What does the total debt ratio indicate?

The total debt ratio is a financial metric that provides insights into a company's leverage and overall financial structure. This ratio is calculated by dividing a company's total liabilities by its total assets. The resulting figure indicates the proportion of a company's assets that are financed through debt.

When the total debt ratio is at a higher level, it suggests that a larger portion of the company's assets is funded by loans or other liabilities, which can indicate a higher risk for investors due to increased financial leverage. Conversely, a lower ratio implies that the company is less reliant on debt for asset financing, suggesting a potentially more stable financial position.

Understanding this ratio helps stakeholders gauge the financial health of a company, assess its risk profile, and identify how well it can handle its obligations when they come due. Thus, option B accurately reflects the definition and significance of the total debt ratio.