The present study examines the level of cash holdings of Australian firms for the period 2004 to 2010 and
analyses the influence of level of cash holdings and excess cash as well as the impact of governance on the
value of firms. Australian firms on average hold 32.2 per cent of assets in cash and this ratio increased to a high
level of 48.5 per cent in 2010. Concerns relating to global financial crisis and the desire of companies to meet
unanticipated expenses may have led to this increase in cash holdings. Similarly firms may also want to hold
these higher cash balances for speculative purposes as new opportunities arise, firms may want minimize the
cost of raising external financing. Fixed effects analysis shows that excess cash has a significant negative
influence on the value of firms while profitability, growth opportunities and dividend payout as well as level of
cash holdings have a positive significant influence on the value. Leverage on the other hand has a significant
negative influence on the value of firms. The present study also provides evidence that good governance can
help firms improve value when holding excess cash as investors interests are protected by independent and
large boards.