Corporate hedging and risk management theory: evidence from Polish listed companies

Purpose - This paper aims to provide a comprehensive empirical assessment of major contemporary corporate hedging theories, i.e. financial theory, agency theory, stakeholder theory and new institutional economics. Design/methodology/approach - Hypotheses regarding the determinants of hedging are tested on a sample of 150 companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The panel covers a period of five years (2001-2005). Unlike in previous research the tests are organised around theories rather than individual hypotheses. In addition to classic tests, CART analysis is used to verify hypotheses. Findings - The results show low empirical verification of all theories considered. However, the results support some single hypotheses. Tests identified currency exposure, market-to-book value, IT and service sectors and size as being determinants of hedging. Research limitations/implications - The results provide evidence for the low usefulness of contemporary theories. New models are needed to explain hedging behaviour more accurately. Practical implications - The results identify characteristics shared by firms that use hedging. Companies considering implementing hedging can check whether they share these characteristics. Originality/value - This paper adds to risk management research by providing strong empirical evidence of theory verification status. It can serve as a base for future conceptual research.