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Journal of Financial Economics Vol. 58 No. 3 2000

Testing static tradeoff against pecking order models of capital structure: a critical comment

Robert S. Chirinko1,2; Anuja R Singha3

1 Ifo Institute for Economic Research · 2 Emory University · 3 INVESCO Global Asset Management, N.A., Atlanta, Georgia, 30309, USA

Abstract

In a recent paper, Shyam-Sunder and Myers (1999) introduce a new test of the Pecking Order Model. This comment shows that their elegantly simple test generates misleading inferences when evaluating plausible patterns of external financing. Our results, coupled with the power problem with the Static Tradeoff Model documented by Shyam-Sunder and Myers, indicate that their empirical evidence can evaluate neither the Pecking Order nor Static Tradeoff Models. Alternative tests are needed that can identify the determinants of capital structure and can discriminate among competing hypotheses.

DOI
10.1016/s0304-405x(00)00078-7
Volume
58
Issue
3
Pages
417-425
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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