Key figures for listed enterprises (discontinued), Q4 2008

Profitability for listed enterprises strongly decreased towards the end of 2008. The operating profit was reduced from NOK 65 billion in the 3rd quarter to NOK 30 billion in the 4th, causing the operating profit margin to fall from 17.1 per cent to 8.3 per cent. The enterprises also had considerable deficits in financial items. There were therefore before tax losses of NOK 8 billion in the 4th quarter of 2008. By comparison, they had a surplus of NOK 46 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2007 and NOK 53 billion in the 4th quarter of 2007. The decline was widespread, with almost two out of three listed enterprises suffering before tax losses and about one out of two having negative operating profit in the last quarter of 2008.

Tables:

• Table 1 Key figures for listed enterprises