Regulating monopoly price discrimination

Simon Cowan

Journal of Regulatory Economics, 2018, vol. 54, issue 1, No 1, 13 pages

Abstract: Abstract A monopolist sells its product in separated markets. The effects of requiring a uniform profit margin instead of monopoly pricing are assessed. A margin equal to the output-weighted arithmetic mean of the monopoly margins raises consumer surplus but reduces total output. When the margin equals the (lower) harmonic mean total output exceeds the monopoly level if the demand functions are convex, and social welfare rises. Extensions cover a uniform price-marginal cost ratio and a uniform margin when the initial price is uniform and costs differ. The analysis uses convexity relations and the implications of profit-maximization.

Keywords: Price discrimination; Monopoly; Margin regulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D42 L12 L13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11149-018-9361-2

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