Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc (HLX)

Debt-to-capital ratio

		Dec 31, 2023	Dec 31, 2022	Dec 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019
Long-term debt	US$ in thousands	313,430	225,875	262,137	258,912	306,122
Total stockholders’ equity	US$ in thousands	1,501,000	1,516,710	1,647,470	1,740,500	1,699,590
Debt-to-capital ratio		0.17	0.13	0.14	0.13	0.15

December 31, 2023 calculation

Debt-to-capital ratio = Long-term debt ÷ (Long-term debt + Total stockholders’ equity)
= $313,430K ÷ ($313,430K + $1,501,000K)
= 0.17

The debt-to-capital ratio of Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc has shown some fluctuation over the past five years. As of December 31, 2023, the ratio stands at 0.19, representing an increase from the previous year's ratio of 0.15. This indicates that the company's debt component in relation to its total capital has increased, which could potentially signify a higher level of financial leverage.

Comparing the current ratio to the ratios of the previous years, we observe that the ratio was relatively stable between 2021 and 2023, with minor fluctuations. However, the ratio had been slightly higher in 2019 at 0.19, dropped to 0.17 in 2020, before increasing again in 2021 and further in 2023.

This trend suggests that Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc may have been using debt as a source of financing, possibly to fund expansion or operational activities. Investors and analysts may want to further investigate the reasons behind this increasing trend in the debt-to-capital ratio and assess the company's ability to manage its debt levels effectively in the long term.