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HBR
HBR
3d ago 8 views

Research: How Old Companies Can Ignite New Growth

A study identified 99 companies that overcame stagnation to achieve breakout growth, highlighting that stagnation is not inevitable. This matters as it provides a roadmap for other firms seeking to revitalize their growth trajectories.
Research: How Old Companies Can Ignite New Growth
A What happened
As companies mature, they often face stagnation, a common phase in the corporate life cycle. However, recent research has shown that stagnation does not have to be a permanent state. A global study of 848 companies that experienced five years of below-industry revenue growth identified 99 firms that successfully achieved breakout growth. These companies managed to increase their sales at least twice as fast as their peers for five consecutive years, followed by maintaining above-industry growth for an additional five years. This finding is significant as it provides a framework for other organizations looking to overcome stagnation and reignite their growth potential.

Key insights

  • 1

    Stagnation is common

    Many companies face stagnation as they mature, but it is not an unavoidable fate.

  • 2

    Breakout growth defined

    Breakout growth is characterized by sales growth at least twice that of peers for five years.

  • 3

    Successful companies identified

    99 companies were identified that overcame stagnation to achieve sustained growth.

Takeaways

The research underscores that with the right strategies, companies can break free from stagnation and achieve significant growth, providing valuable lessons for corporate leaders.

Read the full article on HBR