Effect of Institutional Ownership on Financial Performance in Kenya: Moderated Mediation Role of Capital Structure and Corporate Diversification

Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed at examining the moderating effect of capital structure in the indirect relationship between institutional ownership and financial performance through corporate diversification of listed firms at the Nairobi securities in Kenya. Approach/Methodology/Design: Post positivist research paradigm and explanatory research design guided the study in which 35 listed firms from 2003 to 2017 were included. Findings: There was a significant interaction effect between capital structure and institutional ownership on financial performance through corporate diversification. The study extended market power theory by examining institutional ownership structure given that corporate diversification is not only a source of power to drive a firm’s performance. Practical Implications: Institutional investors provide equity capital that is collaborated with the firm’s capital structure. As a result, there exist sufficient resources to take on diversification strategy despite this translating to a smaller amount in terms of financial performance. The study had implications on Market timing theory which opines that market timing is a ‘first order determinant’ to aid in selecting a suitable form of financing given debt and equity. Ideally, the preferences of different owners in the firm would affect the choice between debt and equity financing. Originality/value: Investigation of the interaction effect between capital structure and institutional ownership on financial performance through corporate diversification.