HSBC Debt-to-Equity Ratio Analysis
Higher than 52% of Financial Services sector peers
Updated 2530h ago·SEC filings & market data
Key Takeaway
HSBC's debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52x means that for every dollar of shareholder equity, the company has 52 cents of debt, indicating a relatively conservative capital structure compared to using heavy borrowing.
Sector Performance
52th percentileHSBC
0.52x
Sector Median
0.46x
Sector Avg
0.94x
Deep Analysis
HSBC's debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52x means that for every dollar of shareholder equity, the company has 52 cents of debt, indicating a relatively conservative capital structure compared to using heavy borrowing.
At 0.52x, HSBC sits below the Financial Services sector median of 0.63x and in the 39th percentile among its peers, showing it carries less debt relative to equity than about 61% of comparable firms. Data on the year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter changes are both listed as N/A, so no trend direction can be assessed from the last eight quarters. Because the trend is unavailable, the current low level alone suggests lower balance-sheet risk, but without knowing whether the ratio is rising or falling, the implication for future risk or opportunity remains unclear. This metric supports the overall CAUTIOUS verdict: the low debt-to-equity ratio reduces financial risk, but the lack of trend data means there is no clear signal to upgrade the assessment to a more positive stance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Debt-to-Equity Ratio tell investors about HSBC?
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 HSBC's Debt-to-Equity Ratio compare to its sector?
HSBC's Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.52x compares to a Financial Services sector median of 0.46x, placing it in the 52th percentile.
Who are HSBC's closest peers by Debt-to-Equity Ratio?
The closest Financial Services peers by Debt-to-Equity Ratio include: AIZ (0.38x), AMP (0.53x), RJF (0.35x), AFL (0.35x), SOFI (0.30x).
Learn More About Debt-to-Equity Ratio
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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.
Master HSBC's Valuation
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0.52x
Sector Median
0.46x
Sector Avg
0.94x
How HSBC's Debt-to-Equity Ratio compares to sector peers.
Also Analyze
Not financial advice. Research tool only. Data may be delayed.