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Explaining the diversification discount

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Author Info
Campa, Jose M. () (IESE Business School)
Kedia, Simi (Harvard University)

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Abstract

Diversified firms trade at a discount relative to similar single-segment firms. We argue in this paper that this observed discount is not per se evidence that diversification destroys value. Firms choose to diversify. Firm characteristics, which make firms diversify might also cause them to be discounted. Not taking into account these firm characteristics might wrongly attribute the observed discount to diversification. Data from the Compustat Industry Segment File from 1978 to 1996 are used to select a sample of single segment and diversifying firms. We use three alternative econometric techniques to control for the endogeneity of the diversification decision. All three methods suggest the presence of self-selection in the decision to diversify and a negative correlation between firm's choice to diversify and firm value. The diversification discount always drops, and sometimes turns into a premium, when we control for the endogeneity of the diversification decision. We do a similar analysis in a sample of refocusing firms. Again, some evidence of self-selection by firms exists and we now find a positive correlation between firm's choice to refocus and firm value. These results consistently suggest the importance of taking the endogeneity of the diversification status into account, in analyzing its effects on firm value.

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Paper provided by IESE Business School in its series IESE Research Papers with number D/424.

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Length: 39 pages
Date of creation: 23 Oct 2000
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Handle: RePEc:ebg:iesewp:d-0424

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Keywords: Diversification discount

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Find related papers by JEL classification:
F20 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - General
F29 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Other

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