This document discusses capital structure, which refers to the mix of long-term financing sources like equity shares, preference shares, long-term loans, debentures, bonds, and retained earnings that comprise a firm's permanent capital. It defines capital structure according to various authors and distinguishes it from financial structure, which includes both long-term and short-term liabilities. The objectives of capital structure are to minimize the overall cost of capital and maximize firm value. Factors that determine an appropriate capital structure include profitability, solvency, flexibility, conservatism, control, and legal requirements.