methodologies in determining speculation. Using a novel approach to defining speculative activities, we seek to help solve the puzzle of the determinants of speculation and examine which firms engage in such activities and why they do so.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines an unexplored regulatory environment that contains publicly reported FX risk data on the firms' exposures before and after hedging per year and currency. This unprecedented data granularity allows us to use actual reported volumes instead of proxy variables in defining speculation and to examine whether the convexity theories are empirically supported in FX risk management.FindingsWe find that frequent speculators are smaller, have more growth opportunities and possess lower internal resources, which indicates unprecedented empirical evidence for the convexity theories in FX risk management. Further, we provide evidence that corporate speculation might be linked to the application of hedge accounting.Practical implicationsWe help solve the questions of which and why firms engage in speculative activities. This can provide valuable information to various stakeholders such as financial analysts, investors, or regulators, which can help prevent imperiling corporate losses and curb excessive speculative financial activities.Originality/valueIn order to question the unresolved issue of the determinants of speculation, this paper is the first to use openly available accounting data with actual reported FX exposure information before and after hedging in defining speculation, instead of relying on proxy variables for FX exposure and derivative usage with potential estimation errors.

Corporate cash flow and dividends smoothing: a panel data analysis at Bursa Malaysia

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Apedzan Emmanuel Kighir ◽  
Normah Haji Omar ◽  
Norhayati Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Panel Data ◽  
Cash Flow ◽  
Panel Data Analysis ◽  
Generalized Method Of Moments ◽  
Cash Flows ◽  
Payout Policy ◽  
Free Cash Flow ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Firms ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate and find out the impact of cash flow on changes in dividend payout decisions among non-financial firms quoted at Bursa Malaysia as compared to earnings. There has been renewed debate in recent finance and accounting literature concerning the key determinants of changes in dividends payout policy decisions in some jurisdictions. The conclusion in some is that firms base their dividend decisions on cash flows rather than published earnings. Design/methodology/approach – The research made use of panel data from 1999 to 2012 at Bursa Malaysia, using generalized method of moments as the main method of analysis. Findings – The research finds that Malaysia non-financial firms consider current earnings more important than current cash flow while making dividends payout decisions, and prior year cash flows are considered more important in dividends decisions than prior year earnings. We also found support for Jensen (1986) in Malaysia on agency theory, that managers of firms pay dividends from free cash flow to reduce agency conflicts. Practical implications – The research concludes that Malaysian non-financial firms use current earnings and less of current cash flow in making changes in dividends policy. The policy implication is that current earnings are dividends smoothing agents, and the more they are considered in dividends payout decisions, the less of dividends smoothing. Social implications – If dividends smoothing is encouraged, it could lead to dividends-based earnings management. Originality/value – The research is our novel contribution of assisting investors and government in making informed decisions regarding dividends policy in Malaysia.

The determinants of corporate cash holdings: evidence from Shariah-compliant and non-Shariah-compliant corporations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faisal Alnori ◽  
Abdullah Bugshan ◽  
Walid Bakry
Keyword(s):  
Cash Flow ◽  
Capital Expenditure ◽  
Cash Holdings ◽  
Order Theory ◽  
Working Capital ◽  
Pecking Order Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Firms ◽  
Operating Cash Flow ◽  
The Difference

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the difference between the determinants of cash holdings of Shariah-compliant and non-Shariah-compliant firms, for non-financial corporations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).Design/methodology/approachThe data include all non-financial firms listed in six GCC markets over a period 2005–2019. The IdealRatings database is used to identify Shariah-compliant firms in the GCC. To examine the determinants of cash holdings, a static model is used. To confirm the applicability of the method applied, the Breusch–Pagan Lagrange Multiplier (LM) and Hausman (1978) are used to choose the most efficient and consistent static panel regression.FindingsThe results show that, for Shariah-compliant firms, the relevant determinants of cash holdings are leverage, profitability, capital expenditure, net working capital and operating cash flow. For non-Shariah-compliant firms, the only relevant determinants of cash holdings are leverage, net working capital and operating cash flow. The findings suggest that the cash holding decisions of Shariah-compliant firms can be best explained using the pecking order theory. This reveals that Shariah-compliant firms use liquid assets as their first financing option, due to the Shariah regulations.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies may investigate the optimal levels of cash holdings and compare the adjustment speeds toward target cash holdings of both the Shariah-compliant firms and their conventional counterparts.Originality/valueThis study is the first to investigate the difference between the determinants of cash holdings of Shariah-compliant and non-Shariah-compliant firms.

