Impact of the cash position on the performance of Brazilian companies during periods of economic recession

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to analyze if, during periods of economic recession, the cash position impacts the performance of Brazilian companies. In addition, it seeks to identify if there are differences in the intensity of such relationships for the different sectors in which companies operate. Originality/value: The appropriate management of a company’s cash position is key for the maintenance of its financial health in the long term. This subject is particularly relevant for emerging countries, such as Brazil, considering the track record of frequent economic recessions. Such economic recessions lead to the deterioration of the companies’ operating results and shortage of credit facilities, negatively affecting the companies’ liquidity. In the last decade, studies have been discussing the relevance of the companies’ cash position to improve their performance in periods of financial constraint. Design/methodology/approach: To develop this study, a sample composed of 200 Brazilian companies listed on B3 was used, grouping information from the period between 2013 and 2016, organized in a balanced dynamic panel. Findings: The results obtained through regressions indicate that there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between cash position and the performance of the companies, measured by the return on assets (ROA) – but not by the market to book ratio –, and it was also identified that the sector in which the company operates has a moderating factor on the intensity of such a relationship.