Finance

What Is The Leverage Ratio And How to Calculate It?

Soumava Goswami

Finance Sep 29, 2023

Leverage ratio is a tool for businesses that helps to determine the extent to which a particular business depends on debt to purchase assets and build capital. On the one hand, it helps businesses determine their own capability to secure funding. On the other hand, the leverage ratio helps investors and lenders evaluate the ability of a business to meet its financial obligations after securing capital.

In this article, you will learn about leverage ratio in general and how it works for businesses as well as investors and lenders alike. We will also share with you details on how to calculate the leverage ratio formula of different types of leverage ratios. Finally, you will learn about the importance of the leverage ratio and how it applies to businesses. Hence, to learn more, read on through to the end of the article.

What Is The Leverage Ratio?

According to Investopedia,

“A leverage ratio is any one of several financial measurements that look at how much capital comes in the form of debt (loans) or assesses the ability of a company to meet its financial obligations. The leverage ratio category is important because companies rely on a mixture of equity and debt to finance their operations, and knowing the amount of debt held by a company is useful in evaluating whether it can pay off its debts.”

Basically, the leverage ratio is a set of ratios with the help of which you can highlight the financial leverage of a business when it comes to assets, liabilities, and equities. The ratio gives you an idea of how much of the capital of a business comes from its debt. Hence, you will get a good idea of whether the business makes well for its financial obligations.

How Does Leverage Ratio Work?

According to Hubspot.com,

“A higher financial leverage ratio indicates that a company is using debt to finance its assets and operations — often a telltale sign of a business that could be a risky bet for potential investors. It can mean that earnings will be inconsistent, it could be a while before shareholders can see a meaningful return on their investment, or the business could soon be insolvent.”

These metrics are really useful for creditors and investors to find out whether they should extend credit to or invest in the business. If the financial leverage ratio of a company is very high, it means that the company is allocating most of its cash flow to pay off its debts and is more prone to default on loans.

On the other hand, if the financial leverage ratio of a business is low, it shows that the business is financially responsible and has a steady stream of revenue. Even if a company is in significant debt, having a good financial leverage ratio shows that there are minimal risks for investors and creditors, and the business is likely worth an investment.

Leverage Ratio – How To Calculate It?

The following are the different formulae of leverage ratios based on the type of ratio you want to choose:

1. Operating Leverage Ratio

You can calculate it using this formula:

Operating Leverage Ratio = Percentage change in EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) / Percentage change in Sales

2. Net Leverage Ratio

Here is the formula to calculate this ratio:

Net Leverage Ratio = (Net Debt – Cash Holdings) / EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization)

3. Debt-to-EBITDAX

You can calculate EBITDAX using this formula:

EBITDAX (Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization before Exploration Expenses) = EBIT (Earnings before Interest and Taxes) + Depreciation + Amortization + Exploration Expenses

4. Debt-to-Equity Ratio

Here is the formula to calculate this ratio:

Debt-to-Equity Ratio = Liabilities / Stockholders’ Equity

5. Debt-to-Capital Ratio

You can calculate it using this formula:

Debt-to-Capital Ratio = Debt / (Debt + Shareholders Equity)

6. Debt-to-Capitalization

Here is the formula to calculate this ratio:

Debt-to-Capitalization Ratio = (Short-term Debt + Long-term Debt) / (Short-term Debt + Long-term Debt+ Shareholder Equity)

7. Interest Coverage Ratio

You can calculate it using this formula:

Interest Coverage Ratio = Operating Income / Interest Expenses

8. Fixed-Charged Coverage Ratio

Here is the formula to calculate this ratio:

Fixed-Charged Coverage Ratio = EBIT (Earnings before Interest and Taxes) / Interest Expense of Long-term Debt

By having a good idea of your leverage ratios related to a business, you might understand how the business can run in the near future.

Why Is Leverage Ratio Important?

According to the Wall Street Mojo,

“Leverage ratios are important as they allow investors to assess a company’s financial position with respect to its financial obligations. Though firms have an option of using their equity to purchase assets and resources for undertaking different business activities, they go for taking up loans to finance their capital building. The reason is one – the cost of debt or cost of borrowing is way less than the cost of equity.”

The different types of leverage ratios help investors get a better idea of how the business’s capital flow is structured. By calculating these ratios, you can have information about a company in regard to whether it can take advantage of its leverage or not.

For example, if the company you want to invest in or lend credit to has taken too much debt, it is obviously risky for you. On the other hand, if the leverage ratio is too low and the company does not have any debt, it will be able to pay off too much cost of capital and reduce its earnings in the long run. Hence, consider your choices carefully.

