π What is Interest Coverage Ratio?
π‘ What is Interest Coverage Ratio?
Imagine you earn βΉ20,000 per month πΈ.
But every month you also have to pay βΉ5,000 as bike EMI π².
How easily can you pay this EMI from your salary?
The answer to this is similar to what companies check using the Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR)! π―
π― What is Interest Coverage Ratio?
π Interest Coverage Ratio = EBIT Γ· Interest Expense
βοΈ EBIT = Earnings before Interest & Taxes (Companyβs profit before paying interest and taxes)
βοΈ Interest Expense = Loan interest that company must pay to the bank/lenders
π¨ Funny Example:
Bunty runs a popcorn shop πΏ.
βοΈ His shop earns βΉ50,000 profit (before interest & taxes) β this is EBIT.
βοΈ He pays βΉ10,000 interest on a loan every month.
π Interest Coverage Ratio = βΉ50,000 Γ· βΉ10,000 = 5
Means: Bunty earns 5 times more than his loan interest. πͺ
So, Bunty can easily pay his loan β no tension! π
π€ Why is Interest Coverage Ratio Important?
βοΈ It shows how comfortably a company can pay its interest on loans.
βοΈ If ICR is high = Company easily covers its loan interest = SAFE π¦β
βοΈ If ICR is low = Company struggles to pay interest = RISKY π¨
π§ What is a Good Interest Coverage Ratio?
β
ICR above 3 = Very Good! π (Company earning 3 times its interest)
β
ICR between 1.5 to 2.5 = Okay π but keep a watch!
β ICR below 1.5 = DANGER zone! β οΈ (Company may miss payments in bad times)
β ICR below 1 = Worst! π± (Company not earning enough to even pay interest!)
π₯ When High ICR is Great?
βοΈ Profitable company
βοΈ Small loans
βοΈ Low risk β Peace for investors! π
β οΈ When Low ICR is Dangerous?
β Big loans
β Low earnings
β Tough to pay interest β May lead to bankruptcy! π£
π― Quick Gyaan for Investors:
βοΈ Always check ICR β tells if company can survive bad times without defaulting!
βοΈ High ICR = Safe bet (like buying a strong umbrella β for rainy days!)
βοΈ Low ICR = Risky (like driving a bike with no brakes π²π₯)!
π Funny Tip:
A low Interest Coverage Ratio is like having only βΉ100 in wallet and trying to pay a βΉ500 dinner bill β you are stuck! π½οΈπΈπ
π In a Nutshell:
βοΈ Interest Coverage Ratio = How many times a companyβs profit covers its loan interest?
βοΈ High ICR = Company is strong and safe β
βοΈ Low ICR = Company may face loan troubles β
π‘ βGreat businesses earn enough to not just pay their loans β but to enjoy profits after paying them!β π°π