Análisis de la situación financiera de las empresas pertenecientes al sector de alojamiento y de servicio de comida en el contexto de pandemia por COVID 19

Abstract

This study analyzed the financial situation of large companies in Ecuador’s accommodation and food services sector during 2018–2023, covering the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic phases. Using a mixed-method approach and a longitudinal design, key indicators of liquidity, solvency, management, and profitability were assessed with data from the Superintendence of Companies, Securities, and Insurance. The findings showed that while 2020 brought severe declines in profitability and increases in indebtedness due to the shutdown of activities, liquidity did not experience an immediate critical deterioration. However, in the following years—especially 2022 and 2023—structural weakening became evident, with negative average working capital and persistently high leverage. The recovery in sales and profitability that began in 2022 was insufficient to return to pre-pandemic levels, with performance 7 disparities across companies. It was concluded that the sector’s future sustainability depended on strategies focused on strengthening operational liquidity, optimizing debt levels, and improving revenue management.