What is the cash coverage ratio formula?

The cash coverage ratio is an important financial metric that demonstrates a company's ability to pay its interest obligations using its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), while adding back non-cash expenses like depreciation. This is crucial because depreciation, although deducted in accounting to provide a more conservative view of profits, does not affect cash flow.

The correct formula for the cash coverage ratio is (EBIT + Depreciation) / Interest. By adding depreciation back to EBIT, the formula captures the actual cash available to cover interest payments, providing a more accurate picture of financial health regarding interest obligations. This is particularly relevant for companies that have significant depreciation expenses, as it illustrates their cash-generating ability more accurately than simply using EBIT alone.

Other formulas presented do not reflect this necessary adjustment for depreciation, leading to potentially misleading interpretations of a company's cash coverage.