We develop a simple methodology to identify firms that are at or close to their optimal capital structure. Using this methodology we present cross-sectional and time series evidence in favor of dynamic tradeoff theory. In particular, at rebalancing points the relationship between profitability and leverage is positive, consistent with theoretical predictions. Also, the time series of market leverage, profitability, and equity payouts in the years prior to rebalancing events match the patterns

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... tained from simulated data. Our methodology is robust to recent critiques of empirical tests of dynamic tradeoff theory.