Lecture Financial markets and institutions (4/e) – Chapter 15
Lecture Financial markets and institutions (4/e) – Chapter 15
In this chapter we explore the principles of both operating leverage and financial leverage. The former is due to fixed operating costs associated with the production of goods or services, whereas the latter is due to the existence of fixed financing costs – in particular, interest on debt. Both types of leverage affect the level and variability of the firm’s after-tax earnings, and hence the firm’s overall risk and return.