Corporate cash holdings and financial crisis: evidence from the emerging market of Greece

Abstract

This paper investigates the determinants and implications of cash holdings during both a recessionary and a growth phase of the Greek economy. Using a sample from 2003 to 2014, we find that, on average, Greek firms hold 13.8% of their total assets as cash and cash equivalents. We build upon the theoretical underpinnings of cash holdings determinants and provide evidence generally supportive of both a static trade-off model and pecking order model. The empirical results indicate that the cash ratio is positively associated with cash flow to assets, capital expenditures, industry cash flow volatility, and dividend payment. In contrast, corporate leverage, net working capital ratio, firm size, and loss are negatively related to cash ratio. This study highlights the importance of formulating additional regulatory actions and accounting policies to shield markets from a looming global shock.