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Financial constraints, cash flow timing patterns, and asset prices

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  • Hu, Weiping
  • Li, Kai
  • Zhang, Xiao

Abstract

We show that firms collect almost 70% of their cash flows in the second half of the fiscal year, and that firms that collect more cash by year-end earn a 6.8% higher per annum risk premium and save more cash. We rationalize these facts in a quantitative investment-based asset pricing model. Immediate cash payments negatively affect profitability, but reduce equity financing costs by increasing information transparency. Financially constrained firms optimally collect more cash at year-end when firms’ performance attracts more attention and information transparency is more valuable. Such behavior further results in greater exposure to aggregate productivity and financial shocks.

Suggested Citation

  • Hu, Weiping & Li, Kai & Zhang, Xiao, 2024. "Financial constraints, cash flow timing patterns, and asset prices," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfinec:v:157:y:2024:i:c:s0304405x24000783
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfineco.2024.103855
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