The choice of capital structure and the impact of financing decisions on corporate value are the fundamental questions of corporate finance. Hilmar Schneider chronologically explains the development of modern capital structure theory and empirical determinants research. Through a meta-analysis, he evaluates the research findings published internationally on the eight most significant capital structure determinants. This approach allows for the identification of empirical research gaps, the cross-study examination of moderator effects, and ultimately, the conclusion regarding the validity of central capital structure theoretical hypotheses.