Trend in the financial structure and results of firms in 2007

In 2007, growth of total value added generated by Belgian non-financial corporations reached 4.8 p.c. At the same time, operating costs rose by 4 p.c. So, for the fifth year in a row, value added rose faster than operating costs. As a consequence, net operating profit saw a further noticeable increase (+8 p.c.), reaching the total of more 35.3 billion euro. After taking into account the other elements of the profit and loss account, non-financial corporations generated an overall net profit after tax of 48.6 billion euro, representing a new year-on-year increase. The financial position of firms also continued to improve globally in 2007, as confirmed by profitability, solvency and liquidity ratios.