详情
How and Why Do Firms Adjust Their Cash Holdings toward Targets? Evidence from China
We examine the dynamic adjustment of cash holdings of publicly traded Chinese firms
over the period 1998-2006. The empirical evidences are supportive of the dynamic trade-off
theory of cash holdings. Importantly, there is strong evidence to support asymmetric
adjustments. That is, the adjustments from above the target are significantly faster than
adjustments from below. In addition, adjustment speeds are heterogeneous for firms facing
differential adjustment costs. In particular, adjustment speed is negatively related to firm size,
but positively related to the deviation from the target. Furthermore, in terms of adjustment
method, Chinese listed firms make adjustments to their targets primarily through internal
financing, while debt financing and dividend payment play a minimal role. Finally, we find
that the precautionary motive arising from financial constraints explains the cash holdings
adjustment behaviors of Chinese Listed firms well.