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Callable or convertible debt? The role of debt overhang and covenants

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  • Flor, Christian Riis
  • Petersen, Kirstine Boye
  • Schandlbauer, Alexander

Abstract

We analyze what role debt overhang and covenants have in a manager’s choice between issuing callable or convertible debt when a firm needs to issue a substantial amount of debt. Callable bonds provide a higher coupon in exchange for a repurchase option. Convertible bonds offer bondholders the option to exchange debt to equity. Using a dynamic capital structure model with investment choice, we find that callable debt implies a larger debt overhang friction, and for highly leveraged firms convertible debt is preferred. Moreover, if outstanding bonds have net-worth covenants attached, callable bonds are more likely to be issued. Our empirical findings support the theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Flor, Christian Riis & Petersen, Kirstine Boye & Schandlbauer, Alexander, 2023. "Callable or convertible debt? The role of debt overhang and covenants," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:78:y:2023:i:c:s0929119922001894
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2022.102346
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bond characteristics; Dynamic model; Growth option; Debt overhang; Covenants;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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