Financial flexibility, firm performance, and financial distress: A comparative study of China and the U.S. during pandemics

This study examines the relationship between financial flexibility, financial distress, and firm performance during pandemics, using data from 26,621 North American-listed firms and 5,212 China-listed firms from 2000 to 2022. We investigate whether financial flexibility influences firm performance and financial distress, with firm performance acting as a moderator in this relationship. Our findings highlight that financial flexibility is a crucial strategic tool for mitigating economic uncertainties, effectively reducing financial distress in the U.S. In contrast, its impact in China is more complex, influenced by market maturity and regulatory interventions, especially during economic turbulence. The study also reveals differing roles of profitability and firm size between the two markets. In the U.S., larger and more profitable firms prioritize growth over financial stability, whereas in China, there is a greater emphasis on liquidity and market perception. During the SARS pandemic, China's rapid regulatory response and strong government intervention made financial flexibility more effective in reducing financial distress. Conversely, during COVID-19, the U.S. market showed robust mechanisms and corporate adaptability, with financial flexibility helping firms manage liquidity crises and market volatility. In China, stricter regulations during COVID-19 limited the role of financial flexibility, but strong government support-maintained market stability. Overall, this study underscores the different impacts of financial flexibility on Chinese and U.S. markets during pandemics and the critical role of firm performance in moderating the relationship between financial flexibility and financial distress under varying economic conditions and policy environments.