Determinants of Capital Structure in Bahrain Stock Market

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the determinants of capital structure (profitability, size, risk and growth). The sample is composed of 39 Bahraini firms listed in Bahrain Stock Market. The study covered the period 2011-2015. Correlation and regression analysis have been used to identify the relationship between the capital structure determinants and debt leverages (book leverage and market leverage). Correlation analysis aims to identify this relationship at market level and at sectorial level. Regression analysis objective is to anticipate the models characterizing the relationships between determinants and capital leverages. Results of the analysis shows negative significant relationship between profitability and dependent variables, with more significance relationship with market leverage. This relationship is demonstrated in market level and in insurance and services sectors between profitability and book leverage. When the market leverage is the dependent variable this relationship is valid in market level and in banking, hotels, insurance and services sectors. Positive significant relationship has been found between size and both leverages in market level. Similar result is detected on sectorial level in banking, industrial, investment and services when the dependent variable is book leverage. Size-market leverage relationship is positive and significant also in insurance, investment and services sectors. The relationship risk—book leverage is significant only on sectorial level in Industrial, insurance and investment sectors. In term of market leverage—risk relationship, significant relationship is detected in market level and in investment and services sectors. Regression analysis results present a significant linear model reflecting the relationship between determinants of capital structure and leverages.