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Describe why a firm's owners might prefer a corporate structure, rather than a partnership.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A corporation offers advantages such as limited liability, perpetual succession, and easier access to capital. In a corporate structure, the owners (shareholders) have limited liability - their personal assets are not at risk for the firm's debts. Additionally, the corporation continues to exist in perpetuity, regardless of the changes in ownership. Also, it's often easier for corporations to raise capital, as they can issue more shares of stock.

Step by step solution

01

Define the Structures

Define what a corporate structure and a partnership are. A corporate structure refers to a legal structure of an organization where the company is a separate entity from its owners. The company has its own rights, liabilities and can sue or be sued. On the other hand, a partnership is a type of business where two or more people share ownership.
02

Explain Limited Liability

Explain the concept of limited liability. In a corporate structure, the owner's liability is limited to the amount they have invested in the company. Unlike in a partnership, the personal assets of the shareholders are not at risk in settling the firm's debts.
03

Discuss Perpetual Succession

Discuss perpetual succession. In a corporation, the business continues to exist even after the death or exit of one of the owners. In contrast, in a partnership, the business may need to be dissolved if one partner leaves or dies.
04

Discuss Access to Capital

Highlight the issue of access to capital. Corporations usually have easier access to capital by issuing shares of stock. This can help the firm to grow and expand, which may be more challenging in a partnership setup.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Limited Liability
One of the most significant advantages of a corporate structure is the protection provided by limited liability. This means that the personal assets of the owners, or shareholders, are shielded from the company's debts and obligations.

In simple terms, if a corporation faces financial difficulties or is sued, the maximum potential loss for an investor is what they have already invested in shares. This creates an environment where entrepreneurs can venture into business without the fear of personal financial ruin.

Contrast this with a partnership, where partners can be personally liable for the company's debts. They stand to lose personal assets like their houses or savings if the business fails.

Thanks to limited liability, corporate structures often attract more investors who might otherwise be hesitant to put their money at risk.
Perpetual Succession
Another fundamental feature of corporations is perpetual succession. This principle ensures the continuity and stability of a business. In essence, a corporation can exist indefinitely, irrespective of changes in ownership or management.

When a shareholder decides to sell their shares or if they pass away, the corporation itself remains unaffected. This is crucial for strategic planning, as it provides a level of predictability and confidence in the corporation's future.

On the other hand, partnerships may face significant disruptions if a partner leaves or passes away, sometimes requiring a complete restructuring or dissolution of the business.

Perpetual succession makes the corporation an attractive choice for businesses looking to build long-term relationships with clients and investors, as it assures stakeholders of its ongoing existence.
Access to Capital
A key benefit of forming a corporation is the enhanced access to capital markets. Corporations can raise vast amounts of capital by issuing stocks or bonds to the public. This ability provides corporations with the resources needed for expansion, research, and development.

Access to capital markets allows corporations to take advantage of growth opportunities that smaller business structures might not be able to pursue.

In contrast, partnerships generally rely on personal funds from partners or loans, which can be limiting. The difficulty in accumulating large capital amounts in a partnership can hinder growth and adaptability.

Furthermore, the liquidity offered by shares in a corporation means that shares can be traded easily, making it attractive for external investors. This increased investor interest can help corporations flourish and innovate consistently.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Choose an industry. Identify the three largest firms in that industry. Obtain their most recent financial statements or summaries thereof. Obtain one or two recent articles on this industry or on the three selected firms. a. Discuss the similarities and differences in the three firms' capital structures. b. Discuss how these firms might be changing their capital structure, especially in response to industry or market factors. c. Discuss how the firms' capital structures might reflect problems or opportunities in this industry. d. Identify any inconsistencies in the firms' management of their capital structures. That is, discuss how each firm's capital structure is responsive to both its particular circumstances and to industry and market factors. Discuss how the firm might be acting consistently and rationally relative to these factors. Discuss any inconsistencies, particularly from the viewpoint of an external analyst who has to make predictions about the future success of the company.

Describe how dividends decrease shareholders' equity. Under what circumstances will dividends not reduce shareholders' equity?

BF Group, a British company, reported the following components of shareholders' equity in its 1999 balance sheet (the relative size of each account balance is also shown): \(\bullet\) Called-up share capital (large balance) \(\bullet\) Share premium account (small balance) \(\bullet\) Capital reserve (large balance) \(\bullet\) Profit and loss account (small balance, but much larger than the current year's net income a. Compare and contrast each of these terms with corresponding terms typically shown on a U.S. firm's balance sheet. b. Why do you suppose that a British firm would show both a reserve account and a profit and loss account?

Calculate EPS, given the following information: \(\bullet\) Net income, \(\$ 345,000,000\) \(\bullet\) Authorized common stock, 20,000,000 shares, \(\$ 1.00\) par value \(\bullet\) Weighted average number of shares outstanding, 11,455,678 \(\bullet\) Dividends paid, \(\$ 35,000,000\)

Record the effects of the following transactions, using the balance sheet equation and Cash and other assets. Calculate the ending balance in Retained Earnings. 1\. The beginning balance in retained earnings is \(\$ 2,590,000 ;\) common stock \(\$ 1.00\) par value, is \(\$ 2,000,000 ;\) and Cash and other assets is \(\$ 4,590,000\) 2\. Earn net income of \(\$ 3,560,000\) 3\. Declare and pay dividends of \(\$ 2,000,000\) 4\. Issue four million shares of common stock, par value, \(\$ 1.00\) at a price of \(\$ 4.00\) 5\. Issue stock dividends in the amount of \(\$ 3,000,000\) representing 1,000,000 shares.

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