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The Dynamics of Investment, Payout and Debt

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  • Myers, Stewart C
  • Lambrecht, Bart

Abstract

We present a dynamic agency model of investment, borrowing and payout decisions by a mature corporation operating in perfect financial markets. Risk-averse managers implement an inter-temporal strategy that maximizes their lifetime utility of managerial rents. They under-invest and smooth payout and rents. Debt is the shock-absorber for operating income and investment. Managers do not rebalance capital structure, so shocks to debt levels persist. Managers implement precautionary savings by paying down debt, even when interest is tax-deductible. We generate empirical predictions that differ from conventional agency models and from dynamic models based on financing frictions.

Suggested Citation

  • Myers, Stewart C & Lambrecht, Bart, 2014. "The Dynamics of Investment, Payout and Debt," CEPR Discussion Papers 9926, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:9926
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Hanssens, Jürgen & Deloof, Marc & Vanacker, Tom, 2016. "The evolution of debt policies: New evidence from business startups," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 120-133.
    3. Zainudin, Zalina & Hussain, Hafezali Iqbal & Abdul Hadi, Abdul Razak & ibrahim, izani, 2017. "Debt and Financial Performance of MREITs in Malaysia: An Optimal Debt Threshold Analysis," Jurnal Ekonomi Malaysia, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, vol. 51(2), pages 63-74.
    4. Hoang, Edward C. & Hoxha, Indrit, 2016. "Corporate payout smoothing: A variance decomposition approach," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 1-13.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Agency; Financing policy; investment; Payout;
    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

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