What does high gearing indicate about a company's financial structure?

High gearing refers to a financial situation where a company has a significant amount of debt compared to its equity. This indicates that the company is using more borrowed funds to finance its operations and growth in relation to the equity provided by shareholders. A high gearing ratio is often viewed as a sign of greater financial risk since the company must ensure it has enough income to meet its debt obligations, which can affect its financial stability.

When a company is highly geared, it may have the potential for high returns on equity if it effectively utilizes the borrowed funds for profitable investments. However, it also exposes the company to higher risk, particularly in economic downturns when cash flow may be impacted, leading to difficulties in servicing debt.

While high profitability and a high equity ratio can suggest financial health, they do not directly relate to the concept of high gearing. Similarly, while cash flow can be affected in a highly leveraged company, it is not a defining characteristic of high gearing. The most accurate indication of high gearing is indeed the high level of debt compared to equity.