Determinants of Capital Structure from Malaysian Shariah-Compliant Food and Beverages Firms

Abstract

This paper addresses the dearth of empirical research on the capital structure of Shariah-compliant food and beverage (F&B) firms in Malaysia. Despite the industry's dynamic growth, specific financing needs, and adherence to Shariah principles, a comprehensive investigation into the determinants of their capital structure choices is lacking. By exploring factors such as profitability, tangibility, growth opportunities, liquidity, and firm size, this paper aims to provide valuable insights into the financial strategies of these specific entities and fill crucial knowledge gaps in empirical evidence. The study employs panel data, a combination of cross-sectional and time-series data, with a sample comprising 24 Shariah-compliant F&B firms listed on Bursa Malaysia, totalling 240 observations. Quantitative methods are applied using secondary data sourced from the Eikon database and financial statements in the annual reports of Bursa Malaysia-listed companies from 2013 to 2022. The findings reveal that profitability, tangibility, liquidity, and firm size significantly impact the capital structure choices of Shariah-compliant F&B firms, while growth opportunities emerge as an insignificant factor. These results support the application of the trade-off theory for profitability and the pecking order theory for tangibility, liquidity, and firm size, shedding light on the nuanced financial decision-making processes within this sector.