THE PROFIT IMPACT OF IT INVESTMENT

Two models were used to study the relationships between profitability and the level of information technology (IT) among long-term life insurance companies. The first compared the computerization index (CI) with profitability ratios. The second used the operating expense ratio (profitability measure) and the IT expense ratio to measure the level of IT capital intensity. The results of the present study showed a positive correlation between the CI and the financial ratios and the most profitable firms are more likely to spend a higher proportion of their non-interest operating expenses on IT.