Quantifying the allocative efficiency of capital: The role of capital utilization

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Monetary Economics
Year: 2025
Volume: 155
Issue: C

Authors (3)

Kabir, Poorya (not in RePEc) Tan, Eugene (University of Toronto) Vardishvili, Ia (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Higher dispersion of log average revenue product of capital (ARPK) is commonly associated with lower capital allocative efficiency. We show this is a result of the assumption that capital utilization is fixed. However, when capital utilization is endogenous, higher capital allocative efficiency is associated with lower dispersion of log average revenue product of capital services (log difference between revenue and utilized capital), not ARPK. Furthermore, contrary to the standard relationship, increases to capital allocative efficiency is associated with higher ARPK dispersion when such improvements arise from greater utilization flexibility. We provide evidence supporting the mechanism and demonstrate counterfactuals where allocative efficiency gains are accompanied by higher ARPK dispersion. Lastly, we apply our framework to study the impact of a capital market liberalization reform in India. We estimate the reform improved allocative efficiency by 0.04%, but counterfactual analysis neglecting the response of utilization would have concluded efficiency gains of 5.25%.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:moneco:v:155:y:2025:i:c:s0304393225000935
Journal Field
Macro
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-29