it reflects special liquidity benefits of bank debt. Even aside from neglecting the systemic damage to the economy that …

because it reflects special liquidity benefits of bank debt. Even aside from neglecting the systemic damage to the economy …

. Policies that subsidize debt and indirectly penalize equity through taxes and implicit guarantees are distortive. And while … debtś informational insensitivity may provide valuable liquidity, increased capital (and reduced leverage) can enhance this … benefit. Finally, suggestions that high leverage serves a necessary disciplining role are based on inadequate theory lacking …

also incorrect to translate higher taxes paid by banks to a social cost. Policies that subsidize debt and indirectly … should be given directly and not in ways that encourage leverage. Finally, suggestions that high leverage serves a necessary …, and that high leverage is not necessary for banks to perform all their socially valuable functions, including lending …

result of debt overhang, shareholders have incentives to resist reductions in leverage that make the remaining debt safer … combined value of the firm to shareholders and creditors. Moreover, debt overhang creates an "addiction" to leverage through a …We analyze shareholders' incentives to change the leverage of a firm that has already borrowed substantially. As a …

debt in place, shareholders pervasively resist leverage reductions no matter how much such reductions may enhance firm … value. Shareholders would instead choose to increase leverage even if the new debt is junior and would reduce firm value …. These asymmetric forces in leverage adjustments, which we call the leverage ratchet effect, cause equilibrium leverage …

debt's informational insensitivity may provide valuable liquidity, increased capital (and reduced leverage) can enhance …. Policies that subsidize debt and indirectly penalize equity through taxes and implicit guarantees are distortive. And while … this benefit. Finally, suggestions that high leverage serves a necessary disciplining role are based on inadequate theory …

weaken regulations meant reduce the excessive reliance of banks on debt funding. Because the financial system remains …

approximately 2% of firm value for a firm whose credit rating falls from AA to BBB, comparable to the magnitude of debt tax benefits …