In this subsection, we use the partial leverage adjustment model to provide additional evidence on the role of
demand-side forces in shaping capital structure decisions. This model allows us to examine whether target leverage ratios
(i.e., desired long-run leverage ratios)—instead of actual leverage ratios—are negatively associated with creditor rights, as
actual leverage ratios may be noisy estimates of desired (optimal) leverage ratios due to frictions (see, e.g., Strebulaev, 2007)
(H3c). Moreover, from an econometric point of view, the partial leverage adjustment model allows us to further control for
unobservable effects.