Partial adjustment toward target accounts payable ratio

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to test for a potential target accounts payable ratio and the determinants of accounts payable ratio. Design/methodology/approach The author use data from 104 firms over the period 2000-2014 and analyse these data using the system-generalised method of moments methodology. Findings The author find that Jordanian firms have a target accounts payable ratio and more than 65 per cent of the deviation from target is closed within a year. He find a positive impact of growth, positive growth and supply of credit on the accounts payable ratio. Furthermore, large firms use less trade credit to finance their purchases. Research limitations/implications A number of limitations affect this study to be considered in future research. Future researchers could cover longer period of time. To generalise the results, non-listed firms may be included in the sample. Practical implications In addition to extending the finance literature, this study has managerial implications regarding trade credit policy. There is strong evidence that the trade credit policy is affected by firm’s access towards capital market funds. Thus, regulators and policy maker should bear in mind that the banking system should help firms to achieve their target accounts payable ratio. In addition, firm’s management should be aware of the importance of trade credit to finance sales growth. All of these results should assist firm managers to find the factors that affect the target accounts payable ratio, which ultimately may affect the firm value and performance. Originality/value To the best of author’s knowledge, this is the first study on the partial adjustment model and determinants of accounts payable in Jordan. Thus, the authors aim to contribute to the existing literature, as there are very few studies test for target trade credit policy.