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Corporate misconduct, media coverage, and stock returns

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  • Kim, Hee-Eun
  • Jo, Hoje
  • Ahn, Tae-Wook
  • Yi, Junesuh

Abstract

This study examines the impact of increased investor attention to corporate misconduct (CM) on stock returns. We show that media coverage provides an important channel through which investor awareness of corporate wrongdoings can be enhanced. Using a unique research setting in Korea based on text analysis during the 2008–2020 period, we find that investors exhibit short-term adverse reactions to CM events. More importantly, the increased social awareness of CM issues through media coverage leads investors to penalize firms more severely. We also find that the adverse reaction to CM events is more prominent for firms with a greater negative media tone and surprise. The combined evidence supports the investor attention theory. Furthermore, the negative effects of CM on stock returns are smaller for firms with positive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reputations, consistent with the insurance theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Kim, Hee-Eun & Jo, Hoje & Ahn, Tae-Wook & Yi, Junesuh, 2022. "Corporate misconduct, media coverage, and stock returns," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:84:y:2022:i:c:s1057521922003313
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2022.102381
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corporate misconduct (CM); Media coverage; Investor attention; Insurance theory;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G41 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media

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