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Explaining the Concentration-Profitability Paradox

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  • Jan Keil

Abstract

This paper explains an empirical paradox which is often found, but generally ignored: a significant negative econometric relationship between profitability and market share concentration. The phenomenon can appear when there is a negative correlation between market share and costs—for example due to economies of scale. I show that concentration becomes an indicator for the cost competitiveness of direct rivals within an industry. Profitability of a given firm is undermined if price correlates positively with average industry costs (Classical natural prices) and frictions like sunk costs make an industry exit expensive for firms. This idea also explains the frequent findings of highly persistent profit rate differentials.

Suggested Citation

  • Jan Keil, 2017. "Explaining the Concentration-Profitability Paradox," Review of Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(2), pages 209-231, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:revpoe:v:29:y:2017:i:2:p:209-231
    DOI: 10.1080/09538259.2017.1295945
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. George J. Stigler, 1963. "Front matter, "Capital and Rates of Return in Manufacturing Industries" including Preface," NBER Chapters, in: Capital and Rates of Return in Manufacturing Industries, pages -21--9, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. George J. Stigler, 1963. "Capital and Rates of Return in Manufacturing Industries," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number stig63-1.
    3. George J. Stigler, 1963. "Errata Statement for "Capital and Rates of Return in Manufacturing Industries"," NBER Chapters, in: Capital and Rates of Return in Manufacturing Industries, pages 2-8, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. George J. Stigler, 1963. "Introduction to "Capital and Rates of Return in Manufacturing Industries"," NBER Chapters, in: Capital and Rates of Return in Manufacturing Industries, pages 3-10, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Cited by:

    1. Weber, Jan David & Scharfenaker, Ellis, 2024. "Measures of firm performance and concentration: Stylized facts and a dilemma of data reproduction," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 234(C).
    2. Mercè Sala‐Ríos, 2024. "What are the determinants affecting cooperatives’ profitability? Evidence from Spain," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 95(1), pages 85-111, March.
    3. Senarathne Chamil W. & Long Wei, 2019. "Industry Competition and Common Stock Returns," Management Sciences. Nauki o Zarządzaniu, Sciendo, vol. 24(3), pages 24-35, September.
    4. Keil, Jan, 2017. "The trouble with approximating industry concentration from Compustat," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 467-479.
    5. Radovan Kastratoviæ & Dragan Lonèar & Siniša Miloševiæ, 2019. "Market concentration and profitability: the empirical evidence from Serbian manufacturing industry," Zbornik radova Ekonomskog fakulteta u Rijeci/Proceedings of Rijeka Faculty of Economics, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Economics and Business, vol. 37(1), pages 213-233.

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