Business finance-9960 | Business & Finance homework help
The utilization of debt by a company can have both positive and negative impacts on its value. On the one hand, taking on debt can provide a business with access to additional capital that can be used for growth or expansion initiatives, which could lead to an increase in overall value over time. Conversely, building up too much debt could put strain on the company’s finances and creditworthiness which may limit their ability to raise funds in the future. This could also result in higher interest rates being charged if they are approved for financing as lenders would want greater assurance that their money will be repaid.
Additionally, high levels of debt can reduce shareholder value since any profits generated will need to cover not only operational costs but also loan repayments. This leaves less cash available for dividends or other forms of shareholder returns which can have an adverse effect on the stock price over time. Ultimately, it is important for companies to use caution when taking on debt and ensure that they keep their balance sheet manageable so as not to negatively impact their long-term value.