Capital structure, essentially the mix of debt and equity a company uses to finance its operations and growth, is a cornerstone of corporate finance. It’s not just an accounting detail; it’s a strategic decision that profoundly influences a company’s risk profile, cost of capital, profitability, and ultimately, its overall financial performance. For executives, investors, and analysts, understanding this interplay is critical for assessing a company’s health and future prospects. This article delves into the intricate relationship between a company’s capital structure and its financial performance. We’ll explore theoretical frameworks, practical implications, the factors influencing optimal capital structure, and how these choices ripple through a company’s financial statements. Understanding Capital Structure A company’s capital structure is typically expressed as the debt-to-equity ratio, or more broadly, the proportion of long-term debt, short-term debt, common equity, and preferred equity used to finance its assets. The core objective in capital structure decisions is to

If you’re a frequent traveler looking for a credit card that turns every dollar spent into valuable airline miles, the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® could be the perfect companion. Issued by Barclays and affiliated with the Miles & More loyalty program—the official frequent flyer program of Lufthansa and other airlines in the Star Alliance—this premium travel credit card offers strong rewards potential, elite travel perks, and access to award flights across a global network. Whether you’re a seasoned jet-setter or someone aiming to travel more for less, here’s everything you need to know about the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®. Overview of the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® The Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® is tailored for travelers who frequently fly with Lufthansa and its airline partners. The card allows you to earn Miles & More award miles through everyday spending, along with an attractive

For fashion enthusiasts and loyal shoppers of Gap Inc. brands, the Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard® offers an enticing proposition: a seamless way to earn rewards on your everyday spending and elevate your shopping experience. More than just a payment tool, this co-branded credit card is designed to reward loyalty, offering exclusive perks and opportunities to save at Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, and Athleta. Issued by a major financial institution, typically Synchrony Bank, the Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard® extends beyond the confines of store-only purchases, allowing you to earn rewards wherever Mastercard is accepted. This guide will explore the card’s key features, its comprehensive rewards program, important financial considerations, and a step-by-step approach to applying for the card, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision and maximize your benefits. Understanding the Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard®: Who Benefits Most? The Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard® is specifically

If you’re a frequent shopper at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, or Athleta, the Navyist Rewards Mastercard® can be a smart addition to your wallet. This co-branded card, issued by Barclays, is designed to reward customer loyalty with valuable perks both in-store and elsewhere. With no annual fee, flexible reward redemptions, and bonus earning categories, it stands out among retail credit cards. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Navyist Rewards Mastercard®—its key features, pros and cons, eligibility requirements, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply. What is the Navyist Rewards Mastercard®? The Navyist Rewards Mastercard® is a store and everyday-use credit card that caters to loyal customers of the Gap Inc. family of brands, which includes: The card is part of the Gap Inc. Rewards program, which allows cardholders to accumulate points from every purchase and redeem them across all participating brands. Key

If you’re a frequent traveler with a penchant for Breeze Airways, the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card is tailored just for you. This co-branded credit card, issued by Barclays US Consumer Bank, offers a plethora of benefits designed to enhance your travel experience and maximize your rewards. Key Features of the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card Generous Sign-Up Bonus New cardholders can earn a substantial 50,000 BreezePoints after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. This bonus is valued at approximately $500, providing a significant head start in accumulating rewards points . Accelerated Rewards on Breeze Purchases The card offers up to 10X BreezePoints on Breeze Airways purchases: Additionally, you can earn: Annual Bonus Cardholders who spend at least $10,000 annually on the card will receive a 7,500 BreezePoints anniversary bonus, further enhancing the value of the card . Unlimited Points Earning There is no

For budget-conscious travelers and loyal Frontier Airlines flyers, the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® offers a compelling way to earn miles faster and access exclusive travel perks. Issued by Barclays, this co-branded airline card focuses on affordable travel, mileage earning, and elite status acceleration for frequent flyers. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Frontier Airlines Mastercard — from the rewards structure to fees, and how to apply. What is the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®? The Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® is a travel rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently fly with Frontier Airlines or are looking for a low-cost way to earn miles. Unlike general travel cards that offer flexible points, this card offers Frontier Miles, which can be redeemed for flights with Frontier Airlines. Barclays, the issuing bank, combines rewards for everyday spending with perks tailored to travelers, making this a solid

For fashion lovers and loyal shoppers of Gap Inc. brands like Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta, the Gap Good Rewards Mastercard® is more than just a credit card — it’s a way to get rewarded for your everyday purchases. Issued by Barclays, this card offers generous point earnings, exclusive perks, and flexible redemption options that make it an appealing choice for anyone looking to earn while they shop. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Gap Good Rewards Mastercard® — its benefits, fees, terms, and how to apply for it. What is the Gap Good Rewards Mastercard®? The Gap Good Rewards Mastercard® is a store-branded credit card that allows cardholders to earn rewards when shopping at Gap Inc. brands and even more rewards on other purchases made anywhere Mastercard is accepted. There are two versions of this card: This article focuses on the

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card is a top-tier hotel credit card designed specifically for small business owners who frequently travel or conduct business on the road. Issued by Barclays, this card is part of the Wyndham Rewards program and comes loaded with travel perks, elite status, and generous earning potential. Whether you’re a frequent guest at Wyndham hotels or simply want to maximize your business expenses, this card offers serious value. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card — including features, benefits, rewards, and the application process. What is the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card? The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card is a business credit card linked to the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. Cardholders earn Wyndham Rewards points with every eligible purchase, which can be redeemed for free hotel nights, upgrades, and other travel benefits. This card is ideal

When it comes to planning for the future, especially saving for college or paying down student loans, every dollar counts. That’s where the Upromise® World Mastercard® comes in. Designed with education savings in mind, this credit card is an excellent choice for families and students looking to earn rewards that contribute directly to their 529 college savings plan or help pay off existing student loans. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what the Upromise® World Mastercard® offers, its key benefits, how it works, and how you can apply. What is the Upromise® World Mastercard®? The Upromise® World Mastercard®, issued by Barclays, is a cash-back credit card tied directly to the Upromise rewards program. Unlike traditional credit cards that offer points for travel or general cash back, this card is geared toward helping users save for higher education costs. The card is integrated with the Upromise program, which allows you to

The Barnes & Noble Mastercard®, issued by Barclays, is a credit card designed for book lovers, especially loyal Barnes & Noble customers. It offers rewards tailored to readers, students, educators, and anyone who frequently shops at Barnes & Noble stores or online. With no annual fee and a generous rewards program, this card can be a smart choice for those who want to earn back on book-related purchases and everyday spending. Key Features of the Barnes & Noble Mastercard® 1. No Annual Fee One of the most attractive features of the Barnes & Noble Mastercard® is that it comes with no annual fee. This means cardholders can enjoy the benefits and earn rewards without worrying about a yearly cost. 2. Reward Program The Barnes & Noble Mastercard® has a straightforward and rewarding cashback program: These rewards come in the form of Barnes & Noble gift cards, which are automatically issued