Dynamic Capital Structure: the Case of Hufvudstaden

This paper introduces a new approach of testing capital structure hypothesis on a firm specific level. Johansen’s procedure for cointegration testing is employed to test theories of optimal capital structure. The sample covers a firm with unique properties, Hufvudstaden, during the period 1938 until present. The approach of cointegration allows testing of long-run equilibrium between non-stationary time-series. We find empirical support that capital structure follow a dynamic equilibrium path. However, this equilibrium is more complex as posited by existing theories. The result is found for leverage measured as both book-value- and market-value-of-equity.