Robin Crauthers

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

Spring 2009

Creation Date

2009-03-06

Publisher Information

University of South Florida Tampa Library

Keywords

United States, Women chief executive officers

Abstract

Female Chief Executive Officers lead 2.4% of the top 1000 companies in the United States (Fortune). Why does such a large gender gap exist? There are many possible reasons. However, since a public company’s goal is to increase its value and maximize its profits, the only acceptable excuse for the continued gender gap is if women CEOs are not as efficient and effective as male CEOs.

Financial ratios provide a comparison measurement of efficiency and effectiveness when compared to industry standard ratios commonly computed. This study uses current and quick ratios, inventory turnover ratios, debt to equity ratio, return on assets, asset turnover, net profit margin ratios and price per earning ratios. Data was collected from the financial statements of 118 female-led public companies and ratios were computed and compared to industry averages obtained through Risk Management Association as well as Dunn and Bradstreet and Thompson/Reuter. To account for economic trends, three years of data were collected.

The results of this study indicate that female CEOs’ companies vary from the industry median. The largest variance occurred in liquidity and leverage related ratios. Some correlation between these variances and a negative net profit margin variance was identified.

Physical Information

1 online resource (23 p.) : ill

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (p. 23).

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