Corporate Environmental Performance and Financial Performance: Evidence from the Most Polluting Companies in India

Abstract

This article primarily investigates the association between corporate environmental performance (CEP) and financial performance (FP) of a firm and it also examines the effects of good, mixed, and poor environmental performers on FP. To achieve the objective, annual reports of 145 most polluting companies in India have been used from 2009–2010 to 2018–2019. On the basis of Global Reporting Initiative framework, the CEP scores have been measured in terms of quantitative (binary coding system) and qualitative (three-point scale) aspects using the content analysis technique. Subsequently, the scores are used to analyse the linkage between CEP disclosure and firms’ FP. Employing static and dynamic panel data analyses, the study observes quantitative as well as qualitative CEP performs significant part in expanding the firms’ market value and also notices innovation oriented investment boost the FP. On the contrary, the study finds out the expenditure on research and development and CEP together negatively influence firms’ FP. Further, it also reveals good performers make better CEP disclosure in their annual reports compared with mixed and poor performers on all aspects of environmental performance indicators of GRI guidelines and also observes a positive linkage between good performers and firm’s FP.