Cost: The cost of raising funds through different sources are different. A prudent financial manager would normally opt for a source which is the cheapest.
Risk: The risk associated with each of the sources is different.
Floatation Costs: Higher the floatation cost, the less attractive the source
Cash Flow Position of the Company: A stronger cash flow position may make debt financing more viable than funding through equity.
Fixed Operating Costs: If a business has high fixed operating costs (e.g. building rent, Insurance premium, Salaries, etc.), It must reduce fixed financing costs. Hence, lower debt financing is better. Similarly, if fixed operating cost is less, more debt financing may be preferred.
Control Considerations: Issues of more equity may lead to dilution of management’s control over the business. Debt financing has no such implication. Companies afraid of a takeover bid would prefer debt to equity.
State of Capital Market: Health of the capital market may also affect the choice of source of funds. During the period when the stock market is rising, more people invest in equity. However, a depressed capital market may make an issue of equity shares difficult for any company.
