Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 November 2013
Intangible assets can play a strategic role in the implementation of differentiated strategies in foreign markets. The literature has addressed the impact of intangible assets on both exports and financial performance and the effects of exports on company financial performance (profit and risk). This article aims to analyze the effect of exports on the relationship between intangibles and company performance in the wine industry. Empirical studies show that intangibles have a positive but diminishing impact on exports. The effect of exports on financial performance differs depending on whether we consider corporations or cooperatives. While intangible expenses reduce company risk in both samples whatever the level of export intensity, the effects are different with profit. In corporations, intangible expenses have a positive impact on profit only when there is a high level of expenses and a high level of export intensity. (JEL Classifications: G32, L25, Q12, Q13)
The authors gratefully acknowledge Jean-Pierre Couderc, Karl Storchmann, and two anonymous referees for their constructive comments and suggestions that helped improve the manuscript.