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TITLE:
Q, Cash Flow and Investment: An Econometric Critique

AUTHOR(S):
Christopher F. Baum , Boston College
Clifford F. Thies, Shenandoah University

DOCUMENT TYPE: Article

ABSTRACT:
The effects of measurement and specification error on estimates of the Q and cash flow model of investment are investigated. Two sources of error are considered: expensing of R&D expenditures and failing to identify that component of cash flow which relaxes financing constraints. We apply random-effects and instrumental variables estimators to a model that addresses these sources of error. We find that: (1) the capitalization of R&D strengthens the explanatory power of the model; (2) expected and unexpected components of cash flow have different effects; and (3) the effects of Q are much more evident in firms facing low costs of external finance.

Publication Status: published, Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, 1999 (12:35-47).