Answerkey UPSC Prelims-2020: Economy with Explanation & Strategy

interest coverage ratio upsc

In other words, the interest coverage ratio measures the number of times a company is able to make payments on its existing debt with the EBIT or earnings before interest and taxes. It is also known as the Times Interest Earned Ratio or TIE ratio. Interest coverage ratio is one of the most important ratios that need to be learned when assessing risk management and the possible reduction methods. Interest coverage ratio plays a very important role for stockholders and investors as it measures the ability of a business to pay interests on its outstanding debt. The ratio is calculated by dividing a company’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) by its interest expense. A low ICR indicates that the company’s debt is great and, therefore, so is the possibility of bankruptcy.

Businesses might vary at different times due to financing new projects that have not yet generated returns. It comes down to analyzing many aspects of a business rather than relying on one. Higher ratios are better for companies and industries that are susceptible to volatility. However, lower coverage ratios are often suitable for companies that fall in specific industries, including those that are heavily regulated. So, it’s important to refrain from comparing companies that aren’t in the same industry. For instance, it’s not useful to compare a utility company (which normally has a low coverage ratio) with a retail store.

interest coverage ratio upsc

The current inflation-targeting framework in India is flexible in nature. 11 Financial is a registered investment adviser located in Lufkin, Texas. 11 Financial may only transact business in those states in which it is registered, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements.

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MSF is a very short term borrowing scheme for scheduled commercial banks. Hence RBI will not  Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate. When a company struggles with its obligations, it may borrow or dip into its cash reserve, a source for capital asset investment, or required for emergencies. Analyzing interest coverage ratios over time will often give a clearer picture of a company’s position and trajectory.

About Rau’s IAS

In addition to providing insight into a company’s ability to meet its debt obligations, the Interest Coverage Ratio is also useful for comparing companies within the same industry. For example, if two companies have similar debt levels but one has a higher Interest Coverage Ratio, it may be a better investment because it is generating more earnings to cover its interest payments. The interest coverage ratio is calculated by dividing earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) by the total interest expenses on the company’s outstanding debts. The interest coverage ratio is a financial metric that measures companies’ ability to pay their outstanding debts. The general rule is that the higher the ratio, the better the chance a company has to repay its interest obligations; lower ratios point to greater financial instability.

  1. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) determines the policy interest rate required to achieve the inflation target.
  2. RBI has an important role in the consultation process regarding inflation targeting.
  3. A company’s ratio should be evaluated to others in the same industry or those with similar business models and revenue numbers.
  4. The ratio tells us how many times the company’s earnings (before interest and taxes) can cover its interest payments.
  5. If a company has a low ICR, it is more likely to fail to service its debt, putting it at a greater risk of bankruptcy.

What is meant by Monetary Policy?

A low ICR means there is less profit interest coverage ratio upsc available to meet the debt’s interest expense. Also, if the company has variable-rate debt, the interest expense will rise in a rising interest-rate environment. The Financial Market Committee (FMC) meets daily to review the liquidity conditions so as to ensure that the operating target of monetary policy (weighted average lending rate) is kept close to the policy repo rate.

This can keep it from accessing more debt if it needs it for expansions, research and development, or other growth-related investments; it also can keep it from paying down existing debt principles. The interest coverage ratio is an important figure for creditors who want to determine whether a company can pay back its debt. If it has trouble doing so, future creditors are less likely to extend it credit. The interest coverage ratio (ICR) is a financial ratio that measures a company’s ability to handle its outstanding debt. The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Department (MPD) assists the MPC in formulating the monetary policy. Views of key stakeholders in the economy and analytical work of the Reserve Bank contribute to the process of arriving at the decision on the policy repo rate.

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The CPI considers inflation at the retail end, while also including services. The interest coverage ratio serves as a beacon of financial prudence, guiding investors and creditors through the complex terrain of debt management. Its ability to translate intricate financial data into a comprehensible metric makes it an indispensable tool in the arsenal of financial analysts and decision-makers alike.

A highly geared company (i.e., a company with a high level of borrowings), will generally have a low ICR. Conversely, a low-geared company will generally have a high ratio. The ICR is profit before interest and tax divided by the interest charge.

While all debt is important when calculating the interest coverage ratio, companies may isolate or exclude certain types of debt in their interest coverage ratio calculations. As such, when considering a company’s self-published interest coverage ratio, it’s important to determine if all debts are included. Companies need earnings to cover interest payments and survive unforeseeable financial hardships.

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