Janet Lilian Maina

Evolution of Capital Structure Choices for Effective Economic Gain: Pecking Order and Trade off Theories Janet Lilian Maina

This study gives an in depth examination of determinants of capital structure choices. The study is grounded on pecking order and trade off theories as a basis for explanation of capital structure choices. The statement of the problem for this study is to investigate the determinants of capital structure choices and their influence in allocation of securities in the international capital market. The objective of the study is to assess the effect of capital structure choices in allocation of financial securities in the international market. The methodology employed in this area of study is correlation and regression analysis. The data source and sample source for the study is quoted firms, large unquoted firms and small ? medium enterprises. All firms that have been listed on the Kenyan stock exchange during the six ? year period, 2007 ? 2011, were sampled. Twenty ? two firms qualified to be included in the sample. Small medium enterprise (SMEs) was found to have the highest fixed assets. Quoted firms recorded the highest dividend payout ratio followed by unquoted firms.