Leverage Ratio


Leverage Ratio

In risk analysis, any ratio that measures a company's leverage. One example of a gearing ratio is the long-term debt/capitalization ratio, which is calculated by taking the company's long-term debt and dividing it by its long-term debt added to its preferred and common stock. Another example is a simple debt-to-equity ratio, which is calculated by dividing total debt by total equity. Generally, companies with higher leverage as determined by a leverage ratio are thought to be more risky because they have more liabilities and less equity. A leverage ratio is also called a gearing ratio or an equity multiplier.