Capital Structure Decisions

CFA Level I Financial Reporting & Analysis · 4:00

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Every company needs capital to grow
Mix of debt and equity, which way to go
Shareholders want returns on what they own
Lenders want their interest, principal on loan
The balance that you strike will make or break
Your cost of capital and the risks you take

[Chorus]
Capital structure, find the optimal mix
D over E ratio, that's the metric to fix
Leverage brings benefits but raises the stakes
Financial risk increases with every choice you make
WACC goes down then up, there's a sweet spot to find
Capital structure, it's all by design

[Verse 2]
When you borrow money, interest is deductible
Tax shield benefits make debt more acceptable
But too much leverage and the costs start to rise
Financial distress puts your future at compromise
Trade-off theory says there's a target to meet
Where tax benefits and distress costs compete

[Chorus]
Capital structure, find the optimal mix
D over E ratio, that's the metric to fix
Leverage brings benefits but raises the stakes
Financial risk increases with every choice you make
WACC goes down then up, there's a sweet spot to find
Capital structure, it's all by design

[Bridge]
Pecking order theory says companies prefer
Internal funds first, then debt, equity after
Industry matters, business risk plays a part
Stable cash flows can handle debt from the start
Growth opportunities need flexibility
Equity financing keeps options running free

[Verse 3]
Agency costs arise when interests don't align
Bondholders and shareholders cross the line
Signaling effects when you announce your plan
Market interprets what you think you can
Personal taxes, corporate rates combine
Miller and Modigliani drew the line

[Chorus]
Capital structure, find the optimal mix
D over E ratio, that's the metric to fix
Leverage brings benefits but raises the stakes
Financial risk increases with every choice you make
WACC goes down then up, there's a sweet spot to find
Capital structure, it's all by design

[Outro]
From conservative to aggressive, find your place
In the capital structure decision space
Balance risk and return for shareholder wealth
Capital structure is your company's financial health

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