Cost Behavior of Decline-Stage firms with High R&D Intensity

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to analyze the cost behavior of firms, taking into account both high R&D intensity and situations in which R&D activities are likely to be performed efficiently. Design/methodology/approach - During the sample period from 2002 to 2019, regression analysis is conducted on the manufacturing firms with December fiscal year listed on KOSDAQ. The degree of R&D expenditure was measured by R&D intensity. The efficient R&D situation is measured as the decline stage firms in the KOSDAQ market, which are relatively smaller than the KOSPI market. Findings Firms in the decline phase and high R&D intensity showed the cost stickiness. Because these firms anticipate an optimistic future, they do little to cut current costs even if their current sales decrease. Research implications or Originality - Firstly, it is confirmed that both the extent of R&D expenditure and the situation in which R&D will be effectively performed are important in the study of cost behavior. Secondly, we present a new perspective on strategy research that favors the use of cost advantage strategy related to cost anti-stickiness for the decline firms.