The Effects of the Number of Branches and its Geographical Distribution on Bank Profitability

In this research, the effect of the number of branches and the geographical distribution of bank branches on the profitability of Bank Sepah in Ardebil province has been studied. In this study, data and information related to Sepah Bank in Ardabil province in the period 1371 to 1399 are collected and in the form of time series data and cross-sectional data are estimated in two separate models. The results of the model estimation showed that the geographical distribution of the bank branches affects their profitability and this effect is statistically significant at a significant level of 5%. In other words, the branch operating in high-income areas of the city has a higher profitability compared to the middle and low income regions. The number of Bank Sepah Branches also has a positive effect on bank profitability and this effect is statistically significant at a significant level of 5%. Also the loan to the asset ratio, the size of the bank and the market share of the bank has a positive and significant effect on its profitability. Also, at a significant level of 5%, the number of years of activity of the bank branch has a positive and significant effect on its profitability.