What does the term 'capital structure' refer to in financial statements?

The term 'capital structure' specifically refers to the way a company finances its assets through a combination of equity capital, which may include stocks, and debt capital, which consists of loans and bonds. It reflects how a company balances its use of debt and equity to fund its operations and growth. Understanding a company's capital structure is essential for assessing its financial risk and the potential return for equity holders.

By analyzing the capital structure, investors and analysts can evaluate how much leverage a company is using and its ability to meet financial obligations, which is key when assessing overall financial health and stability. A well-structured capital position can help optimize a company’s cost of capital and enhance shareholder value.