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Cash holdings, ambiguity aversion, and investment puzzles

Author

Listed:
  • Zhao, Zhiming
  • Liu, Yuyao
  • Pan, Qiong

Abstract

We consider a real options model with ambiguity to investigate how cash holdings and ambiguity aversion affect a firm’s dynamic investments. First, we prove a unique positive ambiguity coefficient exists when ambiguity exceeds it such that entrepreneurs believe the project is “too valueless to invest in”. Second, the coupons demanded by creditors increase with ambiguity, and cash holdings reduce the ambiguity premium. Our research provides a new explanation as to why companies abandon investment and hold more cash under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao, Zhiming & Liu, Yuyao & Pan, Qiong, 2023. "Cash holdings, ambiguity aversion, and investment puzzles," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:229:y:2023:i:c:s0165176523002173
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2023.111192
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Luo, Pengfei & Tian, Yuan, 2022. "Investment, payout, and cash management under risk and ambiguity," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    2. Wolfgang Breuer & Marc O. Rieger & K. Can Soypak, 2017. "Corporate Cash Holdings and Ambiguity Aversion," Review of Finance, European Finance Association, vol. 21(5), pages 1933-1974.
    3. Attaoui, Sami & Cao, Wenbin & Duan, Xiaoman & Liu, Hening, 2021. "Optimal capital structure, ambiguity aversion, and leverage puzzles," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    4. Yehuda Izhakian & David Yermack & Jaime F. Zender, 2022. "Ambiguity and the Tradeoff Theory of Capital Structure," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 68(6), pages 4090-4111, June.
    5. repec:oup:rfinst:v:21:y:2017:i:5:p:1933-1974. is not listed on IDEAS
    6. M. Trojanowska & P. M. Kort, 2010. "The Worst Case for Real Options," Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications, Springer, vol. 146(3), pages 709-734, September.
    7. Delaney, Laura, 2022. "The impact of operational delay on irreversible investment under Knightian uncertainty," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Ambiguity aversion; Cash holdings; Investment; Pricing deviation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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