Speaker
Description
This study investigates the comparative performance of profit margins across different sectors listed on Bursa Malaysia, aiming to identify sectoral differences and their potential determinants. Bursa Malaysia, as Malaysia’s primary stock exchange, hosts a diversified range of industries including services, manufacturing, and agriculture, each influenced by distinct market dynamics (Bursa Malaysia, 2025). Using a panel dataset covering selected companies from 2018 to 2022, profitability is measured through net profit margin, gross profit margin, and operating profit margin. The analysis employs descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression methods to assess variations and relationships among financial indicators. Preliminary findings suggest that sectoral characteristics, firm size, liquidity, leverage, and firm age significantly influence profit margins, consistent with prior literature on firm performance determinants (Aivazian et al., 2005; Vo, 2019). The results provide valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and corporate managers in making sector-specific strategic and investment decisions. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of sectoral profitability patterns in Malaysia’s capital market, offering evidence-based implications for improving financial performance across industries.
