Effect of exchange rate volatility on financial reporting of consumer goods firms in Nigeria (2019 – 2023)

Abstract

This study examines the effect of exchange rate volatility (ERV) on financial reporting of consumer goods firms in Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for this study. Data were sourced from the published annual reports of fourteen consumer goods firms listed on the Nigeria Exchange (NGX) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin for the period 2019-2023. The analysis employed the Panel Error Correction-Generated Least Squares (EGLS) method, focusing on three key financial metrics: Earnings Per Share (EPS), Current Ratio, and Debt-to-Equity Ratio. The findings reveal that ERV has a significant positive effect on EPS. Conversely, a significant negative effect is observed on the current ratio. However, the effect on the debt-to-equity ratio is found to be insignificant, suggesting that ERV does not substantially influence capital structure decisions. The study recommends that firms should continue to develop and implement robust strategies to manage the impacts of ERV, such as hedging, strategic pricing, and cost control measures, to safeguard and potentially enhance their financial performance during periods of exchange rate fluctuations. Keywords: Exchange Rate Volatility, Financial Reporting, Earnings Per Share, Current Ratio, Debt-to-Equity Ratio, Consumer Goods Firms.