Debt vs Equity: Cost of Capital Comparison

When it comes to financing your business, debt is usually cheaper than equity. Here's why:

Quick Comparison

Aspect
Debt Financing
Equity Financing

Lower (3–8% after tax)
Higher (15–25%)

Fixed payments
None

Yes (interest deductible)
No

Higher for the company
Higher for investors

Maintains control
Dilutes ownership

Key Takeaway: Debt is cost-effective but risky, while equity is flexible but expensive. The right choice depends on your business's needs, growth stage, and cash flow stability.

For founders, decisions around debt and equity are rarely isolated events. They’re part of a broader financial planning conversation that ties capital structure to long-term value creation, risk exposure, and how the business ultimately supports future strategic outcomes.

Debt Financing: Costs and Considerations

Cost of Debt

The cost of debt is essentially the effective interest rate a company pays on the funds it borrows. Knowing this figure is key when calculating your company's overall cost of capital, especially when weighing it against equity financing. Debt often costs less than equity because of fixed interest payments and tax benefits. Here's the formula to calculate it:

After-Tax Cost of Debt = Cost of Debt × (1 – Tax Rate)

For instance, if a company takes a loan at a 5% interest rate and has a 30% tax rate, the after-tax cost comes down to 3.5%.

A company's credit rating plays a huge role in determining borrowing costs. Strong credit ratings mean lower costs, while weaker ratings drive them up. In 2023, Capstone Partners highlighted this when they helped AVT Simulation secure a $25 million senior credit facility at competitive rates, thanks to their solid financial standing.

Pros and Cons of Debt

Aspect
Advantages
Disadvantages

Retain full control of the company
Risk of default and potential asset loss

Reduces effective cost
Fixed payments could strain cash flow

Often cheaper than equity
Higher risk during economic downturns

Predictable payment schedule
Less adaptable than equity during tough times

Funds immediate growth needs
May restrict future borrowing capacity

When to Choose Debt Financing

Debt financing is ideal for companies with specific characteristics:

Companies such as Tesla and Urban Company have successfully utilized debt financing, capitalizing on their steady revenues and valuable assets to secure favorable terms. The rising popularity of venture debt also reflects this trend - disbursements grew from $271M in 2019 to $538M in 2021, showing its appeal among growth-stage businesses.

For tailored advice on debt financing, firms like Phoenix Strategy Group can assist in evaluating your options and structuring financing that aligns with your company's goals and stage of development.

While debt financing offers cost savings and allows you to maintain control, equity financing comes with its own set of trade-offs, which we'll dive into next.

Equity Financing: Costs and Considerations

Equity financing can be a game-changer for businesses focused on growth rather than immediate cost savings, offering benefits that debt financing can't provide.

Cost of Equity

The cost of equity reflects the return investors expect for the risk they take. It’s calculated using the CAPM model, which considers the risk-free rate, market risk premium, and your company's risk (beta).

Cost of Equity = Risk-free rate + Beta × (Market return - Risk-free rate)

Unlike debt, equity doesn’t come with tax advantages, which often makes it more expensive.

Pros and Cons of Equity

Aspect
Advantages
Disadvantages

No fixed payment obligations
Higher expected returns for investors

Reduces bankruptcy risk
Permanent dilution of ownership

Access to larger capital pools
Shared decision-making power

No repayment schedule
Governance can become more complex

Brings investor expertise and connections
Loss of full control over decisions

When to Choose Equity Financing

Equity financing works best for certain types of companies:

For growth-stage businesses, firms like Phoenix Strategy Group specialize in structuring equity deals that help founders maintain control while accessing the funding they need.

Knowing the trade-offs of equity financing helps you weigh it against debt, so you can choose the right option for your business.

Debt vs Equity: Cost Comparison

Factors Affecting Costs

The cost of debt is tied to interest rates, while equity costs stem from what investors expect to earn. When interest rates go up, borrowing becomes more expensive. However, since interest on debt is tax-deductible, it often ends up being less expensive than equity.

Market conditions and a company’s risk profile also play a role. Strong market conditions can lower debt costs and boost equity valuations. On the other hand, companies with unpredictable cash flows or a short operating history usually encounter higher borrowing costs.

The decision between debt and equity isn't just about cost - it also depends on how much risk a company is willing to take and how much control it wants to retain.

Risk and Control Comparison

Debt and equity come with different trade-offs when it comes to risk and control. Debt allows companies to retain full ownership but comes with fixed payment obligations that can put pressure on cash flow. Equity, on the other hand, doesn’t require repayment but reduces ownership and control.

This difference in risk explains why equity is more expensive. Equity investors take on higher risk since they don’t have guaranteed returns, so they expect higher potential rewards. In contrast, debt holders have priority claims on assets and receive fixed payments, which makes them accept lower returns.

