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Imperfect Market or Imperfect Theory: A Unified Analytical Theory of Production and Capital Structure of Firms

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  • Jing Chen

    (University of Northern British Columbia)

Abstract

We present a unified analytical theory of production and capital structure of firms. It is extended from an analytical theory of production, whose main result is an analytical formula of variable cost of production as a function of fixed cost and uncertainty. Problems on capital structure can be naturally incorporated into the theory on production from a simple observation. Debt is fixed income for investors and hence fixed cost for issuing firms. The decision on capital structure is part of the decision process that determines the level of the fixed cost and variable cost of firms to achieve a high rate of return based on the understanding of current and future market conditions. The new theory offers a simple and parsimonious understanding to a broad range of empirical patterns documented in the literature. It reinforces the impression from other recent studies that puzzles in corporate finance often result not from “imperfect market” but rather from “imperfect theory”.

Suggested Citation

  • Jing Chen, 2005. "Imperfect Market or Imperfect Theory: A Unified Analytical Theory of Production and Capital Structure of Firms," Finance 0509009, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwpfi:0509009
    Note: Type of Document - pdf; pages: 18
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Chen, Jing, 2012. "The nature of discounting," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 23(3), pages 313-324.

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    JEL classification:

    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies

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