Determinants of Corporate Investment in Pakistan: Analysis of Firm Level Data

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate and analyze different determinants of corporate investment in Pakistan. Researchers are muddled in finding the exact determinants of corporate investment and contrasting results have been reported in literature. This study provides a comprehensive and an in-depth analysis of the impact of certain variables such as cash flows, leverage, corporate income tax, firms’ age, growth opportunities (Tobin’s q), firms’ size, stock mispricing, dividend payouts and stock returns. Fixed effect model has been employed on a panel of 414 non – financial firms listed in Karachi stock exchange (KSE) during 1998 – 2011. The main findings of the study assert that increased leverage, corporate income tax, firm age and dividends are significantly (p<0.05) and inversely associated with corporate investment. Cash flow, firm size Tobin’s q, mispricing (overvaluation) and stock returns are observed as positive predictors of corporate investment.