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Bonus incentives and losses from early debt extinguishment

Author

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  • Ahn, Jae Hwan
  • Choi, Sunhwa
  • Kim, Gi H.
  • Kwon, Sewon

Abstract

An increasing number of firms repurchase debt and recognize associated accounting losses (rather than gains). However, few studies to date have examined the effect of reporting incentives on debt repurchase decisions. We examine the relation between managers' bonus incentives and the recognition of gains or losses from early debt extinguishment (EDE). Our findings indicate that managers tend to recognize disproportionately more losses from EDE when earnings before gains or losses from EDE (i.e., as-if earnings) exceed the maximum performance level set in annual bonus contracts. These results are consistent with the notion that managers' income-decreasing reporting incentives affect debt repurchases. Further analyses indicate that bonus-driven debt repurchases are associated with increases in future bonus awards, but do not significantly affect shareholder value. Overall, our results suggest that managers' bonus incentives are an important determinant of debt repurchases and the recognition of losses.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahn, Jae Hwan & Choi, Sunhwa & Kim, Gi H. & Kwon, Sewon, 2024. "Bonus incentives and losses from early debt extinguishment," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:91:y:2024:i:c:s1057521923005343
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2023.103018
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Early debt extinguishment; Loss recognition; bonus contracts; Managerial incentives; Income-reporting incentives; Non-recurring losses;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • M52 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Compensation and Compensation Methods and Their Effects

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