How do I analyze a stock's debt before trading?

@marion.bernhard 

Analyzing a stock's debt is an important step before making any trading decisions. Here are a few steps to help you analyze a stock's debt:

1. Gather financial statements: Obtain the company's quarterly or annual financial statements, including the balance sheet and income statement. These documents will provide you with information about the company's debt.
2. Look for total debt: Identify the company's total debt, which includes both short-term and long-term debts. This information is usually available on the balance sheet. Consider the amounts and trends over time.
3. Examine debt ratios: Calculate certain debt ratios to assess the company's leverage. Key ratios to consider include debt-to-equity ratio, debt-to-assets ratio, and interest coverage ratio. These ratios will help you understand the company's ability to manage and pay off its debt.
4. Evaluate debt maturity: Check the company's debt maturity schedule. Determine when the company has to make principal repayments on its debt. A large proportion of debt maturing in the near term could indicate liquidity challenges.
5. Assess interest rates: Review the interest rates applicable to the company's debt. If the company has a high proportion of variable-rate debt and interest rates are rising, it could negatively impact the company's financial health.
6. Compare with industry peers: Compare the company's debt levels and ratios with its industry peers. This will give you a perspective on how the company's debt levels stand relative to its competitors. Elevated debt levels compared to peers may signal increased risk.
7. Consider debt covenants: Investigate if the company has any restrictive debt covenants. Debt covenants may impose limitations on the company's ability to take certain actions or make certain decisions, potentially impacting its financial flexibility.
8. Analyze cash flow: Examine the company's cash flow statement to evaluate its ability to generate sufficient cash to service its debt obligations. Look for consistent positive operating cash flows to ensure good debt servicing capability.

By thoroughly analyzing a stock's debt, you can gain a better understanding of its financial health and make more informed trading decisions. It is always recommended to consult with a financial advisor or conduct comprehensive research before making any trading decisions.