The Impact of Capital Structure on Firm Performance: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Sri Lankan Plantation Companies Before and During the Crisis Evidence From Selected Listed Plantation Companies in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of capital structure on firm performance. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the Sri Lankan plantation companies before and during the crisis as this sector remains an unexplored area which plays an important role in their economies.

Methodology: This research uses positivism research philosophy and the quantitative research approach and uses the convenience sampling method. This study is primarily based on secondary data that were extracted from the annual reports of companies listed in Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) over the past eight-year period from 2016 to 2023. Balanced Panel Data (BPD) of 15 plantation companies were analyzed using STATA software, which included statistical tests such as normality, multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, cross sectional dependance, and panel regression analysis. Further this study uses a comparison test to identify the statistical difference in the periods.

Findings: According to the findings of the study, the results confirm that there is a statistically significant difference in terms of ROE and ROA before and during the crisis. All the independent variables, excluding TDTE, also show a statistically significant difference between the periods. According to the regression analysis, it shows a negative and statistically significant relationship between TDTE and ROE and positive and statistically significant relationship between ICR and ROE. TDTA negatively impacts ROA, and the effect is statistically significant. As well as there is a statistically significant causal relationship between ROA and Interest Coverage Ratio. Finally, the overall models are statistically significant.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that the crisis had a notable effect on plantation companies' financial performance and suggest that debt is not a primary strategy to cope with the crisis. Therefore, this study is advisable for firms to consider their funding strategies and manage their total debt wisely to sustain the overall performance by adapting to the market conditions.