What does the gearing ratio indicate?

The gearing ratio specifically measures the extent of long-term debt in relation to shareholder equity, providing insight into the financial leverage of an organization. A higher gearing ratio indicates that a larger proportion of a company's financing comes from long-term debt, which can signal higher financial risk, particularly if earnings are not sufficient to cover the debt obligations. It reflects how much of the company's capital is funded by borrowed money versus equity provided by shareholders, thus highlighting the balance between equity and debt financing. This information is crucial for stakeholders, including investors and creditors, as it helps them assess the company's solvency and financial stability. Understanding this ratio is essential for evaluating an organization’s capacity to manage its debts and the potential implications for profitability and risk.