An analysis of effects of economic growth on the financial performance of Namibian listed companies

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Date
2022
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to analyse the effects of economic growth on the financial performance of Namibian listed companies and examine if the underlying effects are sector-specific. The measure used to assess the financial performance of selected sectors as identified on the NSX was the Return on Equity (ROE). The ROE was then regressed against the macroeconomic variables, including the gross domestic product percentage change (GDP % change) and the inflation rate percentage change as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI % change) annual percentage changes. The estimation procedure was performed on secondary data across eleven firms for the periods 2010 to 2020. Additionally, the study was conducted across three identified sectors, the first being, Banks, Finance & Credit Services, the second, Food Retailers and Wholesalers and lastly, Household Goods and Personal Goods. The findings support the hypothesis that economic growth positively affects the ROE of various firms. However, this effect differs in terms of magnitude across various industries. In the Household goods sector and the Food Retailers and Wholesalers sector, the ROE is significantly influenced by the CPI percentage change, more so than the GDP percentage change. Finally, the Banking sector indicated that their ROE is more sensitive to changes in the GDP percentage change than the CPI percentage change. To enhance the financial performance of companies listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange, the study recommends that policymakers ensure the economy is geared toward a sustainable growth path.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Account & Finance)
Keywords
Return on equity, Gross domestic product, Consumer price index, NSX, Macroeconomics
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