Operational Needs of Funds: Diagnosis of Ecuadorian port terminals

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to diagnose the operational financial situation of the port terminals of Ecuador during the period 2015 - 2019, by analyzing their Operational Needs of Funds against the relationship they show with the Working Capital, profitability and indebtedness; established as independent variables. A correlational descriptive methodology was applied for quantitative data, consisting of six port terminals belonging to the Association of Private Port Terminals of Ecuador and the Maritime Chamber of Ecuador. This study reveals negative averages for Operating Needs of Funds and Working Capital Fund; a situation that produces spontaneous financing due to a situation of illiquidity and preponderance of financing with suppliers, but that shows a positive relationship with profitability levels. However, since there is sufficient spontaneous financing, there is evidence of a high percentage of indebtedness in the long term. These results translate into opportunities to strengthen investments in the Ecuadorian port sector.