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Research Details

Why Do Firms Use High Discount Rates?, Journal of Financial Economics

Abstract

We present evidence consistent with operational constraints leading firms to use high discount rates that average twice the firms’ cost of financial capital. Based on a survey of CFOs matched to archival data, we find that firms with abundant access to capital but limited qualified management or manpower appear to forgo profitable projects in preparation for more profitable future investment opportunities. Consistent with this explanation, firms that use high discount rates have strong balance sheets, low leverage, and large cash holdings. In addition, firms appear to increase discount rates to account for idiosyncratic risk.

Type

Article

Author(s)

Ravi Jagannathan, David A. Matsa, Vefa Tarhan, Iwan Meier

Date Published

2016

Citations

Jagannathan, Ravi, David A. Matsa, Vefa Tarhan, and Iwan Meier. 2016. Why Do Firms Use High Discount Rates?. Journal of Financial Economics.(3): 445-463.

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