This paper investigates the relationship between leverage and returns in private equity buyout transactions. In contrast to the predictions of traditional capital structure theory, we find that transactions financed with large amounts of debt are associated higher transaction prices and lower...

We propose a novel approach for studying optimal capital structure under the prevalent corporate income tax regime where full tax deductibility of interest is permitted. Then, following the OECD proposed BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) framework, we impose an EBITDA-based limit on the...

We examine the determinants of bank capital structure using a sample of 569 large and publicly traded banks in 26 developed and emerging countries over the period 2004-2013. We use simultaneously two notions of capital ratio (risk- and non-risk based capital ratio) to provide a more...

We provide evidence on leverage and debt maturity targeting in a large international setting. There are key differences in the relative importance of institutional factors in explaining actual as opposed to target capital structures. Targets and target deviations are plausibly influenced by the...

This paper examines the impact of thin capitalization rules that limit the tax deductibility of interest on the capital structure of the foreign affiliates of US multinationals. We construct a new data set on thin capitalization rules in 54 countries for the period 1982-2004. Using confidential...

This paper examines the impact of thin capitalization rules that limit the tax deductibility of interest on the capital structure of the foreign affiliates of US multinationals. We construct a new data set on thin capitalization rules in 54 countries for the period 1982-2004. Using confidential...

We examine the importance of Big Four audits in reducing agency costs evident in corporate debt maturity worldwide. Analyzing a large sample of public firms from 42 countries reveals that the fraction of long-term debt in firms' capital structures rises with the presence of a Big Four auditor,...