Debt-to-Equity Ratio: Definition and Formula (2024) - Shopify UK (2024)

Whether you’re looking to invest in the stock market or take your business to the next level, there are a handful of crucial formulas and definitions you need to understand to help you get to where you want to be. One of these key concepts is the debt-to-equity ratio.

The debt-to-equity ratio, or D/E ratio, is especially relevant for businesses hoping to one day go public. It’s a valuable tool for understanding a company’s financial health. Lenders use the D/E ratio when determining potential loans, and investors rely on it to gauge a business’s performance.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into debt-to-equity ratios. We’ll break down the debt-to-equity ratio, how to calculate it, and why it’s essential for anyone looking to invest in a company or grow their business.

Debt-to-Equity Ratio Calculator

What is the debt-to-equity ratio?

The debt-to-equity ratio (D/E ratio) is a critical financial metric that shows the proportion of a company’s debt compared to its assets. In other words, it tells you how much of a company’s financing comes from borrowing money (debt) versus how much comes from investor funds (equity).

To calculate the D/E ratio, you simply divide a company’s total liabilities by its shareholder equity. This ratio considers short-term debt, which refers to borrowings that the company must pay back within a year, as well as longer-term debt obligations.

A low D/E ratio typically indicates that a company uses less leverage and is less risky regarding its debt load. A company with a low D/E ratio has a lower proportion of debt than equity and is therefore less reliant on borrowing to finance its operations.

On the other hand, a high D/E ratio means the company has a higher proportion of debt than equity. Holding more debt can be riskier, as the company is more leveraged and may have a more challenging time covering its liabilities if its income declines. However, a higher D/E ratio can also offer higher returns if the company uses borrowed funds to grow the business.

It’s important to note that the ideal D/E ratio can vary depending on the industry and the specific company. Due to their business models, some industries, such as utilities and real estate, tend to have higher D/E ratios. It’s always a good idea to compare a company’s D/E ratio to its peers to understand how it stacks up.

How to calculate the debt-to-equity ratio

Calculating the debt-to-equity ratio is a straightforward process. Here’s the formula:

Debt-to-equity ratio = total liabilities / shareholder equity

To calculate the ratio, follow these steps:

1. Identify your total liabilities. Total liabilities include all short-term and long-term debts and obligations of your business. You can find this information on your company’s balance sheet. Examples of liabilities might consist of loans, accounts payable, and other forms of debt.
2. Identifyshareholderequity. Shareholder equity is the residual interest in the company’s assets after deducting liabilities. This information is also on the balance sheet. Shareholder equity includes common stock, retained earnings, and additional paid-in capital.
3. Calculate the debt-to-equity ratio. Simply plug your numbers into the formula, dividing the total liabilities by shareholder equity. The result will be a whole number. You can multiply it by 100 if you want to represent the figure as a percentage.

Debt to equity ratio example

As an example, take a company that has total liabilities of $200,000 and shareholder equity of $500,000. Using the formula, we get:

Debt-to-equity ratio = $200,000 / $500,000 = 0.4

This example company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.4, or 40%, if expressed as a percentage. In other words, for every dollar of equity the company has, the business owes 40¢ to creditors.

The advantages of using the debt-to-equity ratio

Using the D/E ratio can provide valuable insights into your business and set you up for success in various areas. Remember, having debt isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Some level of debt might be necessary to invest in inventory, marketing, and technology, which are critical for scaling an ecommerce business.

The D/E ratio is essential for businesses seeking debt financing to raise more capital. Investors often use D/E as one of the key metrics when deciding whether to invest in a company. Equity financing is a popular method for businesses looking to expand quickly, and understanding how much shareholder equity is already committed to a business is a valuable metric for potential investors.

Investors frequently examine the D/E ratio to gauge a company’s financial health and risk profile. A well-balanced ratio can make a business more attractive to investors, as it demonstrates a healthy balance between debt and equity financing.

Additionally, understanding your D/E ratio is crucial in determining the feasibility of a leveraged buyout (LBO). If you’re pursuing an LBO, you’ll typically want to aim for a D/E between 70% to 30% and 90% to 10%. That means the acquiring company invests 10% to 30% of the cost and borrows the remaining 70% to 90% to make the purchase.

Bank loans also often reference the D/E ratio when determining whether a loan is approved or denied, as well as how much capital the loan is worth. Lenders use the ratio to assess how much debt a business already has and whether it can handle additional borrowing.

Monitoring your D/E ratio also helps you manage risk and track solvency. High debt levels can be risky for an ecommerce business, especially in volatile markets. By monitoring your D/E ratio, you can balance debt and equity financing and ensure your company maintains a healthy financial structure.

