A financial metric that determines a company’s ability to pay interest expenses from its operating income. It is computed by dividing earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) by the interest expenses for the same period. For example, a value of 3 indicates the company has three times more earnings available than what is needed to cover the interest obligation.
This metric provides lenders and investors with insight into a company’s solvency and risk of default. A higher value generally suggests a stronger financial position and reduced risk. This calculation has been utilized for decades as a standard tool in credit analysis and investment decisions, providing a quick assessment of a company’s financial health.