Title: A framework for analysing the impact of economic variations on return on equity

Authors: Mohamed Ihab Kira

Addresses: Department of Financial Management and Accounting, College of Management & Technology, Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (Dokki Branch), 23 Dr. El-Sobky St., Dokki, Giza, Egypt

Abstract: Return on Equity (ROE) is usually characterised as the most important profitability ratio from the perspective of equity investors. This paper develops a concise method for analysing how this ratio is affected by changes in various economic variables such as price, quantity, cost and interest on debt. The differential impact of changes in those variables can be elucidated. The paper also explores the relationship between changes in ROE and changes in leverage. The analytical framework is very helpful for entrepreneurs and financial managers in analysing potential projects. Numerical illustrations are provided.

Keywords: return on equity; ROE; profitability; scenario analysis; economic variations; degree of leverage; economic variables; price; quantity; cost; interest on debt.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMFA.2014.064520

International Journal of Managerial and Financial Accounting, 2014 Vol.6 No.2, pp.146 - 155

Received: 10 Dec 2013
Accepted: 22 Jul 2014

Published online: 23 Oct 2014 *

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