Which of the following is a key guideline in structuring debt?

Matching debt terms to the life of assets financed is a key guideline in structuring debt because it helps ensure alignment between the repayment schedule and the expected economic lifespan of the funded assets. This principle enhances financial stability by avoiding situations where obligations remain after an asset has already depreciated or become obsolete.

For long-term investments, securing long-term debt allows for spreading out the repayment burden over a period that corresponds to the asset's usefulness. This approach can effectively manage cash flow, as it prevents sudden financial strain when a debt matures while the associated asset is still generating revenue or value.

In contrast, options such as setting fixed interest rates only, issuing debt regardless of market conditions, or focusing solely on short-term borrowing can lead to financial risks and mismatches between cash flows and obligations. These strategies do not prioritize the fundamental relationship between the asset financing and debt structure, which is crucial for sound financial management.