We compare the reported debt-to-equity ratio (DED) to an adjusted debt-to-equity ratio reflecting the elimination of net accumulated deferred taxes (DEF). For purposes of estimating DEF, we deduct TXNDBL from total debt (numerator) and deduct TXNDB from total equity (denominator). The adjusted ratio (DEF) is based on the idea that no deferred taxes were recorded in the past. This results in higher liabilities and higher or lower equity (depending on whether TXNDB is a net asset or liability positions). For each year we test for differences between DED and DEF for the overall sample. Our studies focused on the change in the debt-to-equity (DTE) ratio. Of course, many financial ratios are affected if the flow-through method is used, but the DTE ratio is a significant measure of a company's risk and indicates the ability of a company to access capital markets.