Wrapping Up

Hope this article was helpful for you in getting an understanding of how a leverage ratio works. You can see here that this is one of the major financial tools with the help of which you can assess a company’s ability to meet its financial obligations. By using it to measure operating expenses, you can get an idea of how differences in output can change operating income.

The debt-equity ratio, equity multiplier ratio, degree of financial leverage, and consumer leverage ratio are some of the common leverage ratios. Do you have any more information to add regarding how to calculate the leverage ratio? Share your ideas and opinions with us in the comment section below.

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Soumava Goswami

Inspired by The Social Network, Soumava loves to find ways to make small businesses successful – he spends most of his time analyzing case studies of successful small businesses. With 5+ years of experience in flourishing with a small MarTech company, he knows countless tricks that work in favor of small businesses. His keen interest in finance is what fuels his passion for giving the best advice for small business operations. He loves to invest his time familiarizing himself with the latest business trends and brainstorming ways to apply them. From handling customer feedback to making the right business decisions, you’ll find all the answers with him!

A Guide To Creating A Solid Budget

Creating a budget can seem like an overwhelming task, especially when trying to navigate through personal finances. However, it's a step of paramount importance for financial stability and growth. A solid budget not only helps in tracking where your money goes but also in planning for future expenses and savings. It serves as a roadmap to financial freedom and prevents unnecessary stress related to money matters. Keep reading as we delve into the essentials of personal budgeting and offer practical strategies to help you manage your finances effectively. What Is The Purpose Of Creating A Solid Budget A solid budget is one of the core requisites to emerging successfully in the competitive market. Keeping this importance in mind, businesses, irrespective of size, invest time and resources to prepare a solid budget. It can help you understand your needs. However here we make a little discussion of the the key purpose in framing a solid budget. So let us get started with the discussion here. When you frame a comprehensive budget for one year, it means you are taking note of your prospective spending that financial year. A solid budget acts as a framework for your expenditure and future plans. Hence, you have to be quite calculative with the plan that you wish to have for a financial year. The success of a business organization depends on long-term planning. Preparing a budget can help you understand your needs, and at the same time, it can help you have a solid framework, which is crucial in understanding your goals and objectives. Overspending is not at all a good habit and it can drive your business towards complete failure. A budget keeps you on track and makes it risk-free. Creating A Solid Budget: How To Do It? The present ecosystem in business is highly challenging, and as an individual you must be calculative with your budgeting approach. Creating a solid budget helps you address your core needs and manage your concerns. Therefore while you are creating a budget you have to be highly watchful of not one but many aspects. However, we try to understand some of the aspects the have a linkage with a solid budget. Assessing Your Financial Situation And Setting Goals Start by doing a financial self-assessment which involves reviewing bank statements, credit card bills, and any other financial documents. Look for patterns in your spending and note any areas of concern. This process will help you to pinpoint opportunities for improvement and wasteful expenditures that can be eliminated. With a clear understanding of your current financial situation, setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART strategy) goals becomes possible. Whether your aim is to pay off debt, save for a down payment on a house, or build an emergency fund, well-defined goals give your budget a purpose and keep you motivated. Determining your financial priorities is also key. Decide what's most important to you and allocate funds accordingly. If paying down debt is a priority, consider strategies like the debt snowball or avalanche method to tackle your obligations effectively. Tools And Techniques For Effective Budget Tracking In today's digital age, there are numerous tools and apps designed to simplify the budgeting process. From spreadsheets to sophisticated budgeting software, these tools allow you to track your spending and see real-time updates of your financial situation. Opt for one that aligns with your preferences and consistency in usage. For many people, automating their finances serves as a budgeting breakthrough. Setting up automatic transfers to savings accounts and automating bill payments ensure that you never miss a due date. For example, services like Boost Mobile pay bill online streamline the process of monthly bill payments, helping to avoid late fees and maintain good credit. Periodic reviews of your budget are also necessary. This means setting aside time, perhaps monthly or quarterly, to go over your budget and adjust as needed. Keeping a close eye on your financial progress will help you stay on track and quickly address any issues before they balloon into bigger problems. Allocating Funds To Essential And Non-Essential Expenses Creating a budget necessitates making informed decisions about how you allocate your funds each month. Essential expenses are typically non-negotiable expenses that are crucial for basic living, while non-essential expenses are those that you can live without—these are often the first to be adjusted when finances are tight. Prioritize spending on essentials such as housing, food, and healthcare. These are expenses that maintain your well-being and are required to function in life. Once these are covered, assess how much is left for discretionary spending on things like entertainment, dining out, and other luxuries. An effective approach is the 50/30/20 rule, where fifty percent of your earnings go toward needs; thirty percent towards wants, and finally, twenty percent towards savings and debt repayment. However, don't be afraid to tweak these percentages to better suit your financial situation and goals. Your budget should be as unique as your financial circumstances. Adjusting Your Budget To Reflect Changes In Finances A well-thought-out budget isn’t static; it evolves as your financial situation changes. Pay raises, unexpected expenses, changes in family size, or economic shifts all warrant a revisit to your budget. Adapting your budget to reflect these changes is critical for maintaining its effectiveness and building a financial legacy that extends beyond your immediate needs. Always reassess your budget when experiencing a substantial financial change. This includes positive changes, like a salary increase, where the extra income can support accelerated debt repayment or increased savings. Similarly, if income decreases, reviewing and reducing non-essential spending becomes necessary. Certain life events also necessitate budget adjustments. Marriages, births, and retirements are significant transitions that can impact your finances. A proactive approach to these life changes ensures your budget remains supportive and beneficial in the long term. Keeping your financial goals updated during these times is also crucial. Conclusion Overall, the art of budgeting is a continuous process that requires attention, discipline, and occasional recalibration. By understanding the dynamics of your financial life, setting clear goals, and utilizing the right tools, you can create a robust and responsive budget that stands the test of time and shifts in circumstance. Altogether, the journey to financial stability is within reach when equipped with a well-crafted budget. Read Also: Family Budgeting 101: Tools And Tips For Managing Household Finances Maximizing Your Home Loan Options: Finding The Best Fit For Your Financial Goals 5 Essential Aspects That Every Small Business Needs

