Question

Suncoast Healthcare is planning to acquire a new x ray machine that costs $200,000. The business can either lease the machine using an operating lease or buy it using a loan from a local bank. Suncoast's balance sheet prior to acquiring the machine is a follows:

Current assets: $100,000 --- debt : $400,000
net fixed assets: $900,00 ---- equity: $ 600,000
total assets : $ 1,000,000 --- total claims: $1,000,000
a. what is Suncoast's current debt ratio?
b. what would the new debt ratio be if the machine were leased? if it iss purchased?
c. is the financial risk of the business different under the two asquistition alternatives?

Answer 1

a. what is Suncoast's current debt ratio?

debt ratio = liabilities / equity = $400,000 / $600,000 = 0.67

b. what would the new debt ratio be if the machine were leased? if it is purchased?

if X-ray machine is leased, debt ratio = $400,000 / $600,000 = 0.67

if X-ray machine is purchased, debt ratio = $600,000 / $600,000 = 1

c. is the financial risk of the business different under the two acquisition alternatives?

yes, because a higher debt ratio means that the company is under a higher financial stress since it has more outstanding loans, which increases the financial risk.