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Corporate investments and growth options

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  • Jeffrey J. Reuer

    (Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina, McColl Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA)

  • Tony W. Tong

    (School of Management, State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs Management Center, Buffalo, NY 14260-4000, USA)

Abstract

Real options theory models certain corporate investments as investments in growth options, yet there is little direct evidence on whether firms actually capture growth option value from these investments. In the current paper, we attempt to bridge this empirical gap, and we also examine the conditions under which the growth option value embedded in such investments is enhanced. Results from a sample of manufacturing firms during 1989-2000 reveal that investments in research and development and joint venture (JV) investments contribute to firms' growth option values. We also show that, among JVs of different ownership structures, only minority JVs increase growth option value. Our findings affirm options theory's assertion that real options can help firms capture valuable upside opportunities, they highlight the value of examining contingencies that drive option value, and they also point to the challenges firms face in realizing the unique benefits the theory emphasizes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey J. Reuer & Tony W. Tong, 2007. "Corporate investments and growth options," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(8), pages 863-877.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:mgtdec:v:28:y:2007:i:8:p:863-877
    DOI: 10.1002/mde.1335
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Söhnke M. Bartram, 2017. "Corporate Postretirement Benefit Plans and Real Investment," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 63(2), pages 355-383, February.
    2. Georgios Tziralis & Konstantinos Kirytopoulos & Athanasios Rentizelas & Ilias Tatsiopoulos, 2009. "Holistic investment assessment: optimization, risk appraisal and decision making," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(6), pages 393-403.
    3. Driouchi, Tarik & Bennett, David, 2011. "Real options in multinational decision-making: Managerial awareness and risk implications," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 46(2), pages 205-219, April.
    4. Dimitrios Zormpas, 2017. "How vertical relationships and external funding affect investment efficiency and timing?," 2017 Papers pzo81, Job Market Papers.
    5. Monge, Manuel & Lazcano, Ana & Parada, José Luis, 2023. "Growth vs value investing: Persistence and time trend before and after COVID-19," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    6. Dimitrios Zormpas, 2021. "Jointly Held Investment Options and Vertical Relationships," Review of Industrial Organization, Springer;The Industrial Organization Society, vol. 58(4), pages 513-530, June.

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