Therefore, managers trying to minimize the costs associated with external financing in imperfect capital markets
may find it optimal to maintain sufficient internal financial flexibility. However, there are also potential adverse effects of cash holdings. Central to this view is the argument that agency conflicts existing between shareholders and managers can be most severe when firms have large free cash flows (Jensen, 1986). Managers can pursue their own interests at the expense of shareholders and cash serves the interests of managers more than those of shareholders in this respect.