Debt-Service Coverage Ratio - DSCR

Filed Under » ,
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Debt-Service Coverage Ratio - DSCR'

1. In corporate finance, it is the amount of cash flow available to meet annual interest and principal payments on debt, including sinking fund payments.

2. In government finance, it is the amount of export earnings needed to meet annual interest and principal payments on a country's external debts.

3. In personal finance, it is a ratio used by bank loan officers in determining income property loans. This ratio should ideally be over 1. That would mean the property is generating enough income to pay its debt obligations.

In general, it is calculated by:

Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Debt-Service Coverage Ratio - DSCR'

A DSCR of less than 1 would mean a negative cash flow. A DSCR of less than 1, say .95,  would mean that there is only enough net operating income to cover 95% of annual debt payments. For example, in the context of personal finance, this would mean that the borrower would have to delve into his or her personal funds every month to keep the project afloat. Generally, lenders frown on a negative cash flow, but some allow it if the borrower has strong outside income.

Related Definitions

  • Debt Service

    The cash that is required for a particular time period to cover the repayment of interest and principal on a debt. Debt service is often calculated on a yearly basis. Debt service for an ...
    Read More »
  • Corporate Finance

    Any financial or monetary activity that deals with a company and its money.
    Read More »
  • Sinking Fund

    A means of repaying funds that were borrowed through a bond issue. The issuer makes periodic payments to a trustee who retires part of the issue by purchasing the bonds in the open market.
    Read More »
    • Export

      A function of international trade whereby goods produced in one country are shipped to another country for future sale or trade. The sale of such goods adds to the producing nation's ...
      Read More »
    • Loan

      The act of giving money, property or other material goods to a another party in exchange for future repayment of the principal amount along with interest or other finance charges. A loan ...
      Read More »
    • Net Debt

      A metric that shows a company's overall debt situation by netting the value of a company's liabilities and debts with its cash and other similar liquid assets. Calculated as:
      Read More »
    • Debt Limitation

      A bond covenant that limits or restricts any additional debt that may be incurred by the issuer. Debt limitations look to protect the current lenders by maintaining the firm's degree of ...
      Read More »

Articles Of Interest

Partner Links