Capital Gearing Ratio:

Definition and Explanation:

Closely related to solvency ratio is the capital gearing ratio. Capital gearing ratio is mainly used to analyze the capital structure of a company.

The term capital structure refers to the relationship between the various long-term form of financing such as debentures, preference and equity share capital including reserves and surpluses. Leverage of capital structure ratios are calculated to test the long-term financial position of a firm.

The term "capital gearing" or "leverage" normally refers to the proportion of relationship between equity share capital including reserves and surpluses to preference share capital and other fixed interest bearing funds or loans. In other words it is the proportion between the fixed interest or dividend bearing funds and non fixed interest or dividend bearing funds. Equity share capital includes equity share capital and all reserves and surpluses items that belong to shareholders. Fixed interest bearing funds includes debentures, preference share capital and other long-term loans.

Formula of capital gearing ratio:

[Capital Gearing Ratio = Equity Share Capital / Fixed Interest Bearing Funds]

Example:

Calculate capital gearing ratio from the following data:

Significance of the ratio:

Capital gearing ratio is important to the company and the prospective investors. It must be carefully planned as it affects the company's capacity to maintain a uniform dividend policy during difficult trading periods. It reveals the suitability of company's capitalization.

 

You may also be interested in other relevant articles: Horizontal Analysis or Trend Analysis Trend Percentage Vertical Analysis Limitations of Financial Statement Analysis Accounting Ratios definition, advantages, classifications and limitations Financial Ratio Formulas Profitability ratios: Gross profit ratio Net profit ratio Operating ratio Expense ratio Return on shareholders investment or net worth Return on equity capital Return on capital employed (ROCE) ratio Dividend yield ratio Dividend payout ratio Earnings Per Share Ratio Price earning ratio Liquidity ratios: Current ratio Liquid /Acid test / Quick ratio Activity ratios: Inventory/Stock turnover ratio Debtors/Receivables turnover ratio Average collection period Creditors/Payable turnover ratio Working capital turnover ratio Fixed assets turnover ratio Over and under trading Leverage ratios or long term solvency ratios: Debt equity ratio Proprietary or Equity ratio Ratio of fixed assets to shareholders funds Ratio of current assets to shareholders funds Interest coverage or debt service ratio Capital gearing ratio Over and under capitalization

 

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