Definition:

Asset coverage is a financial ratio that measures a company’s ability to cover its long-term debt with its assets. It is calculated by dividing the total assets of a company by its long-term debt.

Formula:

Asset coverage = Total assets / Long-term debt

Why is asset coverage important?

  • Creditworthiness: A high asset coverage ratio indicates that a company has sufficient assets to cover its long-term debt obligations, which can improve its creditworthiness.
  • Financial stability: A strong asset coverage ratio suggests that a company is in a good financial position and is less likely to face financial difficulties.
  • Debt repayment: A high asset coverage ratio indicates that a company has the ability to repay its long-term debt if necessary.

However, it’s important to note that asset coverage is just one of many financial ratios that should be considered when assessing a company’s financial health. Other factors, such as profitability, liquidity, and debt-to-equity ratio, should also be taken into account.

In essence, asset coverage is a financial ratio that measures a company’s ability to cover its long-term debt with its assets, and it’s an important indicator of financial stability and creditworthiness.