Key figures for listed enterprises (discontinued), Q4 2003

The operating profit margin shows operating profit as a per cent of operating income, while operating margin shows the ratio between operating result before taxes and operating income. Both operating profit margin and operating margin vary a lot throughout the year. The operating profit margin was 9.6 per cent in the second quarter 2003 and increased to 13.0 per cent by the third quarter 2003.

The equity ratio expresses the capital strength of the enterprise, i.e. the ability to withstand setbacks and losses. The equity ratio was larger in the last quarter of 2003, compared with the first quarter of 2002. In the fourth Quarter of 2003 the equity ratio was 37.4 per cent, compared with 36.3 per cent in the third Quarter of 2003 and 35.4 per cent in the first Quarter of 2002.

About the statistical basis

The key figures for listed enterprises are based on the quarterly report for Norwegian enterprises listed on the Oslo Exchanges. The statistics do not cover banks and insurance companies. Foreign owned companies listed on the Oslo Exchanges are not included in the statistics.

The quarterly reports are based on the economic activity for the family of enterprises. The reports for the family of enterprises include all subsidiaries, and shows the economical development in all enterprises as if they where a single enterprise. A family of enterprises might consist of enterprises involved in different industries registered in several countries. This means that the statistics might include foreign subsidiaries belonging to a Norwegian family of enterprises listed on the Oslo Exchanges, as well as subsidiaries involved in financial activity.

Tables:

• Table 1 Key figures for listed enterprises