Issues on the application of IFRS9 and fair value measurement for Islamic financial instruments

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zurina Shafii ◽  
Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Cash Flow ◽  
Fair Value ◽  
Financial Assets ◽  
Financial Instruments ◽  
Fixed Rate ◽  
Accounting Standard ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Fair Value Measurement ◽  
Value Measurement

Purpose This paper aims to examine some issues in IFRS9 with regards to classification and measurement of Islamic financial assets. In addition, the paper discusses the Shariah concerns on the use of fair value to measure financial assets. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts qualitative method via the study of documents and textual analysis of Shariah opinions of scholars and relevant accounting standards. Findings The paper found that the classification and measurement of equity-based Islamic financial assets do not fit into the “default” classification category of amortised cost, as the future cash flow receivable does not constitute solely the payment of principal and interest (fixed rate payment). With regards to fair value measurement, Shariah concern arises during the adoption of fair value at Level 2 (reference of asset values from input other than quoted prices in active markets) and Level 3 (use of discounted cash flow method to arrive to asset valuation) because of the existence of in uncertainty or gharar as compared to Level 1 (fair value referred to quoted prices of similar assets). Practical implications Findings of the paper provide a starting point for a debate and extensive research on issues related to classification and measurement of Islamic financial assets and the use of fair value as a method of subsequent revaluation of Islamic financial assets. The Shariah analysis in the paper is useful for International Accounting Standard Board to engage with Islamic financial institutions and local accounting standard setters to reflect the unique nature of Shariah-compliant financial instruments. The paper serves as a basis to devise technical solutions to address accounting and reporting issues of Islamic financial instruments. Originality/value The paper offers Shariah analysis on the issue of classification, measurement and impairment model for Islamic financial assets. The paper is considered as the first paper that examines areas of possible tensions when applying IFRS9 to the accounting of Islamic financial assets. In addition, the paper has contributed to the literature in Islamic accounting and auditing.

Sharia accounting standard for sukuk (Islamic bond) accounting in Indonesia

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 434-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dodik Siswantoro
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rate ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Accounting Standard ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Islamic Bank ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Suitable Standard

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the need of Islamic banks for specific Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 110 for sukuk accounting in Indonesia. In fact, some Islamic banks have already prepared International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and accordingly, a suitable standard is needed for this case. Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology involved interview with a senior accounting manager of an Islamic bank focusing on relevant topics in sukuk to sharpen the analysis. Equally important, research reviewed and compared financial statements on sukuk accounting among Islamic banks, before and after adoption of sukuk accounting standard. FindingsIFRS require market valuation based on interest rate. As interest rate is unlawful in Islamic teaching, IFRS may not accordingly be suitable. Therefore, SFAS No. 110 was issued by the Indonesian Institute of Accountants (Ikatan Akuntan Indonesia). Considering the fact that this standard did not explicitly adopt the IFRS paradigm, there have been consequent conflicts in Islamic bank management because of preference of global recognition to IFRS. Adopting IFRS would be more compatible with other countries’ general accounting standards. In addition, significant differences are found in sukuk accounting treatments by Islamic banks before and after the standard adoption. Research limitations/implicationsThis research only focuses on such question of why specific accounting standard for sukuk accounting is needed by Islamic banks in Indonesia, while only few Indonesian Islamic banks were initially aware of the issue. Originality/valueThis paper may be the first paper discussing the response to and need for sukuk accounting in Indonesian Islamic banks.

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) growth and financing sources: Before and after the financial crisis

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zélia Serrasqueiro ◽  
João Leitão ◽  
David Smallbone
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rate ◽  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Gross Domestic Product ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Cash Flow ◽  
Firm Size ◽  
Domestic Product ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Interest Rate

AbstractIn this study, the empirical evidence regarding small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) growth determinants allows us to conclude that: (1) stimulating factors are cash flow and gross domestic product; (2) restrictive factors are: debt, firm size, age of the firm and the interest rate; and (3) in the period after 2008, the financial crisis and implementation of austerity measures, in the Portuguese context, produced a negative effect on SME growth. In the period 2008–2012, that is, after the beginning of the financial crisis, cash flow had less importance, while debt was found to have a stronger negative effect on SME growth, compared with the pre-crisis period.

