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Internationalization and the capital structure of firms in emerging markets: Evidence from Latin America before and after the financial crisis

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  • Melgarejo Duran, Mauricio
  • Stephen, Sheryl-Ann

Abstract

This study examines the impact of internationalization on the capital structure of firms in emerging markets before and after the financial crisis of 2008, with evidence from five countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Peru). We find that before the financial crisis, Latin American MNCs are characterized by lower debt levels than purely domestic firms. However, after the financial crisis, we find that the MNCs are characterized by higher debt levels. This finding suggests that after the financial crisis, the Latin American MNCs (like many firms) may be taking advantage of their access to low interest rates in the global capital markets.

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  • Melgarejo Duran, Mauricio & Stephen, Sheryl-Ann, 2020. "Internationalization and the capital structure of firms in emerging markets: Evidence from Latin America before and after the financial crisis," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 54(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:riibaf:v:54:y:2020:i:c:s0275531920303329
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ribaf.2020.101288
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Internationalization; Multinationals; Capital structure; Debt; Security issuance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • F34 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Lending and Debt Problems
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • 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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