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Sunk Entry Costs, Sunk Depreciation costs, and Industry Dynamics

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Abstract

Dynamic competitive models of industry evolution predict higher variability of firm value over time and lower variability of firm activity over time in industries where sunk entry costs are higher. These predictions have done well empirically. Here we extend the theory to allow an additional category of sunk costs---depreciation---and argue that this generates countervailing effects. We test this assertion empirically and find the results are consistent with the theory.

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  • Adelina Gschwandtner & Val E. Lambson, 2009. "Sunk Entry Costs, Sunk Depreciation costs, and Industry Dynamics," Vienna Economics Papers vie0902, University of Vienna, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:vie:viennp:vie0902
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Adelina Gschwandtner & Val E. Lambson, 2006. "Sunk Costs, Profit Variability, and Turnover," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 44(2), pages 367-373, April.
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