In $1958$ Franco Modigliani and Merton Miller $($MM$)$ published a set of research papers that revolutionized the theory of a corporation's capital structure.

In their first research paper, MM proposed a set of assumptions that, on the surface, may seem unrealistic, but these assumptions and MM$\text{'}$s algebraic

approach provided the first significant attempt to study capital structure theory in a scientific fashion. The original assumptions that were used in MM$\text{'}$s

first study were changed by MM and other researchers as the theory of capital structure evolved.

Which of the following statements are assumptions that Modigliani and Miller used in their initial $($MM Proposition I$)$ model and research paper? Check

all that apply.

Stocks and bonds are traded in "perfect markets," such that there are no transaction $($or brokerage$)$ costs and all corporate and individual

investors can borrow and lend at the same rate of interest.

A firm's earnings before interest and taxes $($EBIT$)$ is constant, and is not affected by the use of debt.

There are no costs associated with a bankruptcy.

All investors are rational, and have the same expectations of a company's earnings $($as measured by its EBIT$).$

There are no taxes$-$either personal or corporate.

The cost of debt increases with the level of debt.

Consider the following statement about a firm's capital structure:

The value of the firm is independent of its leverage.

Is the preceding statement consistent with the conclusions of Modigliani and Miller's $1958$ capital structure theory $($MM Proposition I$)?$

Yes

No