A firm has a profit margin of 5.1 percent, a total asset turnover of 1.84, and a return on equity of 16.2 percent. What is the debt-equity ratio

Debt / Equity = 0.72649 : 1 or 72.649%

Explanation:

The ROE or return on equity can be calculated using the Du Pont equation. It breaks the ROE into three components. The formula for ROE under Du Pont is,

ROE = Net Income / Sales * Sales / Total Assets * Total Assets / Shareholder's equity

or

ROE = Net Income / Total equity

Assuming that sales is $100.

Net Income = 100 * 0.051 = 5.1

Total Assets = 100 / 1.84

Total Assets = 54.35

0.162 = 5.1 / Total equity

Total Equity = 5.1 / 0.162

Total Equity = 31.48

We know that Assets = Debt + Equity

So,

54.35 = Debt + 31.48

Debt = 54.35 - 31.48

Debt = 22.87

Debt / Equity = 22.87 / 31.48

Debt / Equity = 0.72649 : 1 or 72.649%