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The impact of Working Capital Management on firm profitability in different economic cycles: Evidence from the United Kingdom

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  • Tiago Gonçalves
  • Cristina Gaio
  • Frederico Robles

Abstract

Literature shows that Working Capital Management (WCM) affects profitability and liquidity. Economic conditions may stress those relationships, especially during economic downturns. We analyze the effects of economic cycle on the relationship between WCM and profitability, using a sample of UK unlisted companies between 2006 and 2014. We find that WCM efficiency increases profitability. This positive impact is even more important during economic downturns. Our results show multi-level effects of WCM on profitability and liquidity constraints, with varying economic conditions. Results matter economically and managerially and highlight the importance of considering WCM as part of overall corporate financial strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • Tiago Gonçalves & Cristina Gaio & Frederico Robles, 2018. "The impact of Working Capital Management on firm profitability in different economic cycles: Evidence from the United Kingdom," Economics and Business Letters, Oviedo University Press, vol. 7(2), pages 70-75.
    • Handle: RePEc:ove:journl:aid:12691
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    File URL: https://reunido.uniovi.es/index.php/EBL/article/view/12691
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas W. Bates & Kathleen M. Kahle & René M. Stulz, 2009. "Why Do U.S. Firms Hold So Much More Cash than They Used To?," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 64(5), pages 1985-2021, October.
    2. Marc Deloof, 2003. "Does Working Capital Management Affect Profitability of Belgian Firms?," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(3‐4), pages 573-588, April.
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    4. Enqvist, Julius & Graham, Michael & Nikkinen, Jussi, 2014. "The impact of working capital management on firm profitability in different business cycles: Evidence from Finland," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 32(C), pages 36-49.
    5. Aktas, Nihat & Croci, Ettore & Petmezas, Dimitris, 2015. "Is working capital management value-enhancing? Evidence from firm performance and investments," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 98-113.
    6. Morris Lamberson, 1995. "Changes in Working Capital of Small Firms in Relation to Changes in Economic Activity," American Journal of Business, Emerald Group Publishing, vol. 10(2), pages 45-50.
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    1. Stanić Milan & Cita Melita & Šulentić Marina Stanić, 2023. "The Influence of Working Capital Management on the Profitability of Manufacturing Enterprises - The Case of Croatia," South East European Journal of Economics and Business, Sciendo, vol. 18(2), pages 126-139, December.
    2. Sorin Gabriel Anton & Anca Elena Afloarei Nucu, 2020. "The Impact of Working Capital Management on Firm Profitability: Empirical Evidence from the Polish Listed Firms," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Jaroslav Mazanec, 2022. "Working Capital Management as Crucial Tool for Corporate Performance in the Transport Sector: A Case Study of Slovakia and the Czech Republic," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 10(15), pages 1-22, July.
    4. Erik Hofmann & Juuso Töyli & Tomi Solakivi, 2022. "Working Capital Behavior of Firms during an Economic Downturn: An Analysis of the Financial Crisis Era," IJFS, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-20, July.
    5. Hassan, M. Kabir & Aysan, Ahmet Faruk & Kayani, Umar Nawaz & Choudhury, Tonmoy, 2023. "Working capital as a firm performance savior? Evidence from Scandinavian countries," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    6. Edward Domina Attafuah, (Ph.D.), 2024. "The Impact of Working Capital Management on the Profitability of Listed Banks: The Ghanaian Economy Experience," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 11(1), pages 235-252, January.
    7. Tiago Cruz Gonçalves & Cristina Gaio & Micaela Rodrigues, 2022. "The Impact of Women Power on Firm Value," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-15, August.
    8. Abdul Basyith & Abid Djazuli & Fitriya Fauzi, 2021. "Does Working Capital Management Affect Profitability? Empirical Evidence from Indonesia Listed Firms," Asian Economic and Financial Review, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 11(3), pages 236-251, March.
    9. Gonçalves, Tiago & Gaio, Cristina & Costa, Eva, 2020. "Committed vs opportunistic corporate and social responsibility reporting," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 417-427.
    10. Jaroslav Mazanec, 2022. "The Impact of Working Capital Management on Corporate Performance in Small–Medium Enterprises in the Visegrad Group," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-19, March.

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