Attitude of bank credit managers and analysts towards firm diversification in Mozambique

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to survey bank credit managers and analysts in Mozambique regarding their attitude toward firm diversification.Design/methodology/approachForty-five credit managers and analysts from 23 banks in Mozambique were surveyed about their views on diversification and diversified firms. Questionnaires were used. Data were analyzed using chi-square test and binomial test.FindingsCredit analysts and managers in Mozambique have a generally positive attitude toward diversification. This is mainly due to the coinsurance effects and stability of cash flows that diversification could provide. They, however, prefer moderately diversified to highly diversified firms and related to unrelated diversified firms. This is a puzzle, given the expectation that greater unrelated diversification is better able to provide coinsurance.Practical implicationsThe study provides information that is useful for understanding the diversification–cost of capital relationship and could help corporate managers in making capital structure decisions.Originality/valuePrevious researchers have not studied the attitude of credit managers/analysts toward diversification in Mozambique using the survey approach. The study contributes to the literature on diversification and access to external finance, the diversification discount and cash holding behavior of firms.