Financing preference of listed small and medium enterprises (SMEs): evidence from NSE Emerge Platform in India

Abstract

Purpose The study aims to empirically evaluate the effect of internal factors of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on their financing choices. It also examines the financing practices of listed SMEs in India and finds out whether the financing patterns of listed SMEs follow the established theories of corporate finance. Design/methodology/approach For this study, 113 SMEs listed on National Stock Exchange Emerge Platform are considered for the period from 2014 to 2018. Panel data regression is applied. The control group has been identified by using the propensity score matching approach. Qualitative information has been collected from the bank officials and the promoters of listed SMEs. Findings The study reveals that for meeting financial requirements, listed SMEs initially create current liabilities followed by usage of total reserves. Thereafter, they look for short- and long-term borrowings for further funding options. No significant change is observed in the financing pattern of listed SMEs as compared to their non-listed matched firms. The study suggests that no single theory, including pecking order theory or trade-off theory, could explain the behaviour of SMEs financing completely. Research limitations/implications The financing pattern of SMEs can be of great interest to various stakeholders such as government and lenders. As no significant boost is observed in debt financing post listing, this aspect needs to be evaluated by the stakeholders. Originality/value This study is significantly different from the existing studies, as it attempts to evaluate the impact of listing on overall financing pattern of SMEs in India. This is also one of the very few studies that uses both quantitative and qualitative information to examine the same.