INVENTORY MANAGEMENT PRACTICE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED CONSUMER GOODS MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM CHAMPION BREWERIES PLC

The aim of this study was to examine inventory management practice and financial performance of listed consumer goods manufacturing companies in Nigeria: Evidence from Champion Breweries Plc. In order to do this survey and ex-post facto research designs were adopted in the study. The population of 27 staff of Champion Breweries Plc was considered. Primary and secondary methods of data collection were used in gathering relevant data for this research. The primary source adopted was the use of administered questionnaire while the secondary source adopted was the use of annual report from the Champion Breweries Plc, 2015-2025. Purposive Sampling technique was used to select a sample size of (25) respondents for the study using Taro Yamane formula. Data were collect. Hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression analysis also simple percentages and frequency tables were used to analyse the responses from respondents. Findings revealed that the effect of Inventory conversion period (ICP) on Return on Asset (ROA) of Champion Breweries Plc includes: quality maturation, bulk production economies, marketing pushes and product availability. Findings revealed that the effect of Inventory Holding Cost (IHC) on Return on Asset (ROA) of Champion Breweries Plc include: positively impacts financial performance, maximize profitability, improve firm value and supply chain stability. It was concluded in the study that sound inventory management practices are not just operational necessities but strategic levers for financial performance. It was recommended that the company should strengthen its forecasting mechanisms through data analytics and market trend analysis. Accurate demand prediction will ensure that inventory levels are optimally aligned with consumer demand, thereby reducing wastage, obsolescence, and unnecessary storage costs.