Determining the Relationship Between CAMLS Variables and Profitability: An Application on Banks in the BIST Bank Index

Introduction– The banking sector is one of the most important building blocks of the financial system. A failure in the banking sector can cause serious problems in a country’s economy. In order for countries to achieve economic growth and development goals, the banking sector, which affects all sectors significantly, needs to be strong. Countries with a robust and reliable banking system have a high credit rating. As a result of this high credit rating, the interest of foreign capital in the country increases. Thus, the credit volume of banks expands and loans are provided at a more appropriate rate for investments. In this respect, the performance and profitability of banks are important. The CAMELS performance model is a valuation system used to determine the general status of banks. The CAMELS model consists of six components. According to this, C represents capital adequacy; A, asset quality; M, management adequacy; E, earnings; L, liquidity; and S, sensitivity to market risks. Purpose– The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effect of the CAMLS variables on the variable E. Methodology– In the implementation part of the study, the data of 11 banks in the BIST Bank Index between 2004 and 2018 were used. In the analysis part of the study, a panel data analysis method was used. Findings– The capital adequacy (C), management adequacy (M) and liquidity (L) variables were effective on profitability. This study revealed the importance of the capital, management and liquidity variables, which are internal factors, in increasing the profitability of banks.