Corporate Diversification and Firm Performance: Evidence from Swedish Acquisitions

Author(s):  
John A. Doukas ◽  
Martin Holmen ◽  
Nickolaos G. Travlos
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 309
Author(s):  
Xiaoling Chu ◽  
Chiuling Lu ◽  
Desmond Tsang

This study examines the effect of geographic scope in mitigating the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the real estate sector. Utilizing the Chinese setting over the two-month period in 2020 from the beginning of the outbreak to the successful containment of the spread of virus, we show that while the pandemic has negatively impacted real estate firm returns, firms with broader geographic scope and more geographically diversified property allocations have managed to better endure the crisis. We further find that firms with higher leverage report lower returns during the pandemic irrespective of their geographic scope, but larger firms can lessen the adverse impact of the pandemic only if they have adopted a more diversified strategy. Overall, our study provides novel evidence on the benefit of diversification by demonstrating the importance of geographic scope and diversification at times of crises. Specifically, we show corporate diversification could be especially useful to mitigate the negative stock market reactions resulting from the pandemic. Moreover, diversification could even become essential for larger firms that are expected by the market to be more diversified.


2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (10) ◽  
pp. 1858-1887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Duan ◽  
Zhan-ming Jin

Purpose – Strategic group has been intensively studied since this term emerged in 1970s, but previous studies have been limited to the comparisons between groups such as performance comparison. The purpose of this paper is to explore the internal structure of strategic groups by examining the effect of strategic distance from a firm to the center of its strategic group on firm performance. Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on data acquired from the annual reports of listed companies and some Chinese domestic databases, including CSMAR Solution, WIND financial database, and China Core Newspapers Full-text Database. After grouping listed pharmaceutical companies in China over the period 2010-2011, the authors test three hypotheses by using fixed effect regressions. Findings – The paper finds that the strategic distance from a firm to the center of its strategic group has a significant negative effect on the firm's financial performance. Two factors are discovered to influence that effect: corporate diversification strengthens the negative effect of strategic distance on performance, while firm's media visibility weakens that negative effect. Originality/value – The findings reveal the relationship between intra-group strategic positioning and firm performance, and specify how firms can gain competitive advantage through positioning choices and strategic actions. This study promotes the establishment of a more comprehensive strategic group theory by revealing the structure within strategic groups.


2014 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 01084
Author(s):  
Chai-Aun Ooi ◽  
Chee-Wooi Hooy ◽  
Ahmad Puad Mat Som

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document