which of the following transactions will lower a company's financial leverage? group of answer choices common stock is sold and the proceeds are used to pay off existing short-term debt. preferred stock is sold and the proceeds are used to pay off existing short-term debt. a mortgage loan is obtained and the proceeds are used to pay off existing short-term debt. short-term debt is obtained to get the company through a period of negative net income and cash flow. flag question: question 21