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Debt to equity ratio meaning

What does Debt to equity ratio mean?
In practice, the debt to equity ratio shows the extent to which a company is financed by borrowings rather than shareholders’ funds, and is routinely used in lending, M&A and financial covenant analysis. It is not defined by statute or case law in the UK or Ireland; it is a descriptive accounting/market term used across legal contexts. It is calculated as net borrowings divided by shareholders’ funds (total equity). Net borrowings means interest‑bearing borrowings (for example, bank loans, facilities from other financial institutions, debentures, bonds and loan notes and, where accounted for as liabilities, preference shares) less cash and cash equivalents (readily available cash and short‑term deposits). Both figures are taken from the balance sheet (statement of financial position) under IFRS or UK/Irish GAAP. The ratio is often multiplied by 100 and expressed as a percentage. A higher percentage indicates greater leverage and risk for lenders and other creditors; above 100% is commonly described as highly geared. Loan agreements frequently include a maximum debt to equity (gearing) covenant, with thresholds set by sector and business profile (often around or below 50%). The metric can influence pricing, distributions, step‑in rights and default analysis. Usage and meaning are broadly consistent across England & Wales,...
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PRACTICE NOTES
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PRACTICE NOTES
European directors’ duties in financial distress: comparative table of insolvency tests, share capital triggers, filing duties, and civil, administrative and criminal liabilities

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PRACTICE NOTES
Acquisition and Leveraged Finance: Practitioner’s A–Z of Terms, Covenants, Structures and Jargon

This glossary sets out many of the expressions commonly used in the leveraged finance market. Words appearing in the definitions in bold are defined elsewhere in this glossary. For further banking terminology, please refer to the main Banking & Finance Glossary... Acquisition finance glossary—A Acceleration Acceleration is the formal action taken by the agent, on the instructions of the majority lenders, following an event of default, such as making a demand for early repayment of the loan. See Practice Note: Accelerating a loan for more information... Accordion feature/accordion facility An accordion, also called an incremental debt feature, is a mechanism in the facilities agreement that, provided specified conditions are satisfied (for example, pro forma compliance with a leverage test), permits those lenders under the facilities agreement who wish to do so to advance additional debt. The terms for that extra debt are typically captured in an increase notice. This accordion or incremental debt flexibility is different from structural adjustment, which usually requires the majority consent...

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