Solution
✅ Correct Option: 3
Option 1 -> Increasing debt actually raises financial risk due to higher fixed interest obligations, not lowers it. Option 2 -> While cost of equity may increase due to higher financial leverage, this is a secondary effect rather than the direct consequence. Option 3 -> More debt increases fixed financial obligations (interest payments), directly raising the company's financial risk and probability of financial distress. Option 4 -> Higher debt typically reduces dividend capacity as the company must prioritize debt servicing over dividend payments. Hence, Option 3: Increased financial risk -> When a company increases debt in its capital structure, it takes on more fixed interest payment obligations regardless of profitability, which directly elevates financial risk and the potential for insolvency -> correct
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