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The agency problem, investment decision, and optimal financial structure

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  • Jyh-Bang Jou
  • Tan Lee

Abstract

This article constructs a real options model in which a firm has a privileged right to exercise an irreversible investment project with a stochastic payoff. Supposing that the investment costs are fully sunk, a firm that exercises the investment option after debt is in place will then choose a better state to exercise this option as it issues more bonds. This debt-overhang phenomenon, however, benefits the firm since waiting is itself valuable. Accordingly, the firm will both exercise the investment option later and issue more bonds as compared with a firm that issues bonds upon exercising the investment option.

Suggested Citation

  • Jyh-Bang Jou & Tan Lee, 2004. "The agency problem, investment decision, and optimal financial structure," The European Journal of Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(6), pages 489-509.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:eurjfi:v:10:y:2004:i:6:p:489-509
    DOI: 10.1080/1351847032000168669
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    10. Kraus, Alan & Litzenberger, Robert H, 1973. "A State-Preference Model of Optimal Financial Leverage," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 28(4), pages 911-922, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Joao Carlos Monteiro & Jose António Filipe, 2012. "Managerial Flexibility in Turbulent Times of Crisis," International Journal of Finance, Insurance and Risk Management, International Journal of Finance, Insurance and Risk Management, vol. 2(4), pages 263-263.
    2. Li, Kuei-Fu & Liao, Yi-Ping, 2014. "Directors' and officers' liability insurance and investment efficiency: Evidence from Taiwan," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 18-34.

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