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What is a Solvency Ratio?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Solvency ratios are one of the several tools used to measure the ability of a business to meet its long-term financial obligations. Essentially, this process calls for determining the total income generated by a business, exempting any taxes owed and any type of non-cash depreciation expenses. This figure is then compared to the total amount of long-term debt obligations that the company currently holds. Investors and lenders often look closely at the solvency ratio as a means of evaluating the credit rating of a business and assessing the degree of default risk that is currently present.

There is some difference of opinion on what constitutes an acceptable or good solvency ratio. This is because profit margins will vary from one industry to another. A profit margin that is considered excellent in one industry may be considered very poor in another. Since the net income derived from sales is a major factor in determining the ratio, it is necessary to adjust the evaluation of the outcome to conform with the standards that apply to a given industry.

A solvency ratio sinks lower over time is an indication that the company is undergoing some type of financial distress and is not considered a good credit risk.
A solvency ratio sinks lower over time is an indication that the company is undergoing some type of financial distress and is not considered a good credit risk.

On average, a solvency ratio that is more than 20% is considered a strong sign that a business is financially healthy and very likely to honor all long-term debt obligations. Should the ratio fall below that percentage, that is an indication that there is some additional risk of either slow payments or total default on a portion of those debts. As the solvency ratio sinks lower over time, this is an indication that the company is undergoing some type of financial distress and is not considered a good credit risk.

While calculating a solvency ratio is one important step in evaluating the potential for default and possibly bankruptcy at some future point, relying solely on this ratio is not generally recommended. When and as possible, lenders and investors should look closely at the income statement and other financial records of the business. Reviewing past performance in terms of meeting obligations is also a key factor. Depending on the industry type and the specific products that are produced by the business, the need to project future trends in regard to the demand for those products is also crucial. While the product line may be selling briskly today and earning a significant profit, a projected shift in technology within that industry could render some of those products obsolete, seriously affecting the ability of the business to honor its short-term and long-term debts.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

allenJo

@NathanG - I think that’s a good point. My conviction is that some companies would prefer to keep the solvency ratio analysis off the actual balance sheets so as not to scare off investors.

It’s not a hard calculation, as you point out, but most investors would prefer to just look at bottom line numbers like revenues and profit margins.

I should point, however, that companies do provide as much information as possible in their quarterly reports about their debt obligations.

The executive summary will provide the information about the company’s cash flow and ability to meet its long term debt obligations; based on this summary, investors and analysts alike can determine if they need to dig deeper into the numbers.

NathanG

In my opinion the solvency ratio should be a line item on the financial reports, if it is not already there.

The article suggests that the ratio is a tool that investors should use, but given that the solvency ratio calculation is fairly straightforward (profits divided by liabilities) I think that the ratio should appear as its own calculation on the quarterly reports.

That way, novice investors can see at a glance how solvent the business is, and more importantly, trend the solvency of the business from quarter to quarter.

This trend will provide investors and analysts with a clue as to whether the business is heading towards possible bankruptcy or increased profitability.

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    • A solvency ratio sinks lower over time is an indication that the company is undergoing some type of financial distress and is not considered a good credit risk.
      By: william87
      A solvency ratio sinks lower over time is an indication that the company is undergoing some type of financial distress and is not considered a good credit risk.