We use a dynamic framework and panel methodology to investigate the determinants of a firms' time-varying capital structure. Our sample comprises 706 European firms from France, Germany, Italy and the U.K. over the period from 1983 to 2002. If capital structure adjustment is costly, firms may...

We show that business cycle dynamics and, in particular, the cyclicality of a firm's growth opportunities, determine the value of cash holdings. Cash is more valuable for firms with relatively more attractive growth opportunities in bad states of the business cycle. Cash holdings provide the...

We use a dynamic adjustment model and panel methodology to investigate the determinants of a time-varying optimal capital structure. Because firms may temporarily deviate from their optimal capital structure in the presence of adjustment costs, we also endogenize the adjustment process. In...