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Total debt (MRQ) is the amount of all interest-bearing debt at the end of the most recent quarter. Higher debt can increase risk but also help finance growth.
How it relates
Where it fits
Total debt represents all interest-bearing obligations a company owes, including both short-term borrowings due within one year and long-term debt extending beyond. This figure from the most recent quarter captures the full scope of borrowed capital financing the business—money that must eventually be repaid with interest regardless of business performance.
What total debt includes:
- Short-term debt: Bank loans, commercial paper, current portion of long-term debt
- Long-term debt: Bonds, term loans, mortgages, notes payable
- Capital leases: Lease obligations treated as debt under accounting rules
What total debt excludes:
- Accounts payable: Trade credit from suppliers
- Accrued expenses: Wages, taxes, and other obligations not formally borrowed
- Operating leases: Though recent accounting changes now capitalise these
Why total debt matters:
- Financial risk: Higher debt means more fixed obligations regardless of revenue
- Interest burden: Debt requires ongoing interest payments that reduce earnings
- Refinancing risk: Maturing debt must be repaid or refinanced, sometimes at higher rates
- Covenant compliance: Debt agreements often restrict company actions
Evaluating debt levels:
- Debt-to-equity: Compare debt to shareholder equity
- Debt-to-EBITDA: How many years of earnings to repay debt
- Interest coverage: Operating income divided by interest expense
- Net debt: Total debt minus cash—more relevant for cash-rich companies
Industry context is essential. Utilities commonly carry 60-70% debt-to-capital ratios due to stable cash flows, while technology companies often operate with minimal debt. Rising debt levels without corresponding asset or revenue growth warrants concern, as does debt maturing during uncertain economic periods.