Debt, credit & capital structure · Core
Leverage
Also called: financial leverage
ELI5
Use or level of debt relative to earnings, assets or equity.
Used in conversation
“State the period, currency and accounting basis for leverage.”
Pitch context
You will see “Leverage” in financial models, budgets, board packs and investor materials when the discussion reaches debt, credit & capital structure.
Why it matters: In debt, credit & capital structure, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 5
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- IFRS Foundation — IFRS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Small Business Capital Formation GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Financial Accounting Standards Board — FASB Accounting Standards CodificationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Break-even pointSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Compliance and Disclosure InterpretationsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16