Influence of industry R&D intensity on corporate product diversification: interaction effect of free cash flow

This study analyzes the effect of industry R&D intensity on the degree of product diversification and examines the interaction effect of free cash flow on the previous relationship at the current time in large US firms. Using the S&P 500 sample, we found support for the hypothesis that industry R&D intensity has a positive impact on the degree of product diversification. On the contrary, this study has found partial support for the hypothesis that free cash flow positively affects the previous relationship. Copyright 2006, Oxford University Press.