Trial Balance: Definition, Working, Importance, And More

In a trial balance, the report of the ending balances of different ledgers of a particular company are available. It is the first statement you will need to prepare as an accountant to check the correctness of the double entry of any business accounts. To ensure that the accounts of a business are correct, having good knowledge of trial balance is necessary. Basically, with the help of trial balance you can minimize the errors in the company’s financial statements. In this article, you will learn about wha trial balance is, and what are its constituents. Apart from that, you will also learn how a trial balance works in general. Next, we will show a step-by-step procedure of how to prepare a trial balance with respect to your company’s financial statements. Finally, you will learn some rules to follow while preparing a trial balance. Hence, to learn more, read on through to the end of the article. What Is Trial Balance? - Definition According to Investopedia, “A trial balance is a bookkeeping worksheet in which the balances of all ledgers are compiled into debit and credit account column totals that are equal. A company prepares a trial balance periodically, usually at the end of every reporting period. The general purpose of producing a trial balance is to ensure that the entries in a company’s bookkeeping system are mathematically correct.” The trial balance basically consists of the test of the fundamental aspect of a set of accounting records (that is debit and credit). Only after the trial balance process, you will be able to move to more complex and detailed analyses. Read More: What Is An Angel Investor, And How Does Angel Investing Work? How Does Trial Balance Work? Basically, the trial balance is a tool that you, as an accountant, is using to check the accuracy of the general accountant ledger. Apart from that, it also helps you to ensure that the errors in the financial statement are minimal. The internal financial reports through the trial balance can help you to verify the double-entry accounting system’s accuracy. In addition to that, you can also identify eros before the issuing of the critical external financial statements. The Wall Street Mojo adds here - “Trial Balance is the report of accounting in which ending balances of the different general ledgers of the company are available; For example, utility expenses during a period include the payments of four different bills amounting to $ 1,000, $ 3,000, $ 2,500, and $ 1,500, so in the trial balance, single utility expenses account will be shown with the total of all expenses amounting $ 8,000.” How To Prepare A Trial Balance? In general, accountants create a trial balance manually. However, with the coming of various accounting software systems, accountants use them as well, when it comes to several transactions and investments. If you want to prepare a trial balance, make sure to take the following steps: 1. Make Sure to Balance The Ledger Accounts Here, you will need to record all your transactions as journal entries, and make entries in respective ledger accounts. Then, calculate the closing balances of each ledger account. You will have to take these to the trial balance. 2. Prepare A Worksheet Create three separate columns - one to contain the names of each ledger account, one for debit balances, and the last one for credit balances. You can also optionally enter account numbers and other details. 3. Complete The Worksheet In the worksheet, fill the names of each account that you are loading in the worksheet. Apart from that, enter the total debits and credits for each ledger account for the accounting period. Make sure all the information is correct. 4. Add Values In The Columns After you have filled up both the columns, you should add up the values in each column to find the total in each case. If the ledgers are correct, then the totals of both the columns should be equal. 5. Close The Trial Balance If the values in both the credit and debit column are equal, you can close the trial balance. If they are not equal, consider finding the common errors, and rectify them. Preparing A Trial Balance - A Few Things To Consider According to Indeed.com, “While computing the trial balance, you input the balances of these ledgers into debit or credit account lists in separate columns. It is necessary that the total amount in each column is equal. To ensure that bookkeeping entries are continuously correct and balanced, businesses typically perform trial balances at the end of each accounting period.” Here are a few rules to consider if you are preparing a trial balance so as to avoid any errors: Make sure all the liabilities are in the credit column and all assets are in the debit column. Make sure the gains and revenues are on the credit side of the balance. The losses and expenses for the investment should go on the debit side of the balance. While preparing the trial balance, make sure to consider the nominal, personal, and real accounts. If a ledger shows zero balance, avoid it. Include the opening stock figure in the profit and loss account. You can show the sales and returns in two ways. The first way is to show them as reductions from the original purchase and sales ledger. The second way is to show them as separate line items in the trial balance. At the end of the trial balance, the debit and credit balance need to be identical. Read More: What Is A Venture Capitalist, And What Are Their Functions? Wrapping Up Hope this article was helpful for you in getting an idea of what trial balance is, and how it works. It is basically a worksheet where you will get two columns - one for credit and the other for debit. By matching the balances of these two columns, you can ensure that your company’s bookkeeping is mathematically correct. The debits and credits are the company’s transactions. All the debits and credits of the company over a given time must tally so as to ensure that there is no error in calculation. However, there could still be mistakes or errors in the accounting system. Do you have any suggestions for preparing a trial balance report? Share your ideas and info with us in the comments section below. Read Also: How To Start An Insurance Company? – Steps You Must Take Entrepreneurship In Economics: What Role Do Entrepreneurs Play In Economics? Which Of The Following Is Not A Creative Thinking Exercise Entrepreneurs Use To Generate Ideas?

