Great question chessmite, 90% of companies carry debt. Just like me and others, if I need a big purchace say new 4.000 dollar TV. I check my debt to see if I can affored more debt. Big companies look at debt a little differently , depends are there debts carried over from other companies and used for tax porpouses or are they looking to see if there debt ratio is in line for furture growth and are looking to aquire other potentail company. Okay, other than that. I dont know But I like the question.