American Superconductor Decision for Debt Financing vs Equity Financing

Read the article below, available in Proquest: American Superconductor switch; Westboro company plans to raise money through a stock offering Andi Esposito. Telegram & Gazette. Worcester, Mass.: Aug 26, 2003. pg. E.1 Abstract (Article Summary) 'AMSC's management and board of directors believe the decision to forgo a secured debt financing and to adopt an equityfinancing strategy under current market conditions is in the best interests of our shareholders," said Gregory J. Yurek, chief executive officer of AMSC. The 265-employee company has operations in Westboro and Devens and in Wisconsin. Finally, the Northeast blackout "shined a lot of light on the problems we have been talking about as a company for three to four years," Mr. Yurek said. AMSC products, such as a system installed this year in the aging Connecticut grid and high temperature superconductor power cables and other devices bought by China for its grid, are designed to improve the cost, efficiency and reliability of systems that generate, deliver and use electric power. "We are a company with products out there solving problems today," he said.' Then answer the following questions: What are the advantages and disadvantages for AMSC to forgo their debt financing and take on equity financing? Do you agree with their decision? Explain both of your answers thoroughly. Be sure to support your opinions with references to the background materials or other articles.