What is the Fixed-Charge Coverage Ratio?
The Fixed-Charge Coverage Ratio (FCCR) is a financial metric that measures a company’s ability to meet its fixed financial obligations, such as interest and lease payments, with its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT). This ratio provides insight into a company’s financial resilience and its capacity to handle debt and other fixed expenses. A higher ratio indicates a greater ability to cover fixed charges, which is a sign of financial strength.
Formula
The standard formula for calculating the FCCR is:
\[ \text{Fixed-Charge Coverage Ratio (FCCR)} = \frac{\text{EBIT} + \text{Fixed Charges}}{\text{Fixed Charges} + \text{Interest Payments}} \]
Examples
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Example 1:
- Company A has an EBIT of $500,000, interest payments of $100,000, and fixed charges (including lease payments) of $50,000.
- FCCR for Company A: \[ \text{FCCR} = \frac{500,000 + 50,000}{100,000 + 50,000} = \frac{550,000}{150,000} = 3.67 \]
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Example 2:
- Company B has an EBIT of $800,000, interest payments of $150,000, and fixed charges of $100,000.
- FCCR for Company B: \[ \text{FCCR} = \frac{800,000 + 100,000}{150,000 + 100,000} = \frac{900,000}{250,000} = 3.6 \]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is a good Fixed-Charge Coverage Ratio?
- A: Generally, a higher FCCR is better, indicating a company can comfortably cover its fixed charges. A ratio above 2 is often considered good, but the ideal ratio can vary by industry.
Q2: How does FCCR differ from Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR)?
- A: While both FCCR and ICR measure a company’s ability to cover interest payments with earnings, FCCR includes other fixed charges like lease payments, providing a broader view of a company’s financial obligations.
Q3: Can a company have a negative FCCR?
- A: Technically, yes, if the company has negative EBIT, indicating it is not generating enough earnings to cover its fixed charges, which is a significant financial red flag.
Q4: Why is FCCR important for investors?
- A: FCCR helps investors assess the financial health and risk level of a company, particularly its ability to withstand debt and other fixed financial obligations, which can impact long-term profitability and stability.
Related Terms
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Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR): A financial ratio that measures a company’s ability to pay interest on its outstanding debt with its earnings before interest and taxes. The formula is: \[ \text{Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR)} = \frac{\text{EBIT}}{\text{Interest Payments}} \]
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Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR): A ratio that measures a company’s ability to repay its debt obligations, including both interest and principal repayments, with its net operating income. The formula is: \[ \text{Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)} = \frac{\text{Net Operating Income}}{\text{Total Debt Service}} \]
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EBIT: Earnings Before Interest and Taxes, a measure of a company’s profitability that excludes interest and income tax expenses. It is also known as operating income.
Online References
- Investopedia - Fixed-Charge Coverage Ratio
- Corporate Finance Institute - Fixed-Charge Coverage Ratio
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Financial Statement Analysis and Security Valuation” by Stephen Penman - A comprehensive guide to understanding financial statements and their role in investing and finance.
- “Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies” by McKinsey & Company Inc., Tim Koller, Marc Goedhart, and David Wessels - This book covers key valuation concepts and techniques, including important financial metrics like FCCR.
- “Financial Ratios for Executives: How to Assess Company Strength, Fix Problems, and Make Better Decisions” by Michael Rist and Sean Coughlan - A practical guide to using financial ratios to assess and improve business performance.
Accounting Basics: Fixed-Charge Coverage Ratio Fundamentals Quiz
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