Can Machines Learn Capital Structure Dynamics?

Yes, they can! Machine learning models that exploit big data identify leverage determinants and predict leverage better than classical methods. By allowing for nonlinearities and complex interactions, machine learning boosts the out-of-sample R-squared from 36% to 56% over linear methods such as LASSO. The best performing model (random forests) selects market-to-book, industry median leverage, cash & equivalents, Z-Score, profitability, stock returns, and firm size as reliable predictors of market leverage. Improved target measurement through machine learning yields 10%-34% faster adjustment relative to LASSO. Machine learning identifies uncertainty, cash flow, and macroeconomic considerations among primary drivers of leverage adjustments