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Debt/Equity Ratio

Total debt divided by shareholders' equity.

The debt-to-equity ratio measures financial leverage by comparing total borrowings to shareholders' equity. Higher ratios indicate greater reliance on debt financing, which amplifies both returns and risk. Acceptable levels vary by industry — capital-intensive sectors typically carry higher D/E.

Formula
D/E=Total DebtEquity\text{D/E} = \frac{\text{Total Debt}}{\text{Equity}}