Liquidity, profitability, tax rate and bankruptcy risk in Colombian SMEs

Abstract

This article looks for statistical evidence for the correlation between liquidity, profitability, tax rates and bankruptcy risk for the period 2011 - 2016 between Small and Medium Enterprises in Bogota (Colombia). To do so, the authors conducted a quantitative, longitudinal research for which the Altman Z’’ Score index was used. Data from 2,084 enterprises belonging to 19 industries was collected. The relations between the variables were analyzed by the Pearson correlation coefficient. A significant positive correlation between the risk of failure and low levels of liquidity was evidenced in several industries. The results for the relation between the risk of bankruptcy and profitability were not conclusive, neither significant. Not enough statistical evidence that related rates of return or tax rates to risk of failure was found.