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Credit risk, debt overhang, and the life cycle of callable bonds

Author

Listed:
  • Bo Becker
  • Murillo Campello
  • Viktor Thell
  • Dong Yan

Abstract

We show that callable bonds have both higher yields and lower market prices than matched non-callable bonds of the same issuer-time, reflecting the value of call features to issuers and investors. This “value of callability” as well as the inclusion and the exercise of call rights are jointly determined by issuer credit quality. Critically, our agency-based theoretical and empirical analyses show that callability reduces debt overhang in corporate mergers. Our results help explain the value and increasing prevalence of callable bonds in credit markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Bo Becker & Murillo Campello & Viktor Thell & Dong Yan, 2024. "Credit risk, debt overhang, and the life cycle of callable bonds," Review of Finance, European Finance Association, vol. 28(3), pages 945-985.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:revfin:v:28:y:2024:i:3:p:945-985.
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Douglas W. Diamond & Zhiguo He, 2014. "A Theory of Debt Maturity: The Long and Short of Debt Overhang," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 69(2), pages 719-762, April.
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    5. Bodie, Zvi & Taggart, Robert A, Jr, 1978. "Future Investment Opportunities and the Value of the Call Provision on a Bond," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 33(4), pages 1187-1200, September.
    6. B. Espen Eckbo, 2014. "Corporate Takeovers and Economic Efficiency," Annual Review of Financial Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 6(1), pages 51-74, December.
    7. Barnea, Amir & Haugen, Robert A & Senbet, Lemma W, 1980. "A Rationale for Debt Maturity Structure and Call Provisions in the Agency Theoretic Framework," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 35(5), pages 1223-1234, December.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    callable bonds; credit risk; debt overhang; corporate mergers; investment decisions;
    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
    • G33 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Bankruptcy; Liquidation
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages

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