Are ISAs Still Worth It?

As the new year draws ever nearer, many households are using the allure of a fresh calendar to consider a fresh start for their finances. After what has been an undeniably difficult year for the vast majority of families across the country, it is only right that many are seeking to regain control of their financial situation in the new year. There are many ways in which this can be done, but almost all of them require some knowledge or learning about our country’s financial system, and the various boons that may or may not be available to us through certain schemes or financial products. The ISA is one such financial product – or rather, a family of such financial products –, and is commonly misunderstood or even overlooked by people seeking to re-address their household’s financial situation. ISAs have seen their praises sung many times over in newspapers and on TV, but are they still worth it? And how might they be? The Types of ISA First, it is important to understand that ISAs come in numerous different shapes and sizes, each of which can offer something unique to you as a saver. Knowing the difference between them, and knowing how best to utilize them, is key to getting the most out of them. The most common form of ISA used is the cash ISA, which essentially acts like a regular savings account. The core USP of the Cash ISA is that any interest earned within it is exempt from taxation. For many, this means little; there is a Personal Savings Allowance that enables you to ‘earn’ up to £1000 in interest annually tax-free. However, as you start to accrue more savings, and thanks to compound interest, this can soon wick away savings you could otherwise keep. There is also the Stocks and Shares ISA, which offers the same protection but instead from Capital Gains Tax, on stocks and shares traded within it. Here, the tax exemption makes more sense, as bigger stock market ‘wins’ can bring big influxes of capital gains. One of the most useful ISAs, though, is the Lifetime ISA, or LISA. LISAs are limited-access but provide a 25% bonus annually on up to £4000. The caveat is that the bonus can only be received if the money saved is spent on a first home, or on retirement. Protection from Failure All ISAs – at least, all that are offered legally – are FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme)-compliant. This means that in the event of a banking institution going bust, the value of the money saved is protected up to £85,000. As such, ISAs are no less safe than any other savings account and offer more in return. Key Considerations In order to make the most of ISAs, you need to understand some of the central rules around using them. For one, there is a cap on how much you can store away in ISAs annually; at the time of writing, it is £20,000 per year. For another, you can only have one of each type of ISA, and each balance contributes to your personal ISA allowance. Read Also: Strategies For Maximising Value In Mergers And Acquisitions: A Comprehensive Guide Are Quick Loan Payoffs Possible? Let’s Explore! How To Start A Business In Houston

A Boutique Mortgage Lender & The Many Benefits Of Borrowing From Them.

