The aim of this study is to investigate the capital structure determinants of Palestinian corporations. The hypotheses have been developed in light of three capital structure theories namely tradeoff theory, agency theory, and pecking order theory in addition to the empirical findings of past literature. Unbalanced panel data of 33 non-financial Palestinian corporations from 2005 to 2013 was used in model estimation. Models are estimated using pooled, fixed effects and random effects. Results demonstrate that firm size, growth opportunities, and non-debt tax shield are positively related to leverage ratio while profitability is negatively related to leverage. These results are mostly consistent with pecking order theory. These results indicate that information asymmetry problems are more severe in Palestine than other countries. This conclusion urges firms and regulators to work to build trust with investors via providing the useful data for decision making. Providing information necessitates the development of the accounting profession, adopting, and enforcing of clear accounting standards. This will open the doors in the future for an active bond and stock markets that stimulate the primary market activities of firms rather than the speculation activities of investors.

Title

Jordan Journal of Business Administration

Publisher

The University of Jordan

Publisher Country

Jordan

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

15

Year

2019

Pages

269-283