The growth in equity ratio was strongest from 1993 to 1997, when the average increase was more than 2.5 percentage points per year. The growth in the equity ratio flattened out after 1997, showing an increase of 0.2 percentage points from 1998 to 1999. Due to changes in the chart of accounts in connection with the transition to the Accounting Act of 1998, there is a break in the statistics as of fiscal year 1999. A new standard has been established for posting extraordinary items, resulting in a somewhat altered distinction between ordinary and extraordinary items. The chart of accounts for the balance sheet has been significantly changed in that the least liquid assets under assets are presented first.
Equity is presented before liabilities and long-term liabilities come before current liabilities.
The changes in the chart of accounts have made it necessary to alter the definitions of several key figures. In previous statistics of accounts, it was not possible to separate interest costs, and total financial expenditures were used as a replacement for interest costs. Corresponding changes have been made for several key figures. The definition of operating margin, equity ratio and current ratio have been maintained and these key figures are to some degree comparable over time.