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Multinationality as real option facilitator — Illusion or reality?

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  • Aabo, Tom
  • Pantzalis, Christos
  • Park, Jung Chul

Abstract

Previous literature provides multiple conflicting arguments on why and when multinationality should enhance or impede the value-relevance of firms' real options. We address this issue by examining whether the relationship between stock returns and changes in return volatility varies with multinationality. Our results indicate that multinationality does indeed act as a real option facilitator. Furthermore, we show that, consistent with the notion that there are limits to the operating flexibility associated with multinationality this benefit only accrues fully if the firm is not financially constrained and stabilizes at very high degrees of multinationality.

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  • Aabo, Tom & Pantzalis, Christos & Park, Jung Chul, 2016. "Multinationality as real option facilitator — Illusion or reality?," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 1-17.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:38:y:2016:i:c:p:1-17
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2016.03.004
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    6. Bhuyan, Md Nazmul Hasan & Okafor, Collins E. & Cho, Eunho, 2022. "Do friendly boards impact the value of real options?," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 33(C).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    International corporate expansion; Multinationality; Real options; Stock market valuation; Multiple regression analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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