La competitividad financiera en época de pandemia: efectos del COVID-19 en las PYMES comerciales cuencanasS

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on commercial SMEs in Cuenca by evaluating the competitiveness of their financial management and comparative analysis between the years before and after the pandemic through the analysis of their financial statements and complementary economic information. The development of the analysis began with the review of financial data from the balance sheet and income statement of the SMEs belonging to the commercial sector of Cuenca, for the selection of the companies the stratified random sampling technique was used. Based on these data, a financial analysis was carried out by calculating financial ratios. It was possible to conclude that the commercial SMEs from Cuenca did present negative effects derived from the pandemic, however, they had (in general) enough liquidity to cover their short term obligations, in addition, they had to invest in innovation in order to make the right decisions and try to adapt to the new environment that was experienced as a result of the pandemic.