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Green innovation and corporate default risk

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  • Safiullah, Md
  • Phan, Dinh Hoang Bach
  • Nurul Kabir, Md.

Abstract

We investigate the impact of green innovation on default risk for the period 2003–2020. Using 15,015 firm-year observations from 2301 unique U.S. firms and a firm-fixed effects regression model, we find that firms with higher green-innovation experience lower default risk as measured by the distance-to-default, probability of default, and CDS spreads. We find robust evidence addressing potential endogeneity in the association between green innovation and default risk by applying three different approaches: the propensity score matching approach, the instrumental variable approach, and the difference-in-differences technique. Our channel analysis results show that high green innovation reduces cashflow volatility and managerial risk-taking, which translates into lower default risk. The influence of green innovation on default risks is contingent on various firm characteristics. It is more pronounced in firms with greater institutional ownership, a younger age, and more carbon-intensive operations.

Suggested Citation

  • Safiullah, Md & Phan, Dinh Hoang Bach & Nurul Kabir, Md., 2024. "Green innovation and corporate default risk," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:intfin:v:95:y:2024:i:c:s1042443124001070
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intfin.2024.102041
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Green innovation; Default risk; Carbon emissions reduction;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G35 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Payout Policy
    • G51 - Financial Economics - - Household Finance - - - Household Savings, Borrowing, Debt, and Wealth
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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