AMTNEUTRAL

AMT Debt-to-Equity Ratio Analysis

12.36x

Higher than 100% of Real Estate sector peers

Updated 3033h ago·SEC filings & market data

Key Takeaway

American Tower's Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 12.36x means that for every dollar of shareholder equity, the company has $12.36 of debt, indicating heavy reliance on borrowed funds to finance its assets.

Sector Performance

100th percentile

AMT

12.36x

Sector Median

0.80x

Sector Avg

3.09x

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Deep Analysis

American Tower's Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 12.36x means that for every dollar of shareholder equity, the company has $12.36 of debt, indicating heavy reliance on borrowed funds to finance its assets.

This ratio is far above the Real Estate sector median of 0.81x, placing the company in the 100th percentile among peers—the highest leverage in the industry. The metric has been perfectly stable over the last eight quarters, with no change year-over-year or quarter-over-quarter (+0.0% for both). Because the debt level is already extreme and remains unchanged, the company is not reducing its leverage, which amplifies financial risk despite operational stability. This combination of an exceptionally high ratio and a flat trend suggests a persistent vulnerability to rising interest costs or earnings downturns, making the stock riskier than peers. The metric directly supports the overall CAUTIOUS verdict, as elevated debt burdens increase the likelihood of financial stress and limit flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Debt-to-Equity Ratio tell investors about AMT?

Shows how much a company is financing its operations through debt vs shareholder funds. High D/E can amplify returns — and losses.

How is the Debt-to-Equity Ratio calculated?

Debt-to-Equity Ratio is calculated as: Total Debt / Shareholders' Equity.

How does AMT's Debt-to-Equity Ratio compare to its sector?

AMT's Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 12.36x compares to a Real Estate sector median of 0.80x, placing it in the 100th percentile.

Who are AMT's closest peers by Debt-to-Equity Ratio?

The closest Real Estate peers by Debt-to-Equity Ratio include: AVB (0.80x), ARE (0.82x), AMH (0.74x), REG (0.73x).

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Learn More About Debt-to-Equity Ratio

How to Spot a Debt Problem Before It Hits the Stock Price

Learn how to spot a debt problem in stocks using D/E, interest coverage, and net debt/EBITDA ratios. Real examples from META and MSFT, plus danger thresholds you need to know.

Debt/Equity Ratio: How Much Debt Is Too Much?

The debt to equity ratio explained: why context, interest coverage, and sector norms matter far more than the raw number when assessing debt risk.

The Formula

Total Debt / Shareholders' Equity

Why It Matters

Shows how much a company is financing its operations through debt vs shareholder funds. High D/E can amplify returns — and losses.