PROFITABILITY METRICS AS PILLARS OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: ANALYZING THEIR INFLUENCE ON OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN TRADING COMPANIES
Keywords:
Profitability Measures, return on Equity (ROE), Net Profit Margin, return on Assets (ROA), Operational Efficiency, Investment Strategies, Competitive Advantage, Commercial Companies, Financial Performance, Working Capital ManagementAbstract
This study examines the critical role of profitability measures—specifically Return on Equity (ROE), Net Profit Margin, and Return on Assets (ROA)—in evaluating and driving the financial performance of commercial companies. It argues that these metrics are essential indicators of operational efficiency, guiding strategic decision-making and fostering a competitive advantage. The research explores the interplay between profitability and other financial aspects such as liquidity and capital structure, highlighting their collective impact on a firm's financial health. Furthermore, the paper investigates how a focus on profitability influences operational practices, investment strategies, and the ability to maintain a competitive edge in dynamic market environments. The findings suggest that companies that meticulously track and analyze profitability metrics are better positioned to optimize resource allocation, manage working capital effectively, and make informed investment decisions. Ultimately, the study concludes that an integrated approach to profitability analysis, one that also considers sustainability, is crucial for long-term success and resilience in the ever-evolving business landscape.
Downloads
References
Ehiedu, V. C. (2014). The impact of liquidity on profitability of some selected companies: The financial statement analysis (FSA) approach. Research Journal of Finance and Accounting, 5(5), 81-90. https://www.academia.edu/download/74277516/11414-13745-1-PB.pd
Taqi, M., Ajmal, M., & Pervez, A. (2016). Impact of capital structure on profitability of selected trading companies of India. Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review (Oman Chapter), 6(3), 1. http://www.arabianjbmr.com/pdfs/OM_VOL_6_(3)/1.pdf
Syeda, R. (2021). Impact of working capital management on profitability: A case study of trading companies. Account. Financ. Innov. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=27ZaEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA211&dq=impact+of+profitability+on+financial+performance+in+trading+companies+analysis&ots=FWzXlGwyKq&sig=MvpbZZlg43sgfeqecPt8-R85oLY
Diana, H. I., & Maria, M. M. (2020). The importance Of profitability indicators In assessing The financial performance Of economic entities. The Annals of the University of Oradea, 29(2020), 219.
Alarussi, A. S., & Alhaderi, S. M. (2018). Factors affecting profitability in Malaysia. Journal of Economic Studies, 45(3), 442-458. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JES-05-2017-0124/full/html
Nguyen, T. N. L., & Nguyen, V. C. (2020). The determinants of profitability in listed enterprises: A study from Vietnamese stock exchange. The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business, 7(1), 47-58. https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO202014862061720.page
Vătavu, S. (2015). The impact of capital structure on financial performance in Romanian listed companies. Procedia economics and finance, 32, 1314-1322. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212567115015087
Cho, S. J., Chung, C. Y., & Young, J. (2019). Study on the Relationship between CSR and Financial Performance. Sustainability, 11(2), 343. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/2/343
Dirman, A. (2020). Financial distress: the impacts of profitability, liquidity, leverage, firm size, and free cash flow. International Journal of Business, Economics and Law, 22(1), 17-25. https://www.ijbel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IJBEL22_205.pdf
Palepu, K. G., Healy, P. M., Wright, S., Bradbury, M., & Coulton, J. (2020). Business analysis and valuation: Using financial statements. Cengage AU. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=IDT6DwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR13&dq=impact+of+profitability+on+financial+performance+in+trading+companies+analysis&ots=uKeraYvgh-&sig=KoaVAOHwwehUa-__lFQXlSSV5ro
Alshehhi, A., Nobanee, H., & Khare, N. (2018). The impact of sustainability practices on corporate financial performance: Literature trends and future research potential. Sustainability, 10(2), 494. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/2/494?trk=public_post_comment-text
Harb, A. S. M. (2019). The Impact of profitability and financial performance on improving productive efficiency in Jordanian Industrial Companies. Academy of Strategic Management Journal, 18(5), 1-13.
Sivalingam, L., & Kengatharan, L. (2018). Capital structure and financial performance: A study on commercial banks in Sri Lanka. Asian Economic and Financial Review, 8(5), 586. https://search.proquest.com/openview/f41152191abe16b232bd376d501a1d8e/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1786341
Muchiri, M. J., Muturi, W. M., & Ngumi, P. M. (2016). Relationship between Financial Structure and Financial Performance of Firms Listed at East Africa Securities Exchanges. Journal of Emerging Issues in Economics, Finance & Banking, 5(1).
Kurniasih, R. P., & Akhmadi, A. (2024). Profitability mediates the Influence of Operational Efficiency on Company Financial Performance. Int. J. Soc. Sci. Hum. Res.
Abor, J. (2005). The effect of capital structure on profitability: An empirical analysis of listed firms in Ghana. The Journal of Risk Finance, 6(5), 438–445. https://doi.org/10.1108/15265940510633505
Atrill, P., & McLaney, E. (2019). Financial management for decision makers (9th ed.). Pearson Education.
Brigham, E. F., & Ehrhardt, M. C. (2014). Financial management: Theory & practice (14th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Damodaran, A. (2012). Investment valuation: Tools and techniques for determining the value of any asset (3rd ed.). Wiley.
Deloof, M. (2003). Does working capital management affect profitability of Belgian firms? Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, 30(3–4), 573–588. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5957.00008