Equity Issuances and the Value of Cash Holdings

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of equity issuances on the marginal value of cash. We find the marginal value of cash is higher to firms saving cash from equity issuances than to firms with low or no equity issuances. Our results support the precautionary motive for cash generation. Additionally, the capital market values additional cash higher to firms more likely saving cash from private placements relative to public offerings. Such valuation difference is attributed to the monitoring effect from private placements, and the value difference between the two equity issuance mechanisms varies with the corporate governance environment that firms face.