A Two-Factor Hazard Rate Model for Pricing Risky Debt and the Term Structure of Credit Spreads

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis
Year: 2000
Volume: 35
Issue: 1
Pages: 43-65

Authors (2)

Madan, Dilip (not in RePEc) Unal, Haluk (University of Maryland)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper proposes a two-factor hazard rate model, in closd form, to price risky debt. The likelihood of default is captured by the firm's non-interest sensitive assets and default-free interest rates. The distinguishing features of the model are threefold. First, the impact of capital structure changes on credit spreads can be analyzed. Second, the model allows stochastic interest rates to impact current asset values as well as their evolution. Finally, the proposed model is in closed fom, enabling us to undertake comparative statics analysis, compute parameter deltas of the model, calibrate empirical credit spreads, and determine hedge positions. Credit spreads generated by our model are consistent with empirical observations.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:cup:jfinqa:v:35:y:2000:i:01:p:43-65_00
Journal Field
Finance
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-29