Factors affecting firm competitiveness : evidence from an emerging market

The objective of this study is to investigate the factors affecting firm competitiveness in an emerging market-Turkey. In the paper, competitiveness is proxied by a firm's financial performance. The empirical analysis is based on firms listed on Borsa Istanbul and covers the period between 2005 and 2014. Results from a firm-level panel data model indicate that return on assets is positively related to firm size, international sales, liquidity and growth, and negatively related to leverage and R&D expenditures. On the other hand, gross profit margin is positively related to size and international sales, and negatively related to leverage and R&D expenditures. Finally, results show that Tobin's Q ratio is higher for firms with higher levels of debt and higher liquidity levels.