Score contribution per author:
α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
This paper investigates the motivations and value effect of nonlinear hedges. Using a new dataset on the hedging activities of 150U.S. oil producers, we present empirical evidence that nonlinear hedging strategies are motivated by sensitivities of firm's investment expenditures and revenues to oil price fluctuations, and quantity–price correlation. We also find a non–monotonic relationship between the use of nonlinear hedges and financial constraints. Investment opportunities, production uncertainty, and changes in oil prices and volatilities also play a significant role in hedging strategy choice. Controlling for bias related to omitted variables and self–selection in the estimation of marginal treatment effects of hedging strategy choice, we find that oil producers with a higher propensity to use pure nonlinear hedging strategies tend to have higher marginal firm value.