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Firm-Specific Determinants of Financial Performance: Evidence from Multinational Companies in Nigeria

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  • Franklin Taiye Umaigba

    (Department of Accountancy, Edo State Polytechnic, Usen. Edo State, Nigeria)

  • Doris Esohe Aiworo

    (Department of Accountancy, Edo State Polytechnic, Usen. Edo State, Nigeria)

  • Tunde Akinyemi Odefemi

    (Department of Accountancy, National Institute of Construction Technology and Management, Uromi. Edo State, Nigeria)

Abstract

This study investigates the firm-specific determinants of financial performance among multinational companies (MNCs) operating in Nigeria. Specifically, it examines the influence of thin capitalization, firm size, leverage, and effective tax rate on the financial performance of these firms, measured by Return on Invested Capital (ROIC). Employing an ex-post facto research design, the study analyzed panel data from 20 listed multinational companies covering the period 2013 to 2022. Using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and correlation analysis, the findings reveal that leverage and effective tax rate have significant positive impacts on ROIC, while firm size has a significant negative effect. Thin capitalization, though positively related to ROIC, did not exhibit a statistically significant influence. The results suggest that financial performance is more strongly shaped by internal capital structuring and profitability-linked tax obligations than by aggressive debt-equity arrangements alone. The study contributes to the literature on multinational capital structure and performance and recommends regulatory reform, optimal debt management, and stronger tax transparency frameworks

Suggested Citation

  • Franklin Taiye Umaigba & Doris Esohe Aiworo & Tunde Akinyemi Odefemi, 2025. "Firm-Specific Determinants of Financial Performance: Evidence from Multinational Companies in Nigeria," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(5), pages 194-204, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-5:p:194-204
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Murray Z. Frank & Vidhan K. Goyal, 2009. "Capital Structure Decisions: Which Factors Are Reliably Important?," Financial Management, Financial Management Association International, vol. 38(1), pages 1-37, March.
    2. Richardson, Grant & Lanis, Roman, 2007. "Determinants of the variability in corporate effective tax rates and tax reform: Evidence from Australia," Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, Elsevier, vol. 26(6), pages 689-704.
    3. De Mooij, Ruud & Hebous, Shafik, 2018. "Curbing corporate debt bias: Do limitations to interest deductibility work?," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 368-378.
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