Stock Analysis on Net

ServiceNow Inc. (NYSE:NOW)

$24.99

Debt to Equity
since 2012

Microsoft Excel

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Calculation

ServiceNow Inc., debt to equity, long-term trends, calculation

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31).

1 US$ in millions


The relationship between total debt and stockholders’ equity exhibited considerable fluctuation between 2012 and 2025. Initially, the debt-to-equity ratio increased before declining and then experiencing another period of increase, followed by a sustained decrease.

Initial Period (2013-2015)
The debt-to-equity ratio rose from 1.05 in 2013 to 1.04 in 2014, remaining relatively stable. A subsequent decrease was observed in 2015, with the ratio falling to 0.84. This suggests a period of moderate leverage followed by a slight improvement in the company’s financial structure.
Period of Increased Leverage (2016-2017)
From 2016 to 2017, the debt-to-equity ratio increased significantly, rising from 1.31 to 2.01. This indicates a substantial increase in debt relative to equity during this timeframe, potentially due to financing activities or strategic investments. This represents the highest ratio observed throughout the analyzed period.
Subsequent Decline (2018-2025)
Following the peak in 2017, the debt-to-equity ratio demonstrated a consistent downward trend. It decreased to 0.60 in 2018, 0.33 in 2019, and continued to fall to 0.58 in 2020 and 0.43 in 2021. This decline continued, reaching 0.30 in 2022, 0.20 in 2023, 0.15 in 2024, and finally 0.12 in 2025. This sustained decrease suggests a strengthening financial position with reduced reliance on debt financing and a growing equity base.
Total Debt and Equity Trends
Total debt increased from US$415 million in 2013 to US$1,640 million in 2020, then decreased to US$1,491 million in 2025. Stockholders’ equity experienced a more substantial and consistent increase, growing from US$243 million in 2012 to US$12,964 million in 2025. The combined effect of these trends explains the observed pattern in the debt-to-equity ratio.

Overall, the company transitioned from a period of moderate leverage to a period of significantly increased debt, followed by a sustained and substantial reduction in its debt-to-equity ratio. This suggests a strategic shift towards a more conservative capital structure.


Comparison to Competitors

ServiceNow Inc., debt to equity, long-term trends, comparison to competitors

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31).


Comparison to Sector (Software & Services)

ServiceNow Inc., debt to equity, long-term trends, comparison to sector (software & services)

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31).


Comparison to Industry (Information Technology)

ServiceNow Inc., debt to equity, long-term trends, comparison to industry (information technology)

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31).