Environmental Accounting Disclosures and Financial Performance: A Study of selected Food and Beverage Companies in Nigeria (2006-2015)

The response of firms to environmental liabilities has brought about the reconfiguration of corporate performance indices in a larger context under the subtle influence of environmental and social factors, in order to develop a holistic view of an entity’s performance. This study investigated the relationship of environmental accounting disclosures and financial performance of food and beverage companies in Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between environmental accounting disclosures and return on equity of food and beverage companies in Nigeria. It also examined the relationship between environmental accounting disclosures and return on capital employed of food and beverage companies in Nigeria, among others. Four hypotheses were formulated and tested in line with the objectives of the study. Data for the study were collected through secondary sources and analyzed using Pearson’s correlation statistical technique and multiple regression, with the aid of SPSS version 20.00. The study revealed that there is a significant relationship between environmental accounting disclosures and return on equity of selected companies. It also revealed a negative relationship between environmental accounting disclosures and return on capital employed and net profit margin of selected companies. Based on these findings, the researcher recommends among others, that firms should adopt uniform reporting and disclosure standards of environmental practices. This will enhance control and measurement of performance. The study also advocates that firms (especially smaller ones), should be encouraged to disclose their environmental practices in their annual reports in order to enhance their competitiveness which would subsequently, lead to higher corporate performance.