Since there are many ways to calculate the debt-to-equity ratio, it’s essential to know which types of debt and equity you should include in your balance sheets. This ensures consistency and accuracy when tracking your D/E ratio over time.

Limitations of debt to equity ratio

While the debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio is a valuable financial metric, it’s important to know its limitations when analyzing your business’s financial health. Here are some fundamental limitations to consider:

Industry differences

When comparing your D/E ratio to benchmarks, make sure you’re using industry-specific data. Each industry has different standard D/E ratios. For example, capital-intensive industries like manufacturing may naturally have higher D/E ratios than an ecommerce business. What’s considered acceptable in one industry may be viewed as risky in another.

Balance sheet timing

The D/E ratio is based on the balance sheet, which is a snapshot of your company’s financial standing at a specific point in time. Fluctuations in liabilities or equity that occur after the balance sheet date may, therefore, not be accounted for. Seasonal businesses might have significant variations in their D/E ratio depending on when you or your accountant prepare your balance sheet.

Quality of debt

When analyzing your D/E ratio, it’s essential to consider the quality and terms of your debt. The D/E ratio doesn’t differentiate between types of debt (for example, short term versus long term or high interest versus low interest). Some forms of debt are riskier than others, and the standard D/E ratio doesn’t account for or represent this.

Equity valuation

The ratio uses the book value of equity, which may not accurately reflect the current market value. This can lead to an undervaluation or overvaluation of your company’s true financial leverage. The ratio can also include significant intangible assets with subjective values that can fluctuate, thus affecting its reliability.

Growth stage

When comparing your D/E ratio to benchmarks, consider your company’s growth stage and adjust expectations accordingly. Companies at different stages of growth might naturally have different D/E ratios. Startups might have higher ratios due to initial funding needs, while mature companies might have lower ratios due to established revenue streams.

Profitability and cash flow

The D/E ratio doesn’t consider profitability or your business’s ability to generate cash flow. A high D/E ratio might still be acceptable if you have solid and stable cash flows. The ratio also neglects to account for off-balance-sheet debts, which can impact your company’s proper financial leverage.

Debt/equity ratio: types of debt

A D/E ratio can include some or all of the following types of debt:

• Short-term liabilities
• Long-term liabilities
• Accounts payable
• Accrued liabilities
• Deferred tax liabilities
• Bonds payable
• Mortgages payable
• Leases and other financing arrangements on your company’s balance sheet
• Contingent liabilities like guarantees or litigation

It’s essential to understand which types of debt are included in your D/E ratio calculation, as this can impact the interpretation of the ratio. Short-term liabilities, such as accounts payable, are typically less concerning than long-term debts, like bonds or mortgages, as they are expected to be paid off within a year. However, a high proportion of short-term debt can still be a red flag if a company struggles to meet its immediate obligations.

Long-term liabilities, however, represent more significant financial commitments and can have a greater impact on a company’s financial health. When analyzing your D/E ratio, pay close attention to the composition of your debt and consider how it might affect your company’s ability to meet its financial obligations over time.

What does the D/E ratio mean?

The D/E formula helps investors and business owners understand what percentage of a company’s financing comes from debt (both short term and long term) and how much comes from shareholder equity.

A high D/E ratio suggests a business may not be in an excellent financial position to cover its debts. While debt in business isn’t always a bad thing, the equity ratio helps present an accurate picture of a business’s current health.

A high debt-to-equity ratio generally means that a company could have difficulty paying off its debts in a business downturn. The higher the D/E, the riskier the business. However, it’s important to note that some industries, such as capital-intensive businesses that routinely invest in property, plant, and equipment, typically have higher D/E ratios. On the other hand, lifestyle or service businesses without a need for heavy machinery and workspace will more likely have a low D/E.

Startups or companies looking to expand may have a higher D/E, but this could also mean more upside potential if everything goes according to plan. Holding short-term debt is a reality for many businesses, and a D/E ratio helps put that short-term debt in perspective compared to other company assets.

While lenders and investors generally prefer that a company maintain a low D/E ratio, a low debt-to-equity ratio also suggests it may not leverage its assets well, potentially limiting its profitability. There’s a balance between using debt to finance growth and maintaining a healthy level of equity.

Understanding your company’s debt-to-equity ratio is crucial for making informed financial decisions. By assessing your D/E ratio, you can gain insights into your company’s financial health and risk level and make strategic decisions about financing your operations. Regularly monitoring your D/E ratio and comparing it to industry benchmarks can help ensure your company maintains a healthy balance between debt and equity, setting you up for long-term success.

Remember, the D/E ratio is just one piece of the puzzle when evaluating your company’s financial situation. It’s important to use it in conjunction with other financial metrics and consider your business’s unique circ*mstances when making decisions about financing and growth strategies.