Reputation risk management in financial firms: protecting (some) small investors

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 286-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasheed Saleuddin
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
State Intervention ◽  
Financial Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Firms ◽  
Financial Products ◽  
Reputation Risk ◽  
Retail Investors ◽  
Small Investors

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an explanation and evidence for the recent lack of retail financial product failures in Canada in the face of a (formal) regulatory failure. Design/methodology/approach – The paper applies the literature on self-regulation and reputational risk management to a detailed investigation of the marketing of financial products to Canadian retail investors. Internal approval processes for many different players in the retail financial industry were analyzed in detail primarily using interviews. Findings – The author was able to identify associations between structures and policies at financial firms and outcomes for retail investors. Knowing that prevention is more effective than mitigation, marketers of financial products would generally welcome increased state intervention in terms of more and better information disclosures. Research limitations/implications – The research contributes to our understanding of self-regulation in financial markets, specifically addressing what firm characteristics may be related to positive and negative outcomes for small investors in complex structured financial products. Practical implications – Regulators may be able to imply the research findings in selectively allocating scarce resources to policing firms that may be more inclined to participate in riskier behavior. Financial firms may be able to influence the decisions relating to how regulations are designed and implemented and which products are sold to which clients to minimize reputation risk. Originality/value – This is the first time, to the author's knowledge, that the reputation risk management channel has been analyzed in terms of influencing outcomes for retail (small) investors.

A critical analysis of the use of fair value by Islamic Financial Institutions

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Gharbi
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Interest Rate ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Fair Value ◽  
Islamic Finance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Narrative Methods ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions

Purpose This paper aims to address a specific question over the compatibility of International Financial Reporting Standards with Islamic finance regarding the use of interest rate as discounting rate in impairment testing and valuation techniques. Design/methodology/approach Inductive methodology and qualitative-narrative methods are used to explore the available texts and literature. Findings There are two main findings: first, the use of reference rate obtained in non-Islamic financial system is inappropriate from the Islamic perspective. Interest-based valuation techniques have not been adopted by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions in its adaptation of conventional accounting practices, and the majority of Islamic scholars argue against Interest rate benchmarking. Second, the authors suggest nominal gross domestic product (NGDP) growth rate as an alternative benchmark because Islamic finance, in its ideal sense, is based on and closely linked to the real sector. Moreover, recent studies show that there are no statistical differences between NGDP growth rate and nominal interest rate for most of the countries studied. Originality/value This paper highlights the accounting implications of the prohibition of interest for valuation techniques and raises the need of acceptable alternative pricing benchmark.

Application of text mining in identifying the factors of supply chain financing risk management

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Ying ◽  
Lujie Chen ◽  
Xiande Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Text Mining ◽  
Cash Flow ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Supply Chain Collaboration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flow Monitoring ◽  
Management Factors ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study aims to clarify the risk management practices of banks as supply chain finance (SCF) service providers.Design/methodology/approachUsing 4,014 evaluation and approval reports, this study constructed five risk management factors and examined their functions with secondary data. Two text-mining techniques (i.e. word sense induction, TF–IDF) were used to equip the classic routine of dictionary-based content analysis.FindingsThis research successfully identified four important risk management factors: relationship-based assessment, asset monitoring, cash flow monitoring and supply chain collaboration. The default-preventing effect of these factors are different and contingent on the type of financing contexts (i.e. preshipment, postshipment).Practical implicationsThe empirical evidences provide practical implications for SCF service providers to manage risk. SCF service providers are suggested to pay more attention to cash flow monitoring when providing postshipment financing services and shift the focus to relationship building and supply chain collaboration when providing preshipment financing services.Originality/valueThe study shows that a large volume of textual materials can provide adequate clues for researches as long as they are mined with suitable analytic techniques and approaches. Based on the results, SCF service providers can identify problems of their operations and directions for improvement. In addition, the risk management vocabulary from the E&A reports can be utilized by SCF service providers to digitize their loan approving process and, further, to facilitate the decision-makings.

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