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The impact of technical defaults on dividend policy

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  • Bulan, Laarni
  • Hull, Tyler

Abstract

This paper examines how loan covenant violations impact firm dividend policy. Using contract-level loan data for nonfinancial firms in the US, this study provides evidence that the occurrence of a covenant violation significantly increases the likelihood of a dividend reduction in the subsequent quarter. Moreover, we show that the degree of creditor–shareholder conflict and firm financial constraints are important determinants of dividend cuts upon technical default. Additionally, this paper finds the tendency of dividend cuts upon technical default weakened after the repeal of the Glass–Steagall Act. These findings suggest that loan covenants serve a critical role in mitigating creditor–shareholder conflicts.

Suggested Citation

  • Bulan, Laarni & Hull, Tyler, 2013. "The impact of technical defaults on dividend policy," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 37(3), pages 814-823.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbfina:v:37:y:2013:i:3:p:814-823
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2012.10.014
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    Cited by:

    1. Hull, Tyler J., 2015. "How the timing of dividend reductions can signal value," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 114-131.
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    3. Ham, Charles G. & Kaplan, Zachary R. & Leary, Mark T., 2020. "Do dividends convey information about future earnings?," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 136(2), pages 547-570.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Dividend policy; Loan covenants; Technical default;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G35 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Payout Policy

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