If you are taking the time to read this article, then it’s likely that you are thinking about getting yourself onto the first rung of the property ladder. Buying your first house is a significant investment, and it is likely to be the biggest one that you will make in your lifetime. This means that you have to be careful about the lender that you borrow the money from because it is a little bit of a minefield out there, and as interest rates continue to rise all across the country, many Australians have to take care of the purse strings so that they can try to save themselves money over the course of the mortgage term. This is why people turn to a boutique mortgage broking firm because, unlike what is regarded as normal lending institutions, there are a number of upsides to engaging with a private lender such as this. Let us try to explore the benefits of borrowing money from boutique mortgage lenders. Difference Between Bank And Mortgage Lenders A general question that might crop up in this discussion is why you must reap the advantages of the mortgage lender. The question is quite obvious because people over the ages have considered Banks for loans. This has been the traditional approach to taking loans. At the same time, you must have an understanding. To get into the matter, let us try to find out the difference between the Banks and the mortgage loan providers. Varied Options And Better Knowledge And Guidance The mortgage loan options are more varied compared to that of the banks. It means you can have better loan terms with the former option. Boutique mortgage lenders use their expertise and training to provide you with better options and guidance on the loans, and you will find it manageable enough to understand the minute details of the terms and conditions. Better Negotiations When you ask for a loan from the banks, they will check your credit score and then decide on the terms and conditions of the loan. On the other hand, boutique mortgage lenders discuss and negotiate the terms and conditions of the loans. Even the closing of the loan is way faster in mortgage loans compared to that of traditional banks. Compliance The banks are more strict compared to that of mortgage loans. This is because compliance with the banks is more rigid and stiff than that of the mortgage lenders. Now that there is more compliance, you have to pay more fees to the banks than the mortgage lender. These points discussed above take boutique mortgage lenders to an advantageous position compared to that traditional financial banks. Boutique Mortgage Lenders: How Can They Help You Out? Boutique mortgage lenders offer you different benefits, and they are an advantage if you compare them to similar financial organizations. There will be many different options offered to you when it comes to purchasing your first home, so you need to think about whether or not you want to get pre-approved so that you can be guaranteed the loan. It can be tempting to stick with the bank that you have saved with from when you were a very young child, but you shouldn’t ignore the benefits that borrowing from a boutique lender offers. You Can Get Better Rates Don’t just assume that the high street banks will have the best mortgage rate currently available because many of these private broking firms can offer lower interest rates as well as cheaper fees as well. They are also a good choice for those Australians who don’t have the most detailed credit histories or who don’t have all of the money on hand to put down a significant deposit. You Get A Quicker Decision From the initial application to a high street bank to when you get an answer with regards to approval for your loan, it can take a significant amount of time because these banks have many rules and regulations that need to be followed, as well as lots of red tape. When you engage with a private broking firm, they tend to move things along more smoothly, and this means that you get a decision quickly. Customer-Tailored Financing Options One of the advantages that you can get with boutique mortgage lenders is customer-tailored financing options. If you are looking for a 27-year fixed loan term or a 13-year fixed loan term, you can get such flexibility with these mortgage lenders. Hence, you do not need to be really bothered regarding the financial options. A customer tailor financial option can do it for you. Communication Another benefit that you enjoy with the boutique mortgage lender is communicating loan status updates to each borrower. Different money lenders have specific dates on which they provide detailed information on the status of loans that their customers took. This reminder helps the borrower have a good understanding of the loan status. Generally, the loan process is highly complicated, and with the help of this system, the process gets simplified. You Get More Flexibility When you are dealing with a private lender, they want to give you the mortgage that you need, and so they are incredibly flexible when it comes to the documents that have to be supplied and the forms that need to be filled in. The other selling point is that they deal with you as an individual, and they value being able to do business with you. They try to make the whole mortgage process so much easier, and you will always have access to your broker, who will take you through the whole process so that things seem a lot simpler. It makes sense that you would want to deal with a private lender who treats you like a customer rather than just a number. Conclusion Boutique Mortgage lenders offer different benefits to their customers and cooperate with them. They offer features and benefits that help process loans faster. Moreover, these lenders offer varied offers and flexible terms to their customers. You can seek advice from the experts to have clarity on the matter to understand the particular advantage. Read Also: How To Get Personal Loan On Bajaj Markets Speed Up Your Funding: A Quick Guide To Business Loans What You Should Know Before Committing To A Cash Buyer

What Is The Leverage Ratio And How to Calculate It?

What Is The Leverage Ratio?

How Does Leverage Ratio Work?