What is the Net Worth Ratio? (2024)

Net Worth Ratio

The net worth ratio is a financial ratio that is mainly used in the context of credit unions. It is used to assess the financial health of a credit union by comparing its net worth (equity) to its total assets. The ratio measures the ability of the credit union to absorb losses before it becomes insolvent.

The formula to calculate the net worth ratio is:

Net Worth Ratio = (Net Worth / Total Assets) * 100%

In this formula:

• Net Worth is the credit union’s total assets minus its total liabilities. In other words, it represents the value of assets that would remain if all liabilities were paid off. It is also referred to as equity.
• Total Assets are everything the credit union owns, including cash, investments, loans to members, and physical assets like buildings and equipment.

A higher net worth ratio indicates a more financially stable credit union, as it suggests that the credit union has a larger buffer to absorb losses. Credit unions are required by regulatory authorities to maintain a certain minimum net worth ratio to ensure their stability and protect their members. The specific minimum requirement can vary based on the size and risk profile of the credit union.

Please note that the “net worth ratio” may mean different things in different contexts. For individuals or companies, net worth is typically not expressed as a ratio but as a standalone figure (total assets minus total liabilities).

Example of the Net Worth Ratio

Suppose we have a credit union with the following on its balance sheet:

• Total Assets: $10,000,000
• Total Liabilities: $8,500,000

We can calculate the Net Worth by subtracting Total Liabilities from Total Assets:

Net Worth = Total Assets – Total Liabilities
Net Worth = $10,000,000 – $8,500,000 = $1,500,000

Now we can calculate the Net Worth Ratio using the formula:

Net Worth Ratio = (Net Worth / Total Assets) * 100%

So, for this credit union:

Net Worth Ratio = ($1,500,000 / $10,000,000) * 100% = 15%

A Net Worth Ratio of 15% means that the credit union’s equity or net worth is equivalent to 15% of its total assets. This suggests that the credit union has a reasonable buffer to absorb potential losses. However, the sufficiency of this ratio would depend on various factors, including the specific regulations for credit unions in the given jurisdiction and the risk profile of the credit union’s assets.