The Target Capital Structure
Firms can choose whatever mix of debt and equity they desire to finance their assets, subject to the willingness of investors to provide such funds. And, as we shall see, there exist many different mixes of debt and equity, or capital structures - in some firms, such as Chrysler Corporation, debt accounts for more than 70 percent of the financing, while other firms, such as Microsoft, have little or no debt.
In the next few sections, we discuss factors that affect a firm's capital structure, and we conclude a firm should attempt to determine what its optimal, or best, mix of financing should be. But, you will find that determining the exact optimal capital structure is not a science, so after analyzing a number of factors, a firm establishes a target capital structure it believes is optimal, which is then used as a guide for raising funds in the future. This target might change over time as conditions vary, but at any given moment the firm's management has a specific capital structure in mind, and individual financing decisions should be consistent with this target. If the actual proportion of debt is below the target level, new funds will probably be raised by issuing debt, whereas if the proportion of debt is above the target, stock will probably be sold to bring the firm back in line with the target debt/assets ratio.
Capital structure policy involves a trade-off between risk and return. Using more debt raises the riskiness of the firm's earnings stream, but a higher propor- tion of debt generally leads to a higher expected rate of return; and, we know that the higher risk associated with greater debt tends to lower the stock's price. At the same time, however, the higher expected rate of return makes the stock more attractive to investors, which, in turn, ultimately increases the stock's price. Therefore, the optimal capital structure is the one that strikes a balance between risk and return to achieve our ultimate goal of maximizing the price of the stock.
Four primary factors influence capital structure decisions:
1. The first is the firm's business risk, or the riskiness that would be inherent in the firm's operations if it used no debt. The greater the firm's business risk, the lower the amount of debt that is optimal.
2. The second key factor is the firm's tax position. A major reason for using debt is that interest is tax deductible, which lowers the effective cost of debt. However, if much of a firm's income is already sheltered from taxes by accelerated depreciation or tax loss carryforwards, its tax rate will be low, and debt will not be as advantageous as it would be to a firm with a higher effective tax rate.
3. The third important consideration is financial flexibility, or the ability to raise capital on reasonable terms under adverse conditions. Corporate treasurers know that a steady supply of capital is necessary for stable operations, which, in turn, are vital for long-run success. They also know that when money is tight in the economy, or when a firm is experiencing operating difficulties, a strong balance sheet is needed to obtain funds from suppliers of capital. Thus, it might be advantageous to issue equity to strengthen the firm's capital base and financial stability.
4. The fourth debt-determining factor has to do with managerial attitude (conservatism or aggressiveness) with regard to borrowing. Some managers are more aggressive than others, hence some firms are more inclined to use debt in an effort to boost profits. This factor does not affect the optimal, or value- maximizing, capital structure, but it does influence the target capital structure a firm actually establishes.
These four points largely determine the target capital structure, but, as we shall see, operating conditions can cause the actual capital structure to vary from the target at any given time. For example, as discussed in the Managerial Perspective at the beginning of the chapter, the debt/assets ratio of Unisys clearly has been . much higher than its target, and the company has taken some significant correc- tive actions in recent years to improve its financial position.
Analia Jones is a Business Developer Manager of http://www.my-mortgege-loans.co.uk
http://www.my-mortgage-loans.com
http://www.2-structured-settlement.com
MORE RESOURCES:
 RTE.ie | Citigroup Posts $2.5 Billion Loss on Write-Downs New York Times, United States - By LOUISE STORY Hobbled by the credit crisis at home, Citigroup has limped through nine months in the red, reporting a $2.5 billion quarterly loss on Friday ... Credit Costs Weigh on Citigroup Citigroup credit default swaps narrow 15 bps-Phoenix Credit Costs Weigh on Citigroup |
 BBC News | Ackermann says credit crisis end in sight Financial Times, UK - Josef Ackermann, Deutsche Bank’s chief executive, on Thursday said the credit crunch was at “the beginning of the end” as banks and regulators have taken ... 2nd UPDATE: JPMorgan 2Q Net Down 53% On Credit Woes, Markdowns JP Morgan: The Legacy of the Credit Crunch Why No Outrage? |
Studying up on credit scores Chicago Tribune, United States - In matters of money, a credit score assesses your financial responsibility. And just as with taking your first practice test, your score may be low when you ... Given a Shovel, Digging Deeper Into Debt |
Dollar Rebounds From Record Versus Euro as Credit Turmoil Eases Bloomberg - The US currency also rose versus the yen on signs US investment banks will withstand credit-market losses and the Federal Reserve and the Treasury proposed ... |
 BBC News | Credit crisis: Merrill Lynch to sell Bloomberg stake and keep HQ after Tehran Times, Iran - The loss was due to write-downs of $9.4bn on the value of mortgage holdings, credit-related derivatives and instruments guaranteed by crisis-hit monoline ... Merrill Drops After $4.65 Billion Second-Quarter Loss (Update2) Quarterly loss at Citi smaller than expected, but Merrill disappoints BlackRock shares soar on earnings, Merrill stake move |
$10m W/Bank Credit: Boom time for small-scale mining The Punch, Nigeria - This was the scenario, which the World Bank set out to help Nigeria change in 2005 when it granted the country $120m credit under the Sustainable Management ... |
If high credit-card debt is dragging you down, it's time to start ... Boston Globe, United States - High credit-card debt is one of the biggest issues facing consumers, says Dara Duguay, director of Citigroup Inc.'s Office of Financial Education. ... |
Mortgage sales pressure fuelling credit crisis: ACTU ABC Online, Australia - The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has accused banks of fuelling the credit crisis by forcing staff to push mortgages onto people who cannot ... Banks 'pushing' families into debt Banks lean on staff to push loans |
No deals for debits at the pump Detroit Free Press, United States - I would have paid the same price if I used a credit card. Bring the Benjamins and you'd get that super-low price -- OK, low by today's standards -- of ... Gas stations turning to using 'gift |
Teton County development plagued by credit crunch Fox 12 Boise, ID - Developer Bill Reid said a nationwide credit crunch prevented him from winning more financing for the 1350-acre Huntsman Springs project. ... |
Structured Settlement as an Investment Vehicle
You always hear people talking about the latest investment vehicle they're using. It's water cooler talk, dinner table talk, phone talk, it's everywhere talk.
