Invoking the same assumptions as Modigliani and Miller (1963), we demonstrate that their debt-only corner solution is not a unique equilibrium and furthermore that an alternative equilibrium exists in which capital structure is irrelevant for determining shareholder value. Our equilibrium...

Modigliani and Miller present an equity-quantity shifting equilibrating process to achieve an optimal firm value in the presence of corporate taxes. However, in the era in which they derived their various propositions regarding the relation between a firm’s value and its capital structure,...

Modigliani and Miller (1963) present an equity-quantity shifting equilibrating process to achieve an optimal firm value. However, in the era in which they derived their various propositions regarding the relation between a firm's value and its capital structure, well-capitalized takeover...

This study presents results of an empirical investigation of debt collateralization using samples of small firms. We examine the fraction of debt that is collateralized and find substantial support for firm size, firm age, and collateral quality as determinants of collateralization. Our results...