Abstract

Our paper empirically analyses the factors that determine the profitability of 120 manufacturing firms listed in Borsa Istanbul Stock Exchange during the period 2005-2012. Estimation results from dynamic panel data model taking into account the endogeneity of variables indicate that lagged profitability, firm size, financial risk, R&D costs, net working capital, and economic growth are the most important variables affecting firm profitability. More specifically, profitability is positively and significantly affected by past profitability, firm size in terms of total sales, net working capital, and economic growth. On the other hand, R&D costs and financial risk have a dampening effect on the profitability.

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