Capital Structure and Financial Flexibility
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Questions and Answers

The optimal capital structure maximizes a firm's stock price by balancing risk and return.

True (A)

A firm's beta is unaffected by business risk and is solely determined by market conditions.

False (B)

Uncertainty in projections of future returns on equity can be described as financial risk when a firm uses no debt.

False (B)

Financial flexibility refers to a firm's ability to maintain operations during adverse conditions.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Financial flexibility becomes irrelevant once a firm is near its target capital structure.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The degree of financial risk is the only factor that determines a firm’s capital structure.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Increasing financial leverage will raise a firm's systematic risk, as reflected in its beta coefficient.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Operating leverage affects both EPS and EBIT, while financial leverage only affects EBIT.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Optimal Capital Structure

The optimal capital structure is the mix of debt and equity that maximizes a company's stock price by balancing risk and return.

How does Business Risk affect Beta?

Business risk is how much a company's earnings can fluctuate due to non-financial factors, like competition or product demand. It's inherent in the business itself and is influenced by its operations.

Business Risk with No Debt

Business risk is about how much operational uncertainty exists, independent of any debt. It's how much a company's profits can vary because of its core business activity.

Financial Flexibility

Financial flexibility is a company's ability to access capital when needed, even during tough times. It's like having a backup plan for unexpected events.

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Importance of Financial Flexibility When Near Target Capital Structure

Even though a company may be close to its ideal debt-to-equity mix (target capital structure), it still needs to be able to raise more money easily if necessary. Unforeseen events could require additional capital.

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Is Financial Risk the Only Factor in Capital Structure?

While financial risk plays a role, other factors influence a company's ideal mix of debt and equity. These factors include the business itself, market conditions, and even legal restrictions.

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Financial Leverage and Beta

When a company takes on more debt (financial leverage), it amplifies both its returns and its risk. This makes the company more sensitive to market changes, resulting in a higher beta.

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Financial vs Operating Leverage

Financial leverage impacts earnings per share (EPS) by altering the denominator in the calculation. However, operating leverage affects earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), which then influences EPS indirectly.

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Study Notes

Capital Structure

  • Optimal capital structure balances risk and return to maximize stock price.
  • This structure minimizes the cost of capital.

Business Risk and Beta

  • Business risk affects a firm's beta.
  • Beta reflects market risk and sensitivity to market conditions impacting business operations.
  • Beta is not solely determined by the market.

Business Risk and Debt

  • Uncertainty in future returns on equity, when a firm uses no debt, is considered business risk.
  • Business risk relates to operational uncertainty and is independent of financial leverage.

Financial Flexibility

  • Financial flexibility is a firm's ability to raise capital competitively and sustain operations under challenging conditions.
  • Financial flexibility helps firms respond to unexpected events.

Target Capital Structure and Financial Flexibility

  • Financial flexibility remains crucial regardless of the target capital structure.
  • Unforeseen events can necessitate additional capital.

Financial Leverage and Market Risk

  • Increasing financial leverage intensifies market risk (systematic risk), as measured by a higher beta.
  • Leverage amplifies returns but escalates exposure to systematic risk.

Operating Leverage and EBIT/EPS

  • Operating leverage affects EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes).
  • Financial leverage impacts EPS (earnings per share), but also indirectly affects EBIT.

Total Leverage Management

  • Management can influence total leverage through financial and operating leverage.
  • Financial leverage pertains to debt levels; operating leverage relates to fixed versus variable costs.

Trade-Off Theory of Capital Structure

  • Trade-off theory recognizes tax benefits of debt financing alongside costs (bankruptcy risk).
  • The theory balances tax benefits with potential costs associated with bankruptcy.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of optimal capital structure, business risk, and financial flexibility. Learn how these elements interrelate to impact a firm's ability to manage capital effectively and respond to market fluctuations. Test your knowledge on how operational uncertainties and debt influence a company's risk profile.

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