Heritage Financial Corporation (HFWA)

Financial leverage ratio

Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019
Total assets US$ in thousands 7,174,960 6,980,100 7,432,410 6,615,320 5,552,970
Total stockholders’ equity US$ in thousands 853,261 797,893 854,432 820,439 809,311
Financial leverage ratio 8.41 8.75 8.70 8.06 6.86

December 31, 2023 calculation

Financial leverage ratio = Total assets ÷ Total stockholders’ equity
= $7,174,960K ÷ $853,261K
= 8.41

The financial leverage ratio of Heritage Financial Corp. has shown a fluctuating trend over the past five years. The ratio increased from 6.86 in 2019 to 8.41 in 2023, indicating an overall uptrend in the company's reliance on debt to finance its operations.

In 2020, there was a noticeable increase in the financial leverage ratio to 8.06, which suggests a higher proportion of debt in the company's capital structure compared to the previous year. However, the ratio peaked at 8.75 in 2022 before showing a slight decrease to 8.70 in 2021.

The elevated levels of the financial leverage ratio over the years may imply that Heritage Financial Corp. has been more leveraged and exposed to financial risk due to its reliance on debt financing. It is essential for stakeholders to monitor the company's leverage levels closely to assess its ability to meet its debt obligations and manage financial stability effectively.