Effect of Firm Size and Profitability on Long Term Debt of Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya

Abstract

Organization expenses result from a company’s utilization of long-term debt in its capital structure. One can also characterize a firm’s size by looking at its assets. In order for a company to draw in investors, its worth increases with its size. The profitability of a business may be enhanced by including long-term obligations in its structure of capital since the interest paid on such debts is deduction for taxes. Therefore, this study aimed at examining the effect of firm size and profitability on long term debt of listed firms at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study was based on trade off theory and pecking order theory. Secondary data was obtained from the firms from 2007-2011. Panel data was used to analyze data observations. The result indicates that firm size had insignificant effect on long term debt of firms. Profitability had significant effect long term debt. The study recommends that larger firms should leverage their greater access to capital markets to secure long term debts financing at favorable terms, balancing the benefits of debt against potential risks. Firms also with high profitability should encourage internal financing sources to reduce reliance on external debt and minimize financial cost.