Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously said that 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk.' It's only natural to consider a company's balance sheet when you examine how risky it is, since debt is often involved when a business collapses. We note that Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:KOF) does have debt on its balance sheet. But is this debt a concern to shareholders?

When Is Debt Dangerous?

Debt is a tool to help businesses grow, but if a business is incapable of paying off its lenders, then it exists at their mercy. If things get really bad, the lenders can take control of the business. However, a more common (but still painful) scenario is that it has to raise new equity capital at a low price, thus permanently diluting shareholders. Of course, debt can be an important tool in businesses, particularly capital heavy businesses. The first step when considering a company's debt levels is to consider its cash and debt together.

What Is Coca-Cola FEMSA. de's Net Debt?

You can click the graphic below for the historical numbers, but it shows that as of September 2024 Coca-Cola FEMSA. de had Mex$75.6b of debt, an increase on Mex$70.3b, over one year. However, it also had Mex$41.5b in cash, and so its net debt is Mex$34.1b.

How Strong Is Coca-Cola FEMSA. de's Balance Sheet?

The latest balance sheet data shows that Coca-Cola FEMSA. de had liabilities of Mex$70.9b due within a year, and liabilities of Mex$89.2b falling due after that. On the other hand, it had cash of Mex$41.5b and Mex$21.9b worth of receivables due within a year. So it has liabilities totalling Mex$96.7b more than its cash and near-term receivables, combined.

Coca-Cola FEMSA. de has a very large market capitalization of Mex$340.8b, so it could very likely raise cash to ameliorate its balance sheet, if the need arose. However, it is still worthwhile taking a close look at its ability to pay off debt.

In order to size up a company's debt relative to its earnings, we calculate its net debt divided by its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) divided by its interest expense (its interest cover). The advantage of this approach is that we take into account both the absolute quantum of debt (with net debt to EBITDA) and the actual interest expenses associated with that debt (with its interest cover ratio).

With net debt sitting at just 0.74 times EBITDA, Coca-Cola FEMSA. de is arguably pretty conservatively geared. And it boasts interest cover of 8.0 times, which is more than adequate. And we also note warmly that Coca-Cola FEMSA. de grew its EBIT by 12% last year, making its debt load easier to handle. The balance sheet is clearly the area to focus on when you are analysing debt. But it is future earnings, more than anything, that will determine Coca-Cola FEMSA. de's ability to maintain a healthy balance sheet going forward. So if you're focused on the future you can check out this free report showing analyst profit forecasts.

But our final consideration is also important, because a company cannot pay debt with paper profits; it needs cold hard cash. So the logical step is to look at the proportion of that EBIT that is matched by actual free cash flow. During the last three years, Coca-Cola FEMSA. de produced sturdy free cash flow equating to 64% of its EBIT, about what we'd expect. This free cash flow puts the company in a good position to pay down debt, when appropriate.

Our View

Coca-Cola FEMSA. de's net debt to EBITDA suggests it can handle its debt as easily as Cristiano Ronaldo could score a goal against an under 14's goalkeeper. And that's just the beginning of the good news since its conversion of EBIT to free cash flow is also very heartening. Taking all this data into account, it seems to us that Coca-Cola FEMSA. de takes a pretty sensible approach to debt. While that brings some risk, it can also enhance returns for shareholders. Another positive for shareholders is that it pays dividends. So if you like receiving those dividend payments, check Coca-Cola FEMSA. de's dividend history, without delay!

If, after all that, you're more interested in a fast growing company with a rock-solid balance sheet, then check out our list of net cash growth stocks without delay.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.