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Syndicated bank loans and capital structure

Halil D. Kaya (College of Business and Technology, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky, USA)

Managerial Finance

ISSN: 0307-4358

Article publication date: 5 July 2011

3366

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of interest rates on the size and the maturity choice of a syndicated bank loan. In addition, it attempts to determine the long‐run impact of a syndicated loan on the borrower's capital structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a sample of 6,903 syndicated bank loans in the USA, covering the period 1984‐2004. First, all syndicated loans are categorized into two groups: loans in periods of increasing interest rates, and loans in periods of decreasing rates. Then, non‐parametric tests are performed to compare the characteristics of the two groups, including the proceeds from the loans, and robust regressions are used to examine the impact of the interest rates on the maturity choice. Finally, robust regressions are employed to examine the long‐run impact of the interest rates on the borrowers' leverage ratios.

Findings

On the whole, the results reject the market timing theory of capital structure for syndicated bank loans. Firms in the two groups borrow in similar amounts, and in the long run, the difference between the two groups' leverage ratios is statistically insignificant. On the other hand, firms tend to choose longer maturities when the interest rates are low compared to the rates two or three years ago.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study that links debt market conditions to the leverage ratios of firms that borrow in the syndicated bank loan market. In other words, this is the first study that tests the market timing theory of capital structure for syndicated bank loans.

Keywords

Citation

Kaya, H.D. (2011), "Syndicated bank loans and capital structure", Managerial Finance, Vol. 37 No. 8, pp. 697-714. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074351111146184

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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