The impact of financial performance on the profitability of advertising agencies in the Slovak Republic

Abstract

Background: To improve operational and financial policies regarding the allocation of existing and obtaining new resources, strategic decision-making, managers use indicators of financial performance. Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of financial performance on the profitability of advertising agencies in Slovakia. Study design/methodology/approach: A sample of 88 Slovak advertising agencies was analyzed by means of regression modeling the data based on financial statements of the financial year 2020. The hypothesis that the indicators of financial performance of advertising agencies in Slovakia have an impact on their profitability is partly confirmed by the results of this research. The first proposed model was adjusted by excluding the independent variable Current Ratio, which allowed us to build the second model to explain 95.21% of the Return on Assets deviation due to the variation of the selected independent variables. Findings/conclusions: By selecting Return on Assets as a dependent variable that characterizes the financial performance of advertising agencies, research has shown that Total Assets Turnover and Firm Size have significant positive influence on it, but Debt to Equity Ratio has a negative influence. This empirically testifies the expediency of financing the activities of advertising agencies from debt resources, scaling the scope of their activities and increasing sales using innovative approaches for getting more customers. Limitations/future research: The study limitations relate to completeness of information and availability of open access to the necessary data in the published financial statements of Slovak advertising agencies. The results of this research could be applicable and beneficial for providers of capital for advertising agencies. It could be also used as a tool to determine key factors of profitability and to adjust companies' financial and operational policies.