Author: Xin, Ying
Title: The impact of technologically new products on stock prices and operating performance
Degree: Ph.D.
Year: 2010
Subject: Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations
Pharmaceutical industry -- Technological innovations
Electric industries -- Technological innovations
Electronic industries -- Technological innovations
Department: Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies
Pages: xiv, 133 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.
Language: English
Abstract: Technological development has been regarded as one of the major sources for economic growth and a potent way to help firms create substantial financial value. The development of technologically new products (TNPs), in which advanced or breakthrough technologies are incorporated, has been considered as one of the best ways to help firms grow. TNPs allow firms to leverage their core technologies in other future product introductions and give a signal to firms’ shareholders that they are committed to developing technology innovations. However, the development of TNPs requires substantial R&D investment and is also regarded as a highly risky process. Innovators must face the fact that other firms might imitate their actions, typically earning a share of the profits that is much greater than their initial investment. Studies also have cast doubt on whether firms’ efforts in developing TNPs yield positive economic returns. Therefore it is important to investigate whether the introductions of TNPs follow the prediction that TNPs help enhance firm performance as these products are expected to meet unmet customer demands or there are negative economic consequences due to the high risks and market uncertainties associated with developing and commercializing TNPs.
This study aims to fill in this research gap regarding the financial consequences of introducing TNPs. Based on the objective financial data of a sample of 884 firms that announced TNPs, we examined stock market returns, return on assets (ROA), return on sales (ROS), and sales over assets (SOA) of these products. We investigated whether industry characteristics would moderate such financial impacts. In particular, we focused specifically on two major industrial sectors that were under rapid technology development in the past decades -the pharmaceutical and medical devices related industries (PMIs) and the electrical and electronics related industries (EEIs). Through the theoretical lens of knowledge-based view of the firm and adopting the event study research methodology, we first examined the short-term stock market returns to introductions of TNPs. We found that the stock market responded favorably to these introduction announcements. The abnormal returns in the first two days upon the announcements were about 2.11% in the EEIs and 3.39% in the PMIs. Overall, the stock market reacted positively to TNPs announcements in both industries. We further examined the long-term operating performance associated with TNPs. By selecting a portfolio of control firms for each sample firm with similar firm performance and firm size, we compared the performance changes between sample firms and their corresponding control portfolios. We found that TNPs did not necessarily bring higher abnormal financial gains while TNPs led to an abnormal jump of 5.39% in ROA in the PMIs in the first two years of their introductions, they led to a drop of -2.34% in ROA in the EEIs during the same period of time. While stock market reacted positively to TNPs in the EEIs, they did not necessarily lead to higher profits. Industry characteristics is a major factor that affects the abnormal operating performance from TNPs. We also discussed the theoretical and managerial implications of the research findings of this study.
Rights: All rights reserved
Access: open access

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
b23930196.pdfFor All Users1.32 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


Copyright Undertaking

As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:

  1. I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
  2. I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
  3. I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.

By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.

Show full item record

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/5894