Capital Structure Choices

42 Pages Posted: 15 Apr 2008 Last revised: 22 Sep 2011

See all articles by Eugene F. Fama

Eugene F. Fama

University of Chicago - Finance

Kenneth R. French

Dartmouth College - Tuck School of Business; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Date Written: June 24, 2011

Abstract

We examine three pairs of cross-section regressions that test predictions of the tradeoff model, the pecking order model, and models that center on market conditions. The regressions examine (i) the split of new outside financing between share issues and debt, (ii) the split of debt financing between short-term and long-term, and (iii) the split of equity financing between share issues and retained earnings. The pecking order does well until the early 1980s, when the share issues that are its bane become common. The adjustment of leverage to target predicted by the tradeoff model, and the response of equity financing to market valuations predicted by the market conditions model have statistically detectable but rather second-order effects on the split of new outside financing between share issues and debt. Targets for short-term debt seem to influence the mix of short-term versus long-term debt choices of smaller firms, but this targeting effect is weak to non-existent for large firms. Sticky dividends plague the predictions of the pecking order and the market conditions models about the split of equity financing between share issues and retained earnings.

Keywords: Opportunistic Financing

JEL Classification: G32

Suggested Citation

Fama, Eugene F. and French, Kenneth R., Capital Structure Choices (June 24, 2011). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1120848 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1120848

Eugene F. Fama (Contact Author)

University of Chicago - Finance ( email )

5807 S. Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
United States
773-702-7282 (Phone)
773-702-9937 (Fax)

Kenneth R. French

Dartmouth College - Tuck School of Business ( email )

Hanover, NH 03755
United States

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

1050 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

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