Analysis of the liquidity, solvency and profitability of the mining companies listed on the S&P/BVL Mining Index during the 2004–2020 period.

Abstract

In several countries, mining contributes more than most sectors to economic growth. But the activity is marked by cyclical behaviour, including booms in the price of metals—such as that which occurred in the period 2004-2012. Therefore, it is important for investors to identify the financial performance of companies in the sector. This study aims to analyse the levels of liquidity, solvency, and profitability of Peruvian mining companies listed on the S&P/BVL Mining Index for the period 2004–2020, given the contribution of mining to GDP growth and employment in Peru. We utilise a quantitative approach, collecting data from the companies’ financial statements through Bloomberg. The research design is non-experimental, based on a descriptive, comparative, and longitudinal approach. For the statistical analysis, descriptive statistics tests and Student’s t-test were carried out. Analysis of the results reveal that the liquidity, solvency, and profitability of this group of companies exhibited a better performance during the metal-price boom period, with a marked decrease in the following period.