Le Net debt/EBITDA de Berkshire Hathaway Inc. est 13.30
The net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (Net debt/EBITDA) ratio measures financial leverage and the company’s ability to pay off its debt. It shows how long it would take the company to pay off all its debt with operations at the current level.
The net debt to EBITDA ratio is calculated as Net debt divided by EBITDA. It is similar to the debt to EBITDA ratio, but cash and cash equivalents are subtracted in net debt.
Net debt = short-term debt + long-term debt - cash and cash equivalents
EBITDA = net income + interest expense + taxes + depreciation + amortization
Lower debt debt to EBITDA ratio indicates the company is not heavily indebted and should be able to repay its obligations. Alternatively, higher ratio indicated the company is excessively indebted. The ratio varies between industries as different industries have different capital requirements. Usually, the ratio should be compared to a benchmark or an industry average to determine the company’s credit risk. Generally, a net debt to EBITDA ratio above 4 or 5 is considered high.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the insurance, freight rail transportation, and utility businesses worldwide. It provides property, casualty, life, accident, and health insurance and reinsurance; and operates railroad systems in North America. The company also generates, transmits, stores, and distributes electricity from natural gas, coal, wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, and geothermal sources; operates natural gas distribution and storage facilities, interstate pipelines, liquefied natural gas facilities, and compressor and meter stations; and holds interest in coal mining assets. In addition, the company manufactures boxed chocolates and other confectionery products; specialty chemicals, metal cutting tools, and components for aerospace and power generation applications; and flooring, insulation, roofing and engineered, building and engineered components, paints and coatings, and bricks and masonry products, as well as offers manufactured and site-built home construction, and related lending and financial services; and recreational vehicles, apparel products, jewelry, and custom picture framing products, and alkaline batteries. Further, it manufactures castings, forgings, fasteners/fastener systems, and aerostructures; and seamless pipes, fittings, downhole casing and tubing, and various mill forms. Additionally, the company distributes televisions and information; franchises and services quick service restaurants; distributes electronic components; and offers logistics services, grocery and foodservice distribution services, and professional aviation training and shared aircraft ownership programs. It also retails automobiles; furniture, bedding, and accessories; household appliances, electronics, and computers; jewelry, watches, crystal, china, stemware, flatware, gifts, and collectibles; kitchenware; and motorcycle apparel and equipment. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.