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Zero-Leverage Puzzle: An International Comparison

Author

Listed:
  • Sadok El Ghoul
  • Omrane Guedhami
  • Chuck Kwok
  • Xiaolan Zheng

Abstract

Using a large sample of firms from developed and developing countries over the 1990–2010 period, we document evidence of zero-leverage firms around the world. Further, we find strong and robust evidence that in countries with high scores on Schwartz’s Conservatism and Mastery indices as well as high levels of trust, firms are more likely to employ a zero-leverage policy, after controlling for various firm- and country-level determinants of leverage. Finally, we find that firms with zero leverage have a lower cost of equity capital in countries where a zero-leverage policy is more compatible with the local culture.

Suggested Citation

  • Sadok El Ghoul & Omrane Guedhami & Chuck Kwok & Xiaolan Zheng, 2018. "Zero-Leverage Puzzle: An International Comparison," Review of Finance, European Finance Association, vol. 22(3), pages 1063-1120.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:revfin:v:22:y:2018:i:3:p:1063-1120.
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