Equity Ratio simply explained

Oct 28, 2021 | Knowledge Equity Ratio simply explained

The equity ratio is the ratio of equity to the total capital of a company. We explain everything you need to know about the equity ratio: How is...

Table of Contents

  1. What is the Equity Ratio?
  2. How is the Equity Ratio Calculated?
  3. What Does the Equity Ratio Indicate?

What is the Equity Ratio?

The equity ratio is the ratio of a company's equity to its total capital. A higher equity ratio means more conservative financing, while a lower equity ratio indicates higher leverage. Financial institutions usually have lower equity ratios due to their business models. Companies with low equity ratios face higher risks of being unable to pay interest on debt, especially those with low margins or cyclical business models.

How is the Equity Ratio Calculated?

Equity is divided by total capital. Total capital is made up of debt and equity. According to the Levermann strategy, the corresponding figures from the last completed financial year are used for the calculation.

Example Calculation: Using Procter & Gamble's equity ratio as of September 13, 2024.

Berechnung Eigenkapitalquote

 

According to the Levermann strategy, the following points are awarded for the equity ratio (financials excluded):

Eigenkapitalquote Punkte

 

What Does the Equity Ratio Indicate?

The equity ratio indicates a company's creditworthiness. Companies with high equity ratios have advantages during economic downturns since equity doesn't have a maturity date and there's no obligation to pay dividends.

How High Should the Equity Ratio Be?

The suitable equity ratio depends on the company's business model. Companies with fluctuating profits should aim for higher equity ratios as a buffer for tough times. Established companies like Procter & Gamble can afford lower equity ratios. Banks are an exception due to their different financing structures.

Top 10 stocks with the highest equity ratio worldwide

The following table shows the top 10 mid and large cap stocks with a high equity ratio and a return on equity of at least 25 percent.

Stock Equity ratio Return on equity
Black Stone Minerals LP 96.09% 34.71%
Texas Pacific Land Trust 89.47% 38.88%
Roivant Sciences 89.28% 67.44%
Mueller Industries, Inc. 85.48% 25.56%
Auto Trader Group 83.94% 46.51%
Rambus Inc. 82.51% 32.16%
Lattice Semiconductor Corporation 82.30% 37.44%
Kweichow Moutai 82.02% 33.41%
EMS-CHEMIE 81.61% 25.87%
Evolution AB 80.55% 27.56%

 

Oscar Leistikow

Written By: Oscar Leistikow

Oscar Leistikow holds a Master's degree in Controlling and is at home in the world of numbers thanks to his many years of professional experience in the finance department of a DAX-listed company. He is fascinated by the capital markets and is an enthusiastic private investor himself. His aim is to pass on his knowledge of shares and the stock market and to develop StocksGuide into a leading tool for private investors.