Some firms have the incentive to avoid violating earnings-based debt covenants. If
violated, the lender may be able to raise the interest rate on the debt or demand
immediate repayment. Consequently, some firms may use earnings-management
techniques to increase earnings to avoid such covenant violations. On the other hand,
some other firms have the incentive to lower earnings in order to minimize political
costs associated with being seen as too profitable. For example, if gasoline prices have
been increasing significantly and oil companies are achieving record profit level, then
there may be incentive for the government to intervene and enact an excess-profit tax
or attempt to introduce price controls.