The Determinants of Capital Structure Choice: A Survey of European Firms

34 Pages Posted: 2 Feb 2002

See all articles by Franck Bancel

Franck Bancel

European School of Management (ESCP) - (EAP)

Usha R. Mittoo

University of Manitoba - Department of Accounting and Finance

Abstract

We survey managers of firms in seventeen European countries on their capital structure choice and its determinants. Our main objective is to explore the link between theory and practice of capital structure. Preliminary analysis of the survey shows some interesting findings. Financial flexibility, credit rating and tax advantage of debt are the most important factors influencing the debt policy while the earnings per share dilution is the most important concern in issuing equity. Evidence also supports that the level of interest rate and the share price are important considerations in selecting the timing of the debt and equity issues respectively. Hedging consideration are the primary factors influencing the selection of the maturity of debt or when raising capital abroad. We also propose to compare the responses of European managers with those of the U.S. in Graham and Harvey (2001) as well as across countries based on the English, French, German and Scandinavian law. This analysis would be completed by March 2002.

Keywords: Capital Structure, European Managers, Survey, Debt, Equity

JEL Classification: G32, G15, F23

Suggested Citation

Bancel, Franck and Mittoo, Usha R., The Determinants of Capital Structure Choice: A Survey of European Firms. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=299172 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.299172

Franck Bancel (Contact Author)

European School of Management (ESCP) - (EAP) ( email )

79 avenue de Republique
75543 Paris, Cedex 11, 75011
France
+33 1 49 23 20 76 (Phone)
+33 1 49 23 20 80 (Fax)

Usha R. Mittoo

University of Manitoba - Department of Accounting and Finance ( email )

Faculty of Management
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V4
Canada

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