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Market timing and the debt-equity choice

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  • Elliott, William B.
  • Koëter-Kant, Johanna
  • Warr, Richard S.

Abstract

We test the market timing theory of capital structure using an earnings-based valuation model that allows us to separate equity mispricing from growth options and time-varying adverse selection; thus avoiding the multiple interpretations of book-to-market ratio. We find that equity market mispricing plays a significant, if not dominant, role in the security choice decision. Our results are robust to the inclusion of proxies for time-varying growth options and alternate methods of measuring misvaluation.

Suggested Citation

  • Elliott, William B. & Koëter-Kant, Johanna & Warr, Richard S., 2008. "Market timing and the debt-equity choice," Journal of Financial Intermediation, Elsevier, vol. 17(2), pages 175-197, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfinin:v:17:y:2008:i:2:p:175-197
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    Cited by:

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    8. Yang Zhao & Cheng Few Lee & Min-Teh Yu, 2024. "Does Equity Market Timing have a Persistent Impact on Capital Structure? Evidence from China," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Cheng Few Lee & Alice C Lee & John C Lee (ed.), Handbook of Investment Analysis, Portfolio Management, and Financial Derivatives In 4 Volumes, chapter 11, pages 363-397, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
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    15. Elliott, William B. & Prevost, Andrew K. & Rao, Ramesh P., 2009. "The announcement impact of seasoned equity offerings on bondholder wealth," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 33(8), pages 1472-1480, August.
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    17. Mohammed Benlemlih & Jingwen Ge & Sujiao Zhao, 2021. "Undervaluation and non‐financial information: Evidence from voluntary disclosure of CSR news," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(5-6), pages 785-814, May.
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    19. Thomas J. O'Brien & Linda Schmid Klein & James I. Hilliard, 2007. "Capital Structure Swaps and Shareholder Wealth," European Financial Management, European Financial Management Association, vol. 13(5), pages 979-997, November.
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    21. Iqbal Hussain, Hafezali & Mohd Farid, Shamsudin & Noor H, Jabarullah, 2016. "Non Linear Speed of Adjustment to Lead Leverage Levels and the Timing Element in Equity Issues: Empirical Evidence from the UK," MPRA Paper 79261, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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