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The costs of corporate debt overhang

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  • Blickle, Kristian
  • Santos, João A.C.

Abstract

We make use of rich U.S. data to show that debt overhang significantly reduces firm asset-, capex-, and employee-growth. We show these contractions are likely driven by firm decisions as opposed to the result of credit constraints or changes in investment opportunities. Our measure of overhang – liabilities to cash flow — aligns with traditional theory and focuses on the importance of a firm’s debt servicing capacity. It further allows us to capitalize on the COVID-19 shock as a quasi-natural experiment to confirm the impact of overhang on firm investment and growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Blickle, Kristian & Santos, João A.C., 2024. "The costs of corporate debt overhang," Journal of Financial Intermediation, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfinin:v:60:y:2024:i:c:s1042957324000469
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfi.2024.101118
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G20 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - General
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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