Shareholder Value and Investment Strategy Using the General Portfolio Model

Portfolio planning has been the subject of much debate, but little testing in strategic management. Building on the assumptions that relative ROA and sales growth are valid indicators of competitive position and industry attractiveness, this study examines whether an investment strategy that is consistent with prescriptions from the general portfolio model is associated with excess returns to shareholders. Evidence reported in this study indicates that this strategy is actually associated with subpar returns to shareholders. The implications of this finding for scholars and managers are discussed.