Debt-to-Equity Ratio
Higher than 13% of Financial Services sector peers
Updated 19h ago
Sector Performance
13th percentileBRK-B
0.20x
Sector Median
0.41x
Sector Avg
0.70x
Deep Analysis
The debt-to-equity ratio measures how much a company relies on borrowed money versus shareholder funds to finance its operations, with a value of 0.20x meaning Berkshire Hathaway uses only $0.20 of debt for every $1 of equity—well below the financial-services sector median of 0.41x and placing it in the 13th percentile among peers, indicating lower leverage than most competitors.
Trend data for this metric is not available: the year-over-year change is N/A, the quarter-over-quarter change is N/A, and no trend direction can be determined from the single reported value of 0.20x. Because the current level is very low and no trend information exists, the metric implies minimal financial risk from debt but offers no signal of recent change in capital structure. This low debt-to-equity ratio supports a neutral overall verdict by confirming the company is not taking on excessive leverage, yet the absence of trend data prevents any stronger conclusion about improving or deteriorating financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Debt-to-Equity Ratio tell investors about BRK-B?
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 BRK-B's Debt-to-Equity Ratio compare to its sector?
BRK-B's Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.20x compares to a Financial Services sector median of 0.41x, placing it in the 13th percentile.
Who are BRK-B's closest peers by Debt-to-Equity Ratio?
The closest Financial Services peers by Debt-to-Equity Ratio include: RJF (0.43x), AIZ (0.38x), SPGI (0.44x), COF (0.45x), AFL (0.35x).
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.
Master BRK-B's Valuation
Get the complete institutional research report covering all fundamental and technical metrics.
View full BRK-B research report →BRK-B
0.20x
Sector Median
0.41x
Sector Avg
0.70x
How BRK-B's Debt-to-Equity Ratio compares to sector peers.
Also Analyze
Not financial advice. Research tool only. Data may be delayed.