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Optimal design of rating-trigger step-up bonds: Agency conflicts versus asymmetric information

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  • Koziol, Christian
  • Lawrenz, Jochen

Abstract

Agency conflicts and asymmetric information are two possible explanations that may rationalize the use of a step-up provision in the bond indenture. Within a continuous-time framework with bankruptcy costs and tax benefits, we analyze the optimal step-up bond design with respect to both frictions. We find that (i) contrary to existing results, step-up bonds are indeed able to mitigate the asset substitution problem, (ii) the use of a step-up feature can be a credible signal to overcome asymmetric information problems, and (iii) the optimal design as well as the conditions for the optimal use of step-up bonds is considerably different for the two explanations. This outcome implies that, based on observable firm and bond characteristics, it is possible to discriminate between the two motives underlying the use of step-up bonds.

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  • Koziol, Christian & Lawrenz, Jochen, 2010. "Optimal design of rating-trigger step-up bonds: Agency conflicts versus asymmetric information," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 16(2), pages 182-204, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:16:y:2010:i:2:p:182-204
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    2. Yang, Bo & Gan, Liu & Wen, Chunhui, 2021. "Moral hazard, debt overhang and capital structure," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 58(C).
    3. Lim, Jesslyn & Do, Viet & Vu, Tram, 2022. "The effect of lenders’ dual holding on loan contract design: Evidence from performance pricing provisions," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    4. Sarkar, Sudipto & Zhang, Chuanqian, 2015. "Underinvestment and the design of performance-sensitive debt," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 240-253.
    5. Karampatsas, Nikolaos & Petmezas, Dimitris & Travlos, Nickolaos G., 2014. "Credit ratings and the choice of payment method in mergers and acquisitions," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 25(C), pages 474-493.
    6. Bannier, Christina E. & Wiemann, Markus, 2014. "Performance-sensitive debt: The intertwined effects of performance measurement and pricing grid asymmetry," CFS Working Paper Series 476, Center for Financial Studies (CFS).
    7. Bank, Matthias & Kupfer, Alexander, 2014. "A sequential pricing framework for corporate securities: The case of rating-trigger step-up/-down bonds," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 11(4), pages 437-445.
    8. Ebrahim, M. Shahid & Jaafar, Aziz & Omar, Fatma A. & Salleh, Murizah Osman, 2016. "Can Islamic injunctions indemnify the structural flaws of securitized debt?," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 271-286.
    9. Adam, Tim R. & Streitz, Daniel, 2013. "Bank lending relationships and the use of performance-sensitive debt," SFB 649 Discussion Papers 2013-027, Humboldt University Berlin, Collaborative Research Center 649: Economic Risk.
    10. Koziol, Christian & Lawrenz, Jochen, 2012. "Contingent convertibles. Solving or seeding the next banking crisis?," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 36(1), pages 90-104.
    11. Yao, Yanming & Luo, Pengfei, 2022. "Cash management and risk-taking incentives with performance-sensitive debt under stochastic financing conditions," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 49(C).
    12. Adam, Tim R. & Streitz, Daniel, 2016. "Hold-up and the use of performance-sensitive debt," Journal of Financial Intermediation, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 47-67.
    13. Sudipto Sarkar & Chuanqian Zhang, 2016. "Loan-commitment borrowing and performance-sensitive debt," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 47(4), pages 973-986, November.
    14. Matthias Bank & Alexander Kupfer & Rupert Sendlhofer, 2011. "Performance-sensitive government bonds - A new proposal for sustainable sovereign debt management," Working Papers 2011-24, Faculty of Economics and Statistics, Universität Innsbruck.
    15. Ang, James S. & Daher, Mai M. & Ismail, Ahmad K., 2019. "How do firms value debt capacity? Evidence from mergers and acquisitions," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 95-107.
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    17. Liu, Bo & Xia, Xin & Yang, Jinqiang, 2017. "Financing constraints and the use of performance-sensitive debt," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 73-84.

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