We test the impact of classification regimes on firms’ financing choices by examining the
effect of SFAS 150 on the decision to issue MRPS. As indicated, MRPS are preferred shares
that incorporate an unconditional obligation of the issuer to redeem them at a future date,
very much like debt. Prior to SFAS 150, managers were allowed to report these securities
outside the liabilities section of the balance sheet. In practice, most Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) registrants classified MRPS between their liabilities and equity in what is
often referred to as the ‘mezzanine’ section.5 Notwithstanding, the FASB criticised the reporting
of MRPS in the mezzanine for many years, and in May 2003 issued SFAS 150, requiring firms to
classify MRPS as a liability on the balance sheet and to report related dividends as interest payments
on the income and cash flow statements.