Financial distress cost of Italian small and medium enterprises

Purpose This paper aims to propose a theoretical model designed to predict the likelihood of financial distress of an enterprise and to quantify the damages whenever the financial crisis became full-blown. Design/methodology/approach Coherently with the objectives of the paper, the analysis considers the last seven exercises (period: 1999/2006) of a sample of 25.000 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (volume of sales: < 20 mlns; number of employees: < 250) organized in the form of Ltd. The empirical investigation has been affected through the use of BvD database: Aida and Mint Italy. Findings The analysis shows that the ex post costs of financial distress decrease in relation to the company’s increased ability to use intangible assets and in relation to the local roots of the banks (local banks rather than international banking groups). Research limitations/implications The instruments used for this study need to be subjected to more statistical tests to establish a more robust validity and reliability. Replication of this study using larger samples and a broader geographic base (extended at European level) is suggested. Practical implications The timely monitoring of investigated variables allows you to mitigate the costs of exit from the market. Originality/value Following the global financial crisis, this paper sheds new light on the financial distress cost of Italian SMEs.

The Indirect Costs of Financial Distress in Indonesia

This paper presents quantitative estimates of the indirect cost of financial distress and its determinants. In order to measure the cost, this study estimates the annualized changes in industry-adjusted operation profit and sales from a year before the onset of distress to the resolution year. Using those approaches, the median of indirect financial distress cost is estimated between three and 11 percent annually. To the extent that the direct cost of financial distress reduces reported operating income, the estimated costs are overstated. The simple regressions analysis suggest that the indirect cost of financial distress significantly increases with size, leverage, number of creditors, and poor industry performance, but is not related to degree of bank loan reliance. The findings provide a weak support for the financial distress theory which suggests that conflicts of interest render the costs of financial distress.