Why firms hedge with currency derivatives: an examination of transaction and translation exposure

Abstract

This article examines Swedish firms' use of currency derivatives to provide empirical evidence on the determinants of firms' hedging decisions. The study uses survey data in combination with publicly available data.The use of survey data makes it possible to differentiate between currency derivative usage aimed at hedging translation exposure and that aimed at hedging transaction exposure. This is of interest since translation exposure and transaction exposure tend to affect firms differently. The results are consistent with the conjecture that firms hedge transaction exposure with currency derivatives to increase firm value by reducing indirect costs of financial distress or alleviating the underinvestment problem. No evidence is found to support the notion that translation exposure hedges are used to increase firm value.