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Nonparametric models of financial leverage decisions

Author

Listed:
  • Joao A. Bastos

    (CEMAPRE, School of Economics and Management (ISEG), Technical University of Lisbon)

  • Joaquim J. S. Ramalho

    (Department of Economics and CEFAGE, University of Evora)

Abstract

This paper investigates the properties of nonparametric decision tree models in the analysis of financial leverage decisions. This approach presents two appealing features: the relationship between leverage ratios and the explanatory variables is not predetermined but is derived according to information provided by the data, and the models respect the bounded and fractional nature of leverage ratios. The analysis shows that tree models suggest relationships between explanatory variables and the relative amount of issued debt that parametric models fail to capture. Furthermore, the significant relationships found by tree models are in most cases in accordance with the effects predicted by the pecking-order theory. The results also show that two-part tree models can accommodate better the distinct effects of explanatory variables on the decision to issue debt and on the amount of debt issued by firms that do resort to debt.

Suggested Citation

  • Joao A. Bastos & Joaquim J. S. Ramalho, 2010. "Nonparametric models of financial leverage decisions," CEMAPRE Working Papers 1005, Centre for Applied Mathematics and Economics (CEMAPRE), School of Economics and Management (ISEG), Technical University of Lisbon.
    • Handle: RePEc:cma:wpaper:1005
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    Cited by:

    1. Feng Li & Mattias Villani, 2013. "Efficient Bayesian Multivariate Surface Regression," Scandinavian Journal of Statistics, Danish Society for Theoretical Statistics;Finnish Statistical Society;Norwegian Statistical Association;Swedish Statistical Association, vol. 40(4), pages 706-723, December.
    2. Villani, Mattias & Kohn, Robert & Nott, David J., 2012. "Generalized smooth finite mixtures," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 171(2), pages 121-133.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Capital structure; Fractional regression; Decision trees; Two-part models;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • 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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