Fixed-charge coverage ratio

Fixed-charge coverage ratio

A measure of a firm's ability to meet its fixed-charge obligations: the ratio of (Earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization minus unfunded capital expenditures and distributions) divided by total debt service (annual principal and interest payments). Notice that lease payments are sometimes included in the calculations.

Fixed-Charge Coverage Ratio

A measure of a company's ability to pay its fixed expenses, such as rent and interest, on debt without resorting to more debt. A ratio over 1 indicates that the company is able to pay its fixed charges, while a ratio below one indicates the opposite. The fixed charge coverage ratio is calculated thus:

Fixed-charge coverage ratio = (EBIT + fixed charges before tax) / (fixed charged before tax + interest)