What is the consequence of having debts equal to more than half of ownership equity?

Having debts that equal more than half of ownership equity typically indicates potential liquidity issues for a business. This situation arises because when a company is heavily leveraged—meaning a significant portion of its financing comes from debt—it faces greater risks in meeting its short-term obligations. If unforeseen circumstances arise, such as a decline in cash flow or unexpected expenses, the business may struggle to cover its debts, leading to potential financial distress.

When debts exceed ownership equity significantly, it raises concerns about the firm's ability to sustain operations without relying too heavily on borrowed funds. This can result in challenges such as higher interest payments, difficulty obtaining additional credit, and a greater likelihood of insolvency, especially in economic downturns.

While healthy financial leverage can enhance profitability under the right conditions, it becomes a liability when debt levels reach a critical threshold where the risk outweighs the potential benefits. Therefore, managing debt levels relative to equity is crucial for maintaining financial stability and ensuring the company's ongoing liquidity.