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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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    7. 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.
    8. Matthias Bank & Alexander Kupfer & Rupert Sendlhofer, 2014. "Performance-Sensitive Government Bonds," Credit and Capital Markets, Credit and Capital Markets, vol. 47(1), pages 79-101.
    9. 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.
    10. 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.
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