Intellectual Capital and Profitability: Evidence from Indian Pharmaceutical Sector

Abstract

Intellectual capital (IC) has gained recognition in enhancing the firms’ value and gain competitive advantage in the developed world. Thus, it is imperative for all stakeholders to have an understanding of its impact on firms’ profitability. The present study aims to analyse the impact of intellectual capital on firms’ profitability of Indian pharmaceutical companies listed in National Stock Exchange (NSE-500) for the time period of 10 years (i.e. 2009–2018). The paper has used modified version of Pulic’s Value Added Intellectual Coefficient, i.e., M-VAIC as a proxy to measure intellectual capital and firms’ profitability as represented by ROA, ROE and EBITDA. In line to analyse the effectiveness, a balanced panel data regression technique has been used. The results of the paper indicate a significant relationship between intellectual capital and firms’ profitability. Also, it is found that human capital, relational capital and physical capital have a significant role in increasing the profitability of the firm. The analysis would help the administration and management of pharmaceutical companies in the composition and organization of intellectual capital, stakeholders in the decisions related to investment and financial specialist for enhancing intellectual capital efficiency and value creation for the firm. Human capital is found to be having a positively significant impact on firms’ profitability; their inclusion and management are suggested for the companies.