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Profitability And Leverage: Evidence From Nigerian Firms

Author

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  • Olayinka Akinlo
  • Taiwo Asaolu

Abstract

This study examines the profit profile of firms in Nigeria and analyzes the impact of leverage on profitability for the period 1999-2007. The results show that aggregate profit level for the firms decreased by 0.02 percent yearly over the study period. However, when disaggregated into sectors, a few firms actually experienced an increased profit level. The results show that firm size has a significant positive effect on profitability, while leverage has negative effect. The paper suggests that expansion, increased sales and low debt ratios enhance firm profitability.

Suggested Citation

  • Olayinka Akinlo & Taiwo Asaolu, 2012. "Profitability And Leverage: Evidence From Nigerian Firms," Global Journal of Business Research, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 6(1), pages 17-25.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:6:y:2012:i:1:p:17-25
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Hussien Mohsen Ahmed & Sherif Ismail El-Halaby & Hebatallah Ahmed Soliman, 2022. "The consequence of the credit risk on the financial performance in light of COVID-19: Evidence from Islamic versus conventional banks across MEA region," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 1-22, December.
    2. Abdul-Azeez Adeniyi Alao & Wasiu Abiodun Sanyaolu, 2020. "Effect of Leverage on the Profitability of Nigerian Consumer Goods Manufacturing Firms," Business & Management Compass, University of Economics Varna, issue 1, pages 5-25.
    3. Muhammad Ali Jibran Qamar & Umar Farooq & Hamayun Afzal & Waheed Akhtar, 2016. "Determinants of Debt Financing and Their Moderating Role to Leverage-Performance Relation: An Emerging Market Review," International Journal of Economics and Finance, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 8(5), pages 300-311, May.
    4. Ibrahim Abidemi Odusanya & Olumuyiwa Ganiyu Yinusa & Bamidele M. Ilo, 2018. "Determinants of Firm Profitability in Nigeria: Evidence from Dynamic Panel Models," SPOUDAI Journal of Economics and Business, SPOUDAI Journal of Economics and Business, University of Piraeus, vol. 68(1), pages 43-58, January-M.
    5. Nicoleta BARBUTA-MISU & Andreea RUSU, 2014. "Financial Leverage Impact On Return On Equity For Romanian Listed Companies," Risk in Contemporary Economy, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, pages 271-279.
    6. Nicoleta BARBUTA-MISU, 2013. "The Effect of Leverage on Profitability of Pharmaceutical Companies," Economics and Applied Informatics, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, issue 1, pages 45-52.
    7. Eissa A. Al-Homaidi & Najib H.S. Farhan & Waleed M. Alahdal & Amgad S.D. Khaled & Moatasem M. Qaid, 2021. "Factors affecting the profitability of Indian listed firms: a panel data approach," International Journal of Business Excellence, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 23(1), pages 1-17.
    8. Ibhagui, Oyakhilome W. & Olokoyo, Felicia O., 2018. "Leverage and firm performance: New evidence on the role of firm size," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 57-82.
    9. Afolabi Adegboyega & Olabisi Jayeola & Kajola Sunday Olugboyega & Asaolu Taiwo Olufemi, 2019. "Does leverage affect the financial performance of Nigerian firms?," Journal of Economics and Management, Sciendo, vol. 37(3), pages 5-22, September.
    10. Sunday Olugboyega KAJOLA & Adeniyi ALAO & Wasiu Abiodun SANYAOLU & Olalekan Jubril OJURONGBE, 2019. "Effect Of Liquidity And Leverage On Financial Performance Of Nigerian Listed Consumer Goods Firms," Contemporary Economy Journal, Constantin Brancoveanu University, vol. 4(3), pages 91-102.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Profitability; leverage;

    JEL classification:

    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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