What does the debt ratio represent?

The debt ratio is a financial metric that indicates the proportion of a company's assets that are financed by its liabilities. By calculating total liabilities divided by total assets, this ratio provides insight into a company's financial leverage and risk. A higher debt ratio suggests that a larger portion of asset financing comes from debt, which may indicate greater financial risk, while a lower ratio suggests that the company is less reliant on borrowed funds and may have a stronger equity base.

This metric is crucial for investors and creditors because it helps assess the risk associated with a company's capital structure. Understanding where a company stands in terms of its debt in relation to its assets can inform decisions about lending, investing, or evaluating the financial health of the business.