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Measuring Firm Complexity

Author

Listed:
  • Loughran, Tim
  • McDonald, Bill

Abstract

In business research, firm size is both ubiquitous and readily measured. Complexity, another firm-related construct, is also relevant, but difficult to measure and not well-defined. As a result, complexity is less frequently incorporated in empirical designs. We argue that most extant measures of complexity are one-dimensional, have limited availability, and/or are frequently misspecified. Using both machine learning and an application-specific lexicon, we develop a text solution that uses widely available data and provides an omnibus measure of complexity. Our proposed measure, used in tandem with 10-K file size, provides a useful proxy that dominates traditional measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Loughran, Tim & McDonald, Bill, 2024. "Measuring Firm Complexity," Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 59(6), pages 2487-2514, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jfinqa:v:59:y:2024:i:6:p:2487-2514_1
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen, Yugang & Lu, Shan & Shahab, Yasir & Zhu, Yuxuan, 2026. "Loud voices or reliable voices? Analyst influence on takeover decisions in China," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    2. Hong, Eunpyo & Kottimukkalur, Badrinath & Noh, Joonki, 2026. "Uncertain Text and Price Reactions to Earnings Releases," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    3. Dang, Man & Puwanenthiren, Premkanth & Mazur, Mieszko & Hoang, Viet Anh & Nadarajah, Sivathaasan & Nguyen, Thieu Quang, 2025. "Firm complexity and credit ratings," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 104(PA).
    4. Pan, Ying & Mai, Ngoc Thuy & Truong, Nguyen Nhut Vu & Bui, Dien Giau & Li, Ruihai, 2025. "Do investors value the acquirers’ complexity in a merger and acquisition?," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    5. Sahu, Asis Kumar & Debata, Byomakesh & Dash, Saumya Ranjan, 2025. "Managerial sentiment, macroeconomic uncertainty, and stock liquidity: Evidence from India," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    6. Namrata Narain & Namrata Narain, 2026. "The Market Impact of Fed Communications: The Role of the Press Conference," International Journal of Central Banking, International Journal of Central Banking, vol. 22(1), pages 313-389, January.
    7. Chen, Shiqiang & Liu, Yun & Cao, Huijuan & Tsang, Albert, 2025. "Through the eyes of the leader: CEO big five personality traits and financial reporting quality," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).

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