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The Pecking Order, Trade-off, Signaling, and Market-Timing Theories of Capital Structure: a Review

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  • Miglo, Anton

Abstract

This paper surveys 4 major capital structure theories: trade-off, pecking order, signaling and market timing. For each theory, a basic model and its major implications are presented. These implications are compared to the available evidence. This is followed by an overview of pros and cons for each theory. A discussion of major recent papers and suggestions for future research are provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Miglo, Anton, 2010. "The Pecking Order, Trade-off, Signaling, and Market-Timing Theories of Capital Structure: a Review," MPRA Paper 46691, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 2013.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:46691
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Capital structure; trade-off theory; pecking-order theory. market timing; signalling;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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