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61-008-XIE
Quarterly financial statistics for enterprises
Fourth quarter 2002

Data quality, concepts and methodology - definitions of financial ratios


Debt to equity =

Borrowings + loans and accounts with affiliates
                           Total equity

This ratio examines the relationship of debt (loans, bonds, debentures) to shareholders' equity. It compares the relative size of debt to resources invested by the owners. It indicates the extent to which a firm relies on borrowed funds to finance its operations. Firms that rely heavily on borrowed funds are said to be highly leveraged.

Profit margin =

Operating profit (S.A.) x 100
Total operating revenue (S.A.)

Operating profit is the net result of the principal business activities of a firm. It is calculated before taking into account interest expense, investment income, non-recurring losses from the write-down of assets, gains or losses realized on the disposal of assets, and income tax expense. This ratio indicates management's ability to generate earnings from the principal business activities of a firm. The ratio is expressed as a percentage of operating revenue.

Return on equity =

Profit before extraordinary gains (S.A.) x 4 x 100
                           Total equity

This ratio measures the level of return to the owners (investors) and it represents their measure of profitability. The earnings figure is the after-tax profits, including a deduction for interest expense (payments to lenders). It is the net profit available to the owners (investors). The ratio indicates how many cents are returned to every dollar invested by the owners.

Return on capital employed =

Profit before extraordinary gains and interest on borrowings net of tax (S.A.) x 4 x 100
Borrowings + loans and accounts with affiliates + total equity

This ratio measures profitability and how well management has employed the assets, by calculating the percentage return on total capital provided by the owners and lenders (creditors). The earnings figure is calculated before taking into account interest expense (payments to lenders) and dividends (payments to owners). The ratio indicates how many cents are returned to every dollar of capital invested.



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