Question

How would you answer in the following debate? Q : Isn't it true that the riskiness of a firm's equity will rise if the firm increases its use of debt financing? A: Yes, that's the essence of M\&M Proposition II. Q: And isn't it true that, as a firm increases its use of borrowing, the likelihood of default increases, thereby increasing the risk of the firm's debt? $A$ : Yes. $Q$ : In other words, increased borrowing increases the risk of the equity and the debt? $A$ : That's right. $Q:$ Well, given that the firm uses only debt and equity financing, and given that the risks of both are increased by increased borrowing, does it not follow that increasing debt increases the overall risk of the firm and therefore decreases the value of the firm? A:?

   How would you answer in the following debate?
Q : Isn't it true that the riskiness of a firm's equity will rise if the firm increases its use of debt financing?
A: Yes, that's the essence of M\&M Proposition II.
Q: And isn't it true that, as a firm increases its use of borrowing, the likelihood of default increases, thereby increasing the risk of the firm's debt?
$A$ : Yes.
$Q$ : In other words, increased borrowing increases the risk of the equity and the debt?
$A$ : That's right.
$Q:$ Well, given that the firm uses only debt and equity financing, and given that the risks of both are increased by increased borrowing, does it not follow that increasing debt increases the overall risk of the firm and therefore decreases the value of the firm?
A:?
Show more…
Fundamentals of Corporate Finance
Fundamentals of Corporate Finance
Stephen A. Ross;… 11th Edition
Chapter 16, Problem 2 ↓

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This is because debt financing introduces fixed interest payments that the firm must make, regardless of its profitability. If the firm is unable to meet these payments, it may lead to financial distress or even bankruptcy, which would negatively impact the value  Show more…

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How would you answer in the following debate? Q : Isn't it true that the riskiness of a firm's equity will rise if the firm increases its use of debt financing? A: Yes, that's the essence of M\&M Proposition II. Q: And isn't it true that, as a firm increases its use of borrowing, the likelihood of default increases, thereby increasing the risk of the firm's debt? $A$ : Yes. $Q$ : In other words, increased borrowing increases the risk of the equity and the debt? $A$ : That's right. $Q:$ Well, given that the firm uses only debt and equity financing, and given that the risks of both are increased by increased borrowing, does it not follow that increasing debt increases the overall risk of the firm and therefore decreases the value of the firm? A:?
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