Empirical Investigation of Effective Management of Working Capital on Firm Performance: Evidence from the Nigerian Agricultural Sector

The focus of this study is to find out the link between working capital management and firm performance in agriculture firms listed in the Nigerian stock exchange. The research used yearly data for Livestock Feeds Plc from 2002 to 2018 and Okomo oil company Plc from 2007 to 2018. The study employed cash conversion cycle, account payables, account receivables and inventory turnover as stimulus variables with earnings per share as outcome variable. The data was analyzed employing descriptive statistics, ADF unit root test and regression technique. The study revealed that, earnings per share and working capital management represented by account receivables is found to be positive and statistically significant for the both companies used for the study. The association between earnings per share and account payables is found to be negative and statistically insignificant for the both companies. The connection between cash conversion cycle and earnings per share is positive and statistically significant for the both firms. The relationship between inventory management and earnings per share in Livestock Feeds Plc is negative and not statistically significant but that of Okomo oil company Plc is positive but not statistically significant. The overall equation was statistically significant for both firms judging from their R2 and F-statistics. Based on the findings, it is concluded that efficient management of working capital has influence on firm performance. Therefore, it is recommended for financial managers in agricultural firms to periodically review firm’s accounts receivables and payables. Also Sales, purchases and inventory units must work as a team to ensure that an optimal inventory level is maintained.