Order for Masks
Assignment: Statistics
Thesis Abstract
Pangan, Emmanuel S.
MT1311
Submitted to: Sir Ferdinand Villamento
1. THE TAX REFORM ACT OF 1986 AND FINANCIAL LEVERAGE
REVISITING THE MODIGLIANI-MILLER THEOREM
Courtney A. Hopley
February, 2003
Economics Major
Despite the fact that the Tax Reform Act of 1986 was the most sweeping tax reform effort in recent US history, critics are concerned that the act could have worsened the distortion of corporate financing decisions by failing to address the unequal treatment of debt and equity finance. Two conflicting theories, the traditional theory of corporate finance and the Modigliani-Miller Theorem, make different predictions about the impact of this unequal treatment on debt utilization. The traditional theory states that the cost differential between debt and equity finance will be significant, whereas, the Modigliani-Miller Theorem states that the cost differential will be so small that it will not have an appreciable effect on capital structure decisions. This study supports the Modigliani-Miller contention, as the TRA 86 did not appear to have a significant effect on debt utilization in the aggregate. Moreover, it indicates that capital structure decisions are firm specific. Public policy and market forces influence each firm in a different way.
2. AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM AFTER WELFARE REFORM Erik Speicher February, 2003 Economics Abstract
This thesis explores the effects the changes from welfare reform have had on the Food Stamp Program. The hypothesis states will the passing of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act create a negative impact on the food stamp participation rates. The Food Stamp Program effectively provides low-income households with means to buy food. Through the use of a regression the hypothesis is tested using a series of economic and welfare reform explanatory variables. If the
Thesis Abstract
Pangan, Emmanuel S.
MT1311
Submitted to: Sir Ferdinand Villamento
1. THE TAX REFORM ACT OF 1986 AND FINANCIAL LEVERAGE
REVISITING THE MODIGLIANI-MILLER THEOREM
Courtney A. Hopley
February, 2003
Economics Major
Despite the fact that the Tax Reform Act of 1986 was the most sweeping tax reform effort in recent US history, critics are concerned that the act could have worsened the distortion of corporate financing decisions by failing to address the unequal treatment of debt and equity finance. Two conflicting theories, the traditional theory of corporate finance and the Modigliani-Miller Theorem, make different predictions about the impact of this unequal treatment on debt utilization. The traditional theory states that the cost differential between debt and equity finance will be significant, whereas, the Modigliani-Miller Theorem states that the cost differential will be so small that it will not have an appreciable effect on capital structure decisions. This study supports the Modigliani-Miller contention, as the TRA 86 did not appear to have a significant effect on debt utilization in the aggregate. Moreover, it indicates that capital structure decisions are firm specific. Public policy and market forces influence each firm in a different way.
2. AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM AFTER WELFARE REFORM Erik Speicher February, 2003 Economics Abstract
This thesis explores the effects the changes from welfare reform have had on the Food Stamp Program. The hypothesis states will the passing of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act create a negative impact on the food stamp participation rates. The Food Stamp Program effectively provides low-income households with means to buy food. Through the use of a regression the hypothesis is tested using a series of economic and welfare reform explanatory variables. If the