Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to explore the interrelationship between macroeconomic factors, firm characteristics and financial performance of quoted manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigates the effect of interest rate, inflation rate, exchange rate and the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate, while the firm characteristics were size, leverage and liquidity. The dependent variable financial performance is measured as return on assets (ROA). Design/methodology/approach-The study used the ex post facto research design. The population comprised all quoted manufacturing firms on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The sample was restricted to companies in the consumer goods sector, selected using non-probability sampling method. The study used multiple linear regression as the method of validating the hypotheses. Findings-The study finds no significant effect for interest rate and exchange rate, but a significant effect for inflation rate and GDP growth rate on ROA. Second, the firm characteristics showed that firm size, leverage and liquidity were significant. Practical implications-The study has implications for regulators and policy makers in formulating policy decisions. In addition, managers may better understand the interplay between macroeconomic factors, firm characteristics and profitability of firms. Originality/value-Few studies have addressed the interplay of macroeconomic factors and firm characteristics in determining the profitability of manufacturing firms in the country and developing countries in general.

Tax revenue is frequently considered as an alternative form of sustainable financing within a stable and predictable fiscal environment to promote growth and enable governments to finance their social and infrastructural needs. The objective of the study is to examine the effect of tax revenue on economic growth of Nigeria and Ghana. The study used multiple regressions as tools of analysis. The study finds a positive impact of tax revenue on the gross domestic product of Nigeria and Ghana confirming prior studies. The study recommended among others that adequate measure to ensure that revenue generated from the tax is effectively utilized to develop and grow the economy.DOI: 10.15408/sjie.v7i2.7341

The objective of the study is to ascertain the influence of corporate board diversity on sustainability reporting on a sample of quoted manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study adopts a panel research design. The population of the study comprised quoted manufacturing companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. This was restricted to companies classified under conglomerates, consumer goods, and, industrial goods sector. The study used secondary data, extracted from the annual reports of the studied manufacturing companies. Fixed effects panel regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The dependent variable sustainability reporting was measured using an Economic, Social, and Governance (ESG) index, the independent variables were board member nationality, proportion of women directors, proportion of non-executive directors, and multiple directorships. The results show no significant positive influence of board member nationality, while proportion of women directors, proportion of non-executive directors, and multiple directorships were significant. The study recommends among others, the adoption of NSE Sustainability Disclosure Guidelines for a unified integrated reporting framework for Nigerian firms, secondly, a heterogeneous board composition, which can leverage on the diverse set of skills of board members.

Advocates of CSR argue that transparency and accountability are essential components of a successful sustainability strategy. In this context, sustainability reporting is one such tool for communicating organisational performance with respect to organisational CSR practices. This empirical paper examines the connection between such reporting practices and corporate performance from a stakeholder perspective. Using a sample of 141 respondents, comprising 21 corporate managers; 55 corporate employees and 65 consumers and investors, this study examined the connection between sustainability reporting and corporate performance. Four hypotheses were formulated and tested in the study. In addition to descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S), One Sample t-test and Multiple Regression Technique (MRT) were used in analyzing the primary data. The results of the data analysis showed a positive connection between sustainability reporting and corporate performance. Both consumers and investors were inclined to product purchase of green corporations. This would have the dual effect of increased market share and market capitalization of the companies. Employees were inclined to work in green corporations safeguarding their interests and healthy work environment. And corporate managers agreed that cost of recycling was generally cheaper than new purchase. Based on this, the study recommends the adoption of sustainability reports for organisations seeking sustainable corporate performance. The improved transparency and accountability levels of traditional financial reports through inclusion of TBL principles could serve as a labyrinth safeguarding corporations against legal hassle and surmounting stakeholder pressure. Thus, ultimately leading to improved market share, improved employee motivation and reduced labour turnover in such organisations.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of dividend payout ratio on the value of firm. The study also examined other factors that affect the value of firm while employing companies listed on the Nigerian stock exchange. The factors which were considered to affect the value of the firm in this study include profitability, leverage policy ratio, dividend policy ratio, cash holding and the size of the firm. The study employed Panel Ordinary Least Square Regression Techniques in analyzing the collated data. The sample in this study is drawn from breweries and beverages companies listed on the Nigerian stock exchange between the periods 2007-2016. The results showed that profitability ratio and leverage ratio positively and significantly impact on the value of the firm. This implies that only the variables of Firm Leverage, and Profit after Tax are significant factors that drives firm value in both breweries and beverages companies among listed companies in Nigeria. The study however recommends that corporate managers whose interest is to raise firm value should ensure the maximization of Profit after Tax, and focus on policies that will improve the leverage ratio of the firm.