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A real-option rationale for investing in excess capacity

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  • Sudipto Sarkar

    (McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., Canada)

Abstract

Excess capacity is expensive, yet persistent excess capacity is widely observed in the corporate sector. Using a real-option approach to capacity planning, this paper shows that under certain conditions it is optimal to invest in long-term (even permanent) excess capacity. This results from the asymmetric nature of operating flexibility resulting from excess capacity-the ability to increase output under favorable demand shocks. The model is used to identify conditions under which excess capacity is more likely to be optimal. The implications are generally consistent with existing empirical evidence from studies on excess capacity and capacity utilization. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Sudipto Sarkar, 2009. "A real-option rationale for investing in excess capacity," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(2), pages 119-133.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:mgtdec:v:30:y:2009:i:2:p:119-133
    DOI: 10.1002/mde.1446
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Di Corato, Luca & Moretto, Michele & Vergalli, Sergio, 2014. "Long-run investment under uncertain demand," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 80-89.
    4. G. Guthrie, 2021. "Adapting to Rising Sea Levels: How Short-Term Responses Complement Long-Term Investment," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 78(4), pages 635-668, April.
    5. Li, Xishu & Zuidwijk, Rob & de Koster, M.B.M, 2023. "Optimal competitive capacity strategies: Evidence from the container shipping market," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    6. Dale Squires & Kathleen Segerson, 2022. "Capacity and Capacity Utilization in Production Economics," Springer Books, in: Subhash C. Ray & Robert G. Chambers & Subal C. Kumbhakar (ed.), Handbook of Production Economics, chapter 24, pages 1001-1037, Springer.
    7. Kamoto, Shinsuke, 2015. "Strategic capacity expansion under a potential entry threat," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 157-177.
    8. Sarkar, Sudipto, 2021. "The uncertainty-investment relationship with endogenous capacity," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    9. Sarkar, Sudipto, 2014. "Product–market flexibility and capital structure," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 54(1), pages 111-122.
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    11. Shaton, Katerina, 2015. "Value of Flexibility in Gas Pipeline Investments," Chapters from the Proceedings of the Hamburg International Conference of Logistics (HICL), in: Kersten, Wolfgang & Blecker, Thorsten & Ringle, Christian M. (ed.), Innovations and Strategies for Logistics and Supply Chains: Technologies, Business Models and Risk Management. Proceedings of the Hamburg Internationa, volume 20, pages 333-357, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Institute of Business Logistics and General Management.

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