The Effects of Regional Cross Listing on Firm Value and Financial Performance: Drawing Lessons for Lesotho

THIS RESEARCH determines the effects of regional cross listing on firm value and financial performance and draws policy lessons for Lesotho. Using event study methodology, financial ratio analysis and a regional case study of two Sub-Saharan African firms that cross listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 2015 and 2016, the results of the study reveal that cross listing leads to increased firm liquidity coupled with positive and statistically significant abnormal returns.

These findings confirm the legal bonding theory, the signalling theory, the investor recognition  theory and the liquidity theory. It is recommended that the empirical findings of this study be used by authorities to draw locally incorporated firms’ attention to the potential benefits of cross listing.  This should be done in conjunction with initiatives that identify and unlock any bottlenecks that act as deterrents for company listing on the Maseru Securities Market.