This study aimed at determining the relationship of leadership trait theory on the profitability of Nigeria Bottling Company, in Benin City. Descriptive survey design was used. The target population consisted of all the eighty four (84) senior staff in Nigeria Bottling Company, in Benin City. Respondents were these senior staff occupying one leadership positon or the other in the firm. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. The response rate of this study was 81% based on 68 respondents out of 84. Leadership traits have been discussed in this study, which include: intelligence, self-confidence and sociability. The analysis of leadership traits in Nigeria Bottling Company, showed that the 45.3% of the company’s profitability can be predicted by its leaders’ traits. Regression analysis provided the relationship of leadership traits and firm profitability showing that, there was a positive moderately strong relationship between intelligence of leaders and firm profitability whereas, self-confidence of and sociability of leaders showed a positive weak relationship with firm profitability. These three traits have a relationship with firm profitability. However, the regression analysis that tested the level of significance of relationships of research variables confirmed that while intelligence of leaders does have a significant relationship with firm profitability, self-confidence and sociability of leaders do not have a significant relationship with firm profitability. As a complement to the findings by other researchers such as Iqbal, Anwar & Haider (2015) and Duquesnoy (2011), the study has again proven that leadership influences the profitability of firms but this time recognizing that leadership trait such as intelligence have a significant role to play in this.
