Problem:
Debt has deadlines. Deadlines can be missed. Common stock lasts indefinitely. The higher percentage of resources raised from debt, the higher percentage resources subject to deadlines, hence risk.
Required:
Question 1: What is the effect on return on equity of raising capital through debt? There would appear to be two effects: the cost of debt and the amount of debt. To respond to this question you will need to explain the relationship, ROCE = ROA x Common Earnings Leverage x Financial Structure Leverage. Explain the numerator and denominator for the ratios and how they capture the cost of debt and the amount of debt.
Question 2: Having extended a loan to a company, a banker uses accounting reports to evaluate compliance with the terms of the loan. Give an example of a term where accounting might play a role.
Note: Be sure to show how you arrived at your answer.