On the Evolution of the Firm Size Distribution: Facts and Theory

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2003
Volume: 93
Issue: 4
Pages: 1075-1090

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

Using a comprehensive data set of Portuguese manufacturing firms, we show that the firm size distribution is significantly right-skewed, evolving over time toward a lognormal distribution. We also show that selection accounts for very little of this evolution. Instead, we propose a simple theory based on financing constraints. A calibrated version of our model does a good job at explaining the evolution of the firm size distribution. (JEL L11)

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:93:y:2003:i:4:p:1075-1090
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25