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Multiple Choice
Which ratio most directly indicates the extent of a company's reliance on financial leverage?
A
Gross Profit Margin
B
Current Ratio
C
Inventory Turnover Ratio
D
Debt to Equity Ratio
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of financial leverage. Financial leverage refers to the use of debt to acquire assets, with the goal of increasing returns to equity holders. The extent of reliance on financial leverage is measured by comparing the amount of debt to equity in a company.
Step 2: Review the Debt to Equity Ratio formula. The Debt to Equity Ratio is calculated as: . This ratio shows the proportion of debt financing relative to equity financing.
Step 3: Compare the given ratios. Gross Profit Margin measures profitability, Current Ratio assesses liquidity, and Inventory Turnover Ratio evaluates operational efficiency. None of these directly measure financial leverage.
Step 4: Recognize that the Debt to Equity Ratio is the most direct indicator of financial leverage. A higher ratio suggests greater reliance on debt financing, while a lower ratio indicates less reliance on debt.
Step 5: Conclude that the Debt to Equity Ratio is the correct answer because it specifically quantifies the extent of a company's reliance on financial leverage.