english - About Heraeus

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in € million deC. 31, 2012 deC. 31, 2011 CHanGe
Shareholders’ equity 2,344.1 2,247.2 4.3 %
as % of total capital 80.3 % 78.3 % –
Short-term financial debt 179.6 175.7 –
Long-term financial debt 396.9 448.1 –
Financial debt 576.5 623.8 – 7.6 %
as % of total capital 19.7 % 21.7 % –
Total capital (equity plus financial debt) 2,920.6 2,871.0 1.7 %
For the purposes of evaluation of the financial profile, both credit ratings make a contribution.
These are generated by the rating agencies Moody’s Investor Service and Standard
& Poor’s. A credit rating evaluates and classifies the creditworthiness of the issuer and its
ability to meet payment obligations due in connection with certain financial securities in full
and on time. A rating is generated based on criteria such as capital structure, profitability,
cash flow generation, diversification and competitive positioning.