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Is there an optimally diversified conglomerate? Gleaning answers from capital markets

Author

Listed:
  • Ali Nejadmalayeri

    (Oklahoma State University)

  • Subramanian Rama Iyer

    (The University of New Mexico)

  • Manohar Singh

    (Pennsylvania State University-Abington)

Abstract

Motivated by recent productivity-based theories of diversification, we argue that only conglomerates with an optimal degree of diversification can utilize their comparative advantages across various industries and achieve economies of scope by eliminating redundancies. Evidence from both corporate bond and equity markets suggests that optimally diversified conglomerates consist of either (1) approximately five equally weighted divisions, or (2) one large core business segment that roughly accounts for 75 % sales. Moreover, the relative size of divisions has a critical impact on how diversification affects credit spreads and excess values. Nonparity among divisions correlates with greater costs that increase with the number of divisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Ali Nejadmalayeri & Subramanian Rama Iyer & Manohar Singh, 2017. "Is there an optimally diversified conglomerate? Gleaning answers from capital markets," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 49(1), pages 117-158, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:rqfnac:v:49:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1007_s11156-016-0585-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11156-016-0585-x
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Conglomerates; Optimal diversification; Credit spreads; Equity discount;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates

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