Velatpääoma

Velatpääoma, often translated as debt capital, refers to the portion of a company's financing that is acquired through borrowing. This includes funds obtained from banks, other financial institutions, or through the issuance of bonds. Unlike equity capital, which represents ownership in the company, debt capital represents a loan that must be repaid, typically with interest, over a specified period.

Companies utilize debt financing for various reasons, such as funding expansion, purchasing assets, managing short-term cash flow needs, or undertaking acquisitions. The decision to use debt capital is influenced by factors like interest rates, the company's creditworthiness, and its overall financial strategy.

A key characteristic of debt capital is the obligation to make regular interest payments and to repay the principal amount. Failure to meet these obligations can lead to financial distress, including potential bankruptcy. However, debt financing can offer advantages, such as tax deductibility of interest payments, which can reduce a company's overall tax burden. It also allows existing owners to retain full control of the company without diluting their ownership stake. The ratio of debt to equity is a significant metric used by investors and creditors to assess a company's financial leverage and risk.