The optimal capital structure has been achieved when the:

• A. total assets equal total liabilities
• B. firm's debt-to-equity ratio equals 1:1
• C. firm's value is maximized and its weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is minimized
• D. company has no long-term debt on its balance sheet

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of optimal capital structure: It refers to the mix of debt and equity financing that maximizes a firm's value while minimizing its Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC).
2. Recognize that achieving the optimal capital structure does not necessarily mean having equal amounts of debt and equity (1:1 ratio) or having no long-term debt. Instead, it is about finding the balance that minimizes financing costs and maximizes shareholder value.
3. Recall that WACC is calculated as a weighted average of the cost of equity and the cost of debt, where the weights are based on the proportion of each in the firm's capital structure. Minimizing WACC increases the firm's value.
4. Analyze the firm's financial statements and ratios, such as the debt-to-equity ratio, interest coverage ratio, and return on equity, to assess whether the current capital structure aligns with the goal of minimizing WACC.
5. Evaluate external factors such as market conditions, interest rates, and the firm's risk profile, as these can influence the cost of debt and equity, and thus the optimal capital structure.