Current Examples of Firm Capital Structure The prevalence of very low interest rates lasting until early 2022 prompted many CFOs to embark on very aggressive strategies for managing the capital structure of their companies. To get an idea of the variety of approaches that major firms are using, take a look at actual capital structures of firms that represent very different approaches. - McDonald's and Yum Brands have very aggressive use of leverage. - Colgate is a very well established firm in the sector of fast moving consumer goods, also with an agressive use of leverage. - Pfizer is a pharmaceutical company. What is different about this industry and how does it fit with Pfizer's capital structure? - General Motors is a legacy manufacturing firm that is engaged in transforming itself to compete in the electric vehicle market. - Microsoft is effectively a monopoly with a very strong balance sheet. Does this make sense for its business? Think about the logic behind the way that each company has decided to organize its balance sheet