Term · Balance Sheet & Debt
Net Debt / EBITDA
In briefNet debt/EBITDA relates net debt to EBITDA and shows roughly how many years of operating earnings power a repayment would require. For small caps with fluctuating profitability the metric is important for gauging refinancing and covenant risks.
Definition
A leverage metric that relates net debt to EBITDA. It roughly measures how many years of EBITDA would be needed to repay debt.
How it is calculated
Formula. Net Debt / EBITDA = net debt ÷ EBITDA.
Why it matters for small caps
For smaller listed companies with volatile profitability, net debt / EBITDA is central to assessing refinancing and covenant risks.
Common misreadings
- A low value can be deceptive if EBITDA is inflated by one-off effects or capitalised costs.
In the process
Frequently asked
What is net debt/EBITDA?
It is a leverage metric that relates net debt to operating earnings power. It shows a company's relative debt burden.
How do you read net debt/EBITDA?
A higher value means that, on paper, more years of earnings power would be needed for repayment. Lenders often use the metric in covenants.
When can a low value be deceptive?
If EBITDA is inflated by one-off effects or capitalised costs, the leverage looks too low. You should also examine the quality of EBITDA.
Related terms
Sources
Primary
IFRS Foundation – IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures
https://www.ifrs.org/issued-standards/list-of-standards/ifrs-7-financial-instruments-disclosures/
https://www.ifrs.org/issued-standards/list-of-standards/ifrs-7-financial-instruments-disclosures/
Methodology
IFRS Foundation – IFRS Accounting Standards Navigator
https://www.ifrs.org/issued-standards/list-of-standards/
https://www.ifrs.org/issued-standards/list-of-standards/
Education only, not investment advice. Ranges and thresholds are didactic orientation values, not an official standard.