Debt vs Equity Financing

Debt versus Equity Financing Paper ACC/400 Debt versus Equity Financing Equity along with debt financing, are types of financing. The financial strength should be every organization’s main concern when looking for capital. The more capital the organization has invested in its business the easier it is to obtain financing. An organization should increase stockholder capital for additional capital, if it has a high portion of debt to equity, so that it does not overextend itself and risk the business going under. What is Debt Financing? Debt financing is defined borrowing capital from external investors with an agreement to pay back with interest at a certain time. Debentures are custom in raising additional funding (debt offering) for organizational operations or expenditures. Organizations are in debt to stockholders until the bond matures. Moreover, debt is found in the organization’s balance sheet. Organizations choose to raise additional capital by the debentures and not have to use company assets or give up a percentage of ownership in the company. Debt financing is riskier than equity financing because debt must be repaid at a certain time no matter how if the organization is profitable or not. In addition, organizations must be careful in how much debt it takes on - no matter what type or amount. What is Equity Financing? Equity financing is another way an organization can raise additional capital (by issuing common and preferred stock). Investors, who purchase stock, are buying a share of ownership in the organization. Common stock entitles stockholders to a share of ownership, along with dividends. Preferred stock represents equity ownership too; but with no voting rights; however, it does have priority over common stockholders claims. Alternative Capital Structure The goal of any capital

References: Debt Financing (2011), Retrieved June 18, 2011 from, http://www.businessfinance.com/debt financing.htm Debt vs. Equity Advantages and Disadvantages (2011), Received June 18, 2011 from, http://www.residual-rewards.com/debt-vs-equity.html Kimmel, P., Weygandt, J., & Kieso, D. (2007). Financial Accounting: Tools for Business Decision Making (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Richards, Daniel (2011), Debt Financing Pros and Cons, Retrieved June 19, 2011 from, http://entrepreneurs.about.com/od/financing/a/debtfinancing.htm