Efectos de la aplicación de la NIIF 16 en los indicadores de endeudamiento y rentabilidad de empresas ecuatorianas

Abstract

This project analyzes the impact of implementing IFRS 16 "Leases" on debt and profitability indicators of Ecuadorian manufacturing companies. IFRS 16, effective since January 2019, substantially modified lease accounting by requiring their recognition as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. This study uses panel data from manufacturing sector companies (ISIC C) for the period 2017-2023, obtained from the Superintendence of Companies, Securities and Insurance of Ecuador. The methodology employs fixed effects models with a temporal dummy variable (Post_IFRS16=1 if year≥2019) to identify the causal effect of the standard on key financial ratios. Preliminary results indicate a significant increase in debt ratios and changes in profitability indicators following regulatory implementation. The analysis incorporates control variables (size, liquidity, growth) and robustness tests to verify the validity of findings. This work provides empirical evidence on the accounting effects of IFRS 16 in the Ecuadorian context, contributing to understanding its implications for financial analysts, regulators, and business managers. Keywords: Fixed Effects, Leverage, Profitability, Superintendency of Companies.