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    Rights statement: This is a pre-copy-editing, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Review of Finance following peer review. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online at: http://rof.oxfordjournals.org/content/17/1/321.abstract

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A theory of net debt and transferable human capital

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>01/2013
<mark>Journal</mark>Review of Finance
Issue number1
Volume17
Number of pages48
Pages (from-to)321-368
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Traditional theories of capital structure do not explain the puzzling phenomena of zero-leverage firms and negative net debt ratios. We develop a theory where firms adopt a net debt target that acts as a balancing variable between equityholders and managers. Negative (positive) net debt occurs in human (physical) capital intensive industries. Negative net debt arises because tradeable claims cannot be issued against transferable human capital. Heterogeneity in capital structure occurs when firms have debt that is not fully collateralized. Physical capital intensive firms take on high leverage but may underlever to avoid bankruptcy costs. This creates excess rents for managers (even if the supply of human capital is competitive) because wealth constraints prevent managers from co-investing.

Bibliographic note

This is a pre-copy-editing, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Review of Finance following peer review. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online at: http://rof.oxfordjournals.org/content/17/1/321.abstract