Cost Comparison Table

Aspect
Debt Financing
Equity Financing

Lower (3-8% after tax)
Higher (15-25% expected return)

Fixed interest payments
Variable returns based on performance

Interest payments deductible
None

Lower for investors, higher for company
Higher for investors, lower for company

Maintains ownership control
Dilutes ownership and control

Risk of bankruptcy
No default risk

Phoenix Strategy Group suggests that growth-stage companies use debt for predictable costs and equity for fueling expansion. By understanding these trade-offs, founders can make financing decisions that align with their business goals.

The next section will dive deeper into how balancing debt and equity can optimize your capital structure.

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Optimal Capital Structure

Structuring your capital effectively is essential for keeping costs low while enabling growth over the long term.

The most effective capital structures are built within a cohesive financial strategy, not as one-off financing decisions. This is where experienced fractional CFO leadership helps founders connect funding choices to operating discipline, valuation drivers, and long-term business optionality.

Balancing Debt and Equity

Striking the right balance between debt and equity is critical for reducing costs and boosting a company's value. For instance, Tesla operates with lower debt-to-equity ratios compared to its peers, showing how strategies differ based on goals and risk appetite. Industries also play a big role - REITs often rely on higher debt levels, while sectors like biotechnology tend to avoid heavy leverage.

The dangers of too much debt are clear. Gulfport Energy's bankruptcy is a prime example of what can happen when a capital structure becomes unsustainable. It's not just about finding the right mix of debt and equity - it’s about aligning that mix with your company’s stage of growth and the specific demands of your industry.

Growth Stage and Industry Impact

A company’s capital structure shifts as it grows. Early-stage businesses often lean on equity, while mature companies aim for a better balance between debt and equity. Several factors influence the ideal financing approach, including:

Navigating these factors can be tricky, which is why many businesses seek guidance from experts like Phoenix Strategy Group.

Phoenix Strategy Group's Role

Phoenix Strategy Group specializes in helping growth-stage companies refine their capital structures with tailored financial strategies. Their services focus on three main areas:

"The optimal level of debt represents a ceiling that ensures financial flexibility, rather than a fixed goal to maximize leverage."

With their expertise, companies can avoid common mistakes and use both debt and equity effectively as they grow. Their advanced modeling and strategic insights help businesses maintain a balanced and efficient capital structure.

Conclusion: Informed Financing Decisions

Key Takeaways

Choosing between debt and equity financing can shape a company's financial future and ownership structure. For instance, analysis reveals that the average founder equity at IPO is just 15%, showing how financing choices can significantly impact ownership.

Each option comes with its own pros and cons. Debt financing often costs less and keeps ownership intact but requires regular repayments and increases the risk of financial strain. On the other hand, equity financing eliminates repayment obligations and offers more flexibility but comes at a higher cost and reduces ownership stakes.

Aspect
Debt Financing
Equity Financing

Cost
Lower
Higher

Control
Retains ownership
Dilutes ownership

Risk
Higher (fixed payments)
Lower (no repayments)

Process Complexity
Simpler and faster
More complex, longer

By grasping these distinctions, founders can better assess their financing options and align them with their goals.

Next Steps for Founders

Making the right financing decision requires a clear plan tailored to your business's needs and stage of growth.

Start by creating detailed financial models to understand the impact of each option. Consider your company's growth phase, industry trends, and long-term goals. Expert advice can also be a game-changer. Jacobs and Shivdasani from the University of North Carolina emphasize: "Expectations about returns determine not only what projects managers will and will not invest in, but also whether the company succeeds financially."

Interestingly, nearly 50% of companies miscalculate their cost of capital by over 1%. This highlights the importance of expert insights. Phoenix Strategy Group specializes in helping growth-stage companies refine their capital structure through financial modeling, strategic planning, and risk management.

"Effective debt financing requires detailed financial modeling to project its impacts."

The ultimate aim is to lower the cost of capital while keeping flexibility and growth opportunities intact.

FAQs

Here are answers to two common questions about financing options:

What is the difference between debt cost of capital and equity cost of capital?

Debt capital comes from borrowing funds through loans or bonds, which usually have a fixed interest rate and repayment schedule. One advantage is that interest payments are tax-deductible, which can reduce the overall cost.

Equity capital, on the other hand, involves raising money by selling ownership stakes or using retained earnings. This option tends to be more expensive because investors expect higher returns to offset their risk. For instance, while debt might come with a 6-8% interest rate, equity investors often look for returns of 15-20% or more.

Though debt is generally cheaper, the decision to use debt or equity isn't just about cost - it depends on several other factors.

Is it cheaper to finance with debt or equity?

Debt financing is often more affordable due to tax benefits and lower return expectations from lenders compared to equity investors. But there’s more to the decision than just cost.

When deciding between debt and equity, companies should consider:

Ultimately, the best choice balances cost-effectiveness with what aligns best with the company’s specific needs and future plans.

About Us

Phoenix Strategy Group helps founders realize their dreams by installing a proven finance + RevOps system that turns founder-led companies into scalable businesses and maximizes exit value.