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Market Implied Ratings and Financing Constraints: Evidence from US Firms

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  • Serafeim Tsoukas
  • Marina-Eliza Spaliara

Abstract

Financing constraints have been found to play an important role in several aspects of firm behavior, but no attention has been given to their effects on credit ratings. In this paper we analyze a unique and comprehensive data set for US firms rated by Fitch over the period 2001–07. We employ Fitch's market implied ratings derived from bond and equity prices. The analysis finds evidence that financial variables are more important in predicting credit ratings for firms likely to face financing constraints. We conclude that the financing constraint is an important dimension in the market implied ratings process. Our findings are of relevance to managers, investors and rating agencies seeking to understand the mechanism through which financing constraints affect credit ratings.

Suggested Citation

  • Serafeim Tsoukas & Marina-Eliza Spaliara, 2014. "Market Implied Ratings and Financing Constraints: Evidence from US Firms," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(1-2), pages 242-269, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jbfnac:v:41:y:2014:i:1-2:p:242-269
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    2. Subash Sasidharan & M. Padmaja, 2018. "Do Financing Constraints Impact Outward Foreign Direct Investment? Evidence from India," Asian Development Review, MIT Press, vol. 35(1), pages 108-132, March.
    3. Ozturk, Huseyin & Namli, Ersin & Erdal, Halil Ibrahim, 2016. "Modelling sovereign credit ratings: The accuracy of models in a heterogeneous sample," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 469-478.
    4. Sermpinis, Georgios & Tsoukas, Serafeim & Zhang, Ping, 2018. "Modelling market implied ratings using LASSO variable selection techniques," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 19-35.
    5. Marcin Borsuk & Błażej Lepczyński, 2021. "Rating implikowany a koszt finansowania banków notowanych na Giełdzie Papierów Wartościowych w Warszawie," Gospodarka Narodowa. The Polish Journal of Economics, Warsaw School of Economics, issue 1, pages 87-109.
    6. Borsuk, Marcin & Lepczyński, Błażej, 2021. "Rating implikowany a koszt finansowania banków notowanych na Giełdzie Papierów Wartościowych w Warszawie," Gospodarka Narodowa-The Polish Journal of Economics, Szkoła Główna Handlowa w Warszawie / SGH Warsaw School of Economics, vol. 2021(1), March.
    7. Håkan Jankensgård, 2015. "The Relationship between Voluntary Disclosure, External Financing and Financial Status," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 42(7-8), pages 860-884, September.

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