Liquidity and Profitability Ratios on Growth of Profits of Listed Oil and Gas Firms in Nigeria

Abstract

This study empirically examined liquidity and profitability ratios on the growth of profit of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria. The study employed ex-post facto and correlational design and the data was obtained from the annual reports of sample companies for the period 2014 to 2019. The secondary data obtained from the published financial statements of the sampled firms were analysed with descriptive, correlation matrix and multiple regression. The results obtained from the multivariate analysis suggested that current ratio, acid test ratio, gross profit ratio, net profit ratio, net working capital, return on assets, return on equity and return on capital employed do positively and significantly affect the growth of profit of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria. The study concluded that liquidity and profitability ratios influence the growth of companies. The study therefore made the following recommendations amongst others that firms should use financial ratios to measure the level of corporate profit growth to comprehend the conditions of firms which may eventually affect the investment decisions.