Structured Settlement - Guaranteed Income for those with Disabilities
Up until twenty years ago, anyone who won a lawsuit as a result of a claim involving worker's compensation, wrongful death or accident had to accept a lump sum payment as their compensation. The payment would be intended to be invested, with the beneficiary living off of the proceeds for as long as their recovery was expected to take.
The Cost of Not Having Money
The self-esteem factor of not having enough money is underestimated. You know what I mean don't you? The agony of financially struggling and the ecstasy of financial abundance are dramatically different moments in a person's life.
Individual Voluntary Arrangements. IVA
What is an IVA?There is an alternative to bankruptcy called an "Individual Voluntary Arrangement" (IVA). This is a formal arrangement through the county court to pay an agreed amount off your debts over a shorter period.
Should You Sell Your Structured Settlement?
The courts have just awarded you a settlement in the amount of $1.3 million dollars for injuries you sustained while using the Widget Corporation's product.
What is a Trust and what are the Benefits?
Trusts are becoming a popular way to structure business and personal affairs. If you are considering using a trust in any way, you should be clear on the legal obligations and the relationships involved.
Cash For Structured Settlements - The Smart Way
For most people when they buy a house it is considered their life's largest deal. In some cases of structured settlements the compensation and financial considerations for a persons life duration and the total present value of the settlement can reach few millions of dollars.
How To Form a UK Limited Company
When starting a business, a large number of people go down the route of forming a limited company or, to give it its full title, a limited liability company.The alternative for someone starting up in business on their own is to trade as a sole-trader.
Annuity Transfer - What Are the Risks
Many people who know in the back of their minds that they got the possibility to transform a monthly payment or annuity long term payments into a big lump sum and by that to relieve some temporarily financial problems, or need to buy a new car or a house or help their children and so forth are tempted to exercise this process into action. Although it is a very natural feeling and sometimes even a real life need or deep inner quest for power and control, it is not in their best financial interest to say the least.
Structured Settlement Factoring
Have you received a structured settlement recently? A structured settlement can be a good thing if you have been a victim of malfeasance, have been severely injured or can no longer physically work. Structured settlements will help you pay bills.
When Should You Not Cash Out Your Annuity?
You should not cash out your annuity when it's not in your best interest. Here are 3 reasons it might not be in your best interest; it's too soon, you don't have a good enough reason, it will cost you too much.
A Structured Lawsuit Settlement Seemed Like a Good Idea at One Time
You are receiving payments spread out over months, years, even a lifetime. It's great when the money arrives but the payments are often too small or too spread out to really satisfy your needs.
Consider a Structured Settlement?
Structured settlements have been around for a long time however their popularity has steadily increased over the past 6 years. In 1999 only 7% of insurance settlements that were under $7,000 were completed as structured settlements.
Unstructured Settlement
Me'Lisa Delaney, 43, is brain-injured as a result of a 1984 medical error that caused a stroke during surgery. The hospital agreed to settle via a structured settlement, as overseen by a county conservatorship.
If This Describes You, Dont Cash out Your Annuity
There are companies that purchase future payments. Personal injury settlements are often structured to pay out over time.
Keeping the Lawsuit End in Mind
2 key points to stay focused on, as you are settling your lawsuit; a quick and fair settlement and consideration for current and future needs. The process of settling a lawsuit can be a tedious and mysterious event.
Structured Settlements Offer Advantages over Lump-Sum Payments
A structured settlement, which offers injury victims cash payments through a long-term annuity as compensation for their damages and medical expenses, offer a number of possible advantages over payment in a lump sum. While the lump sum payment is the traditional way for responsible parties to pay accident claims, the structured settlement offers payments over the span of an agreed-upon period of time.
Lucky
Have you ever looked around and wondered how everyone is buying houses? Are they really doing that much better than you are? Maybe. Maybe not.
Investing in Structured Settlements
Often some derelict will be awarded some huge amount of money from a noble company due to a run away jury in a Kangaroo Court. Since many times the company paying the money out agrees on a structured over time settlement, the plaintiff of course is a lowly human and has lots of desires for riches and he has little if any cranial capacity to understand the enormous gift the courts have grated him as our nation turns in to a socialist quagmire of re-distributing wealth to those who do not deserve it.
Making Backwards Choices
I was reading this past week about a woman who lost 170 lbs in 9 months by eating backwards. She had breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast.