Question:

Explain the following factors affecting the choice of capital structure of a company :

(i) Interest coverage ratio

(ii) Cost of debt

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Explain how a high or low ratio and a high or low interest rate change the share of debt that a firm chooses.
Updated On: Oct 26, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the question:
Capital structure is the mix of debt and equity used to finance a firm.
We explain how the interest coverage ratio and the cost of debt affect the choice of this mix.

Step 2: (i) Interest coverage ratio: the idea:
The interest coverage ratio is EBIT divided by interest. It shows how many times EBIT covers the interest due.

Step 3: (i) Interest coverage ratio: the effect:
A higher ratio means the firm can pay interest easily, so it can safely take more debt.
A lower ratio shows the firm may fail to pay interest, so it should use less debt and more equity.

Step 4: (ii) Cost of debt: the idea:
The cost of debt is the rate of interest the firm pays on its borrowings.

Step 5: (ii) Cost of debt: the effect:
If the cost of debt is low, the firm prefers more debt in its capital structure.
If the rate of interest is high, the firm uses less debt and relies more on equity.

Final Answer:
A higher interest coverage ratio and a lower cost of debt support more debt in the capital structure. The opposite favours more equity.
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