The economic-financial performance of the italian sporting goods industries

Abstract

Purpose - Despite the pandemic, sports enthusiasts have not stopped playing sports, albeit in forms other than their usual ones. What will happen in the years post-Covid 19? This research analyzes aspects of the economic and financial dynamics of the main Italian industries that produce sporting goods, also to identify a possible future trend. The experience of the recovery after the 2008 crisis could provide significant indications. Methodology - The balance sheets of 262 Italian companies, with a turnover of more than 800,000 euros, for the decade 2010-2019 were analyzed, calculating and illustrating average Roe and Leverage trends. The regional distribution and the different forms of companies were quantified. The size was measured by the number of employees. The data were statistically processed to gather as much information as possible. Results: - The companies analyzed are small, mainly located in the northern regions. They have high profitability, albeit variable, but are significantly indebted. Implications - All stakeholders of the companies can get useful information. Entrepreneurs can compare the situation of their company with the average situation in their industry. Similarly, employees, suppliers, and customers. Banks can evaluate possible soft financing policies. Public policies should be attentive to the sector that prevents diseases resulting from sedentariness. The Italian situation can be a useful reference for all countries that want to develop industries in this sector, considering sport important for their population.