What is the roe calculator — return on equity?
In short
ROE = net income ÷ shareholders' equity × 100. An ROE above 15% is generally considered strong. Warren Buffett looks for companies with consistent ROE above 15% over 10 years. ROA (return on assets) shows efficiency independent of leverage.
Calculates Return on Equity (ROE), Return on Assets (ROA), and debt ratio from net income, equity, assets, and liabilities.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter annual net income from the income statement.
- 2Enter shareholders' equity from the balance sheet.
- 3Enter total assets and total liabilities for ROA and debt ratio.
The formula
- NI
- — Net Income
- E
- — Shareholders' Equity
- A
- — Total Assets
- L
- — Total Liabilities
Worked example
The scenario
Net income $500K, equity $2.5M, assets $5M, liabilities $2.5M.
The result
ROE = 20%. ROA = 10%. Debt ratio = 50%.
Common use cases
- Evaluate management's effectiveness at generating returns.
- Compare companies within the same industry.
- Screen for Buffett-style quality investments.
- Assess financial leverage risk (high ROE with high debt ratio is a warning sign).
Limitations & assumptions
- High debt can artificially inflate ROE without real operational improvement.
- Negative equity makes ROE meaningless.
- One-time gains or charges distort the metric — use multi-year averages.
- Compare within industry — capital-intensive businesses have structurally lower ROE.
Frequently asked questions
Disclaimer: KalkWise calculators are provided for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the figures you enter and the assumptions described above. Actual outcomes will vary. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.