The Effect of Corporate Diversification on the Financial Performance of Listed Manufacturing Firms in Kenya
Abstract
Diversification is developing as one of the most important growth strategies adopted
by firms to boost performance. Some firms that have adopted diversification strategies
have succeeded while others have failed. The study sought to determine the effect of
corporate diversification on the financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in
Kenya. To achieve this objective the study used a descriptive survey. The population
of the study constituted all the 19 listed manufacturing firms at NSE. A census
approach was used and secondary data was used for five years (2010-2014). The data
was gathered from financial statements and records. Data analysis was done using a
regression model. The study found that corporate diversification was positively
related to financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in Kenya. Growth and
firm size were found to be negatively related to financial performance of listed
manufacturing firms. The correlation results were found to be weak but moderate
between corporate diversification and financial performance of listed manufacturing
firm. The study recommends that firms should offset the risk of doing business.
Through expanding, a firm is not dependent on a limited number of products,
locations, or markets in order to survive. A company may pursue this diversification
in reaction to a change in the market. The study was conducted within a limited time
and scope. The results and the conclusion drawn in this study cannot however; be
used to make generalization of all the manufacturing firms operating in Kenya.
Publisher
University of Nairobi