Capital Structure Analysis: Some Examples
摘要
This chapter analyzes the financing decisions and capital structures of Facebook and United Continental Holdings (UCH). Facebook’s profits are strong, it has low debt and it made an IPO. The chapter argues that their policy is not directly consistent with traditional theories. However, it may be consistent with some new ideas including the flexibility idea and the spirit of their business model where members serve dual roles as both the suppliers and the consumers of content. Unlike Facebook, UCH assets are mostly tangible, their debt ratio is higher and public issues of shares are not common. Chapter 10 argues that it is more consistent with traditional theories. The chapter also discusses the role of new ideas including debt as a commitment in bargaining with unions and the government.