Capital Structure, Debt Maturity, and Stochastic Interest Rates

Nengjiu Ju and Hui Ou-Yang
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Nengjiu Ju: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Hui Ou-Yang: Duke University

Journal of Business, 2006, vol. 79, issue 5, pages 2469-2502

Abstract: This article develops a model in which optimal capital structure and debt maturity are jointly determined in a stochastic interest rate environment. The model yields leverage ratios that are consistent in spirit with empirical observations. The optimal maturity and credit spread of an optimally issued debt are found to be smaller than observed values. The long-run mean of the interest rate is found to be a key variable in determining optimal capital structure and debt maturity. Furthermore, the interest rate volatility and the correlation between the interest rate and the firm's asset value play important roles in determining debt maturity.

Date: 2006

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