Determinants of Profitability: Evidence from Industrial Companies Listed on Muscat Securities Market

This study investigates the determinants of profitability for industrial firms in Oman. Therefore, a sample of 17 industrial companies listed on Muscat securities market covering the period from 2006 till 2013 is utilized. Results from the panel ordinary least squares model reveal a positive and statistical significant relationship between profitability, the firm size, growth, fixed assets and working capital. On the other hand, the average tax rate and the financial leverage variables show a negative relationship with profitability. However, this relationship is significant only for the financial leverage variable. The study concludes that large growing firms with efficiently managed assets improve revenue and ultimately enhance profitability.