Financial leverage is more controllable than operating leverage in that management can choose the amount of debt it uses but fixed costs are often dictated by technology.

Operating Leverage

The degree to which a firm or project can increase operating income by increasing revenue, reflecting the proportion of fixed costs to variable costs.

Financial Leverage

The use of borrowed funds to increase the potential return of an investment, which can also increase the risk of loss.

Fixed Costs

Expenses that do not change with the level of production or sales, such as rent, salaries, and insurance.