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Granularity of Corporate Debt

Author

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  • Choi, Jaewon
  • Hackbarth, Dirk
  • Zechner, Josef

Abstract

We study whether firms spread out debt-maturity dates, which we call granularity of corporate debt. In our model, firms that are unable to roll over expiring debt need to liquidate assets. If multiple small asset sales are less inefficient than a single large one, it can be optimal to diversify debt rollovers across time. Using a large sample of corporate bond issuers during the 1991–2012 period, we establish novel stylized facts and evidence consistent with our model’s predictions. There is substantial heterogeneity (i.e., firms have both concentrated and dispersed debt structures). Debt maturities are more dispersed for larger and more mature firms and for firms with better investment opportunities, higher leverage, and lower profitability. During the recent financial crisis, firms with valuable investment opportunities implemented more dispersed maturity structures. Finally, firms manage granularity actively and adjust toward target levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Choi, Jaewon & Hackbarth, Dirk & Zechner, Josef, 2021. "Granularity of Corporate Debt," Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 56(4), pages 1127-1162, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jfinqa:v:56:y:2021:i:4:p:1127-1162_1
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    Cited by:

    1. Melvin Jameson & Tao‐Hsien Dolly King & Andrew Prevost, 2021. "Top management incentives and financial flexibility: The case of make‐whole call provisions," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(1-2), pages 374-404, January.
    2. Caterina Giannetti, 2015. "Debt Concentration of European Firms," LEAP Working Papers 2015/3, Luiss Institute for European Analysis and Policy.
    3. Wang, Shu-Feng & Kim, Yura & Kim, Seonmi & Song, Kyojik “Roy”, 2024. "Refinancing risk, earnings management, and stock return," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 70(PB).
    4. Garcia-Appendini, Emilia, 2018. "Financial distress and competitors' investment," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 182-209.
    5. Garcia-Appendini, Emilia, 2014. "Idiosyncratic Shocks and Industry Contagion: Evidence from a Quasi-experiment," Working Papers on Finance 1410, University of St. Gallen, School of Finance, revised Mar 2015.
    6. Libo Sun & Sheridan D. Titman & Garry J. Twite, 2015. "REIT and Commercial Real Estate Returns: A Postmortem of the Financial Crisis," Real Estate Economics, American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association, vol. 43(1), pages 8-36, March.
    7. Giannetti, Caterina, 2015. "Debt concentration of European Firms," MPRA Paper 63002, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    8. Huang, Chong & Oehmke, Martin & Zhong, Hongda, 2019. "A theory of multiperiod debt structure," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 90429, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    9. Wang, Sumingyue & Wang, Xinlu & Xu, Liang, 2023. "Debt maturity structure and the quality of risk disclosures," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    10. Gyimah, Daniel & Danso, Albert & Adu-Ameyaw, Emmanuel & Boateng, Agyenim, 2022. "Firm-level political risk and corporate leverage decisions," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    11. Giannetti, Caterina, 2019. "Debt specialization and performance of European firms," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 257-271.
    12. Yomna Abdulla & Viet Anh Dang & Arif Khurshed, 2016. "Debt maturity and initial public offerings," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 47(4), pages 1129-1165, November.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • G13 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Contingent Pricing; Futures Pricing
    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies
    • 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

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