An International Comparison of Capital Structure and Debt Maturity Choices

55 Pages Posted: 27 Dec 2004 Last revised: 4 Oct 2011

See all articles by Joseph P. H. Fan

Joseph P. H. Fan

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) - School of Accountancy

Garry J. Twite

University of Melbourne - Department of Finance; University of Melbourne - Faculty of Business and Economics; Financial Research Network (FIRN)

Sheridan Titman

University of Texas at Austin - Department of Finance; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Date Written: October 4, 2011

Abstract

This study examines the influence of institutional environment on capital structure and debt maturity choices by examining a cross-section of firms in 39 developed and developing countries. We find that a country’s legal and tax system, the level of corruption and the preferences of capital suppliers explain a significant portion of the variation in leverage and debt maturity ratios. Our evidence indicate that firms in countries that are viewed as more corrupt tend to use less equity and more debt, especially short-term debt, while firms operating within legal systems that provide better protection for financial claimants tend to have capital structures with more equity, and relatively more long-term debt. In addition, the existence of an explicit bankruptcy code and/or deposit insurance is associated with higher leverage and more long-term debt. We also find that firms tend to use more debt in countries where there is a greater tax gain from leverage, while firms in countries with larger government bond markets have lower leverage, suggesting that government bonds tend to crowd out corporate debt. Countries with more extensive defined benefit pension funds have higher debt ratios and longer debt maturities, whereas those with more extensive defined contribution fund activities have lower debt ratios. In addition, debt ratios are lower in countries that limit the bond holdings of pension funds. Finally, we do not find a significant association between financing choices and the size of the insurance industry.

Keywords: Capital structure, Debt maturity

JEL Classification: G30, G32

Suggested Citation

Fan, Po Hung Joseph P. H. and Twite, Garry J. and Twite, Garry J. and Titman, Sheridan, An International Comparison of Capital Structure and Debt Maturity Choices (October 4, 2011). AFA 2005 Philadelphia Meetings, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=423483 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.423483

Po Hung Joseph P. H. Fan (Contact Author)

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) - School of Accountancy ( email )

Shatin, N.T.
Hong Kong
(852) 26097839 (Phone)
(852) 26035114 (Fax)

Garry J. Twite

University of Melbourne - Department of Finance ( email )

Faculty of Economics and Commerce
Parkville, Victoria 3010 3010
Australia

University of Melbourne - Faculty of Business and Economics ( email )

Department of Finance
Melbourne, VIC 3010
Australia
+61 3 90356172 (Phone)

Financial Research Network (FIRN) ( email )

C/- University of Queensland Business School
St Lucia, 4071 Brisbane
Queensland
Australia

Sheridan Titman

University of Texas at Austin - Department of Finance ( email )

Red McCombs School of Business
Austin, TX 78712
United States
512-232-2787 (Phone)
512-471-5073 (Fax)

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

1050 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

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