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Patience pays off – corporate social responsibility and long-term stock returns

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  • Gregor Dorfleitner
  • Sebastian Utz
  • Maximilian Wimmer

Abstract

This paper presents new evidence on the implications of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on stock returns. By implementing a long-term focus as well as using subdivided measures for CSR, we cater to the intangible nature and the heterogeneity of CSR activities. We use a novel classification of these activities into nine areas, each belonging to one of the standard environment, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions. Using cross-sectional return regressions and buy-and-hold abnormal returns, we find that firms with strong CSR significantly outperform firms with weak CSR in the mid and long run in certain areas. Firm returns increase up to 3.8% with respect to a one-standard-deviation increase of the CSR rating. In a two-stage least squares (2SLS) approach we verify that the main economic channel for the appreciation of strong CSR stocks is unexpected additional cash flows. The results are relevant for assessing the efficiency of CSR, and have broader implications for asset managers who can expect abnormal returns by investing in firms that exhibit a high CSR in the respective scores and holding the stocks for a longer period.

Suggested Citation

  • Gregor Dorfleitner & Sebastian Utz & Maximilian Wimmer, 2018. "Patience pays off – corporate social responsibility and long-term stock returns," Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 8(2), pages 132-157, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jsustf:v:8:y:2018:i:2:p:132-157
    DOI: 10.1080/20430795.2017.1403272
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    Cited by:

    1. Kwon, Shin Hyoung & Kim, Joongseo & Yim, Hyunsoon (Sean), 2023. "Looking far or close: The explanatory role of myopic management in the relationship between CEO-TMT power disparity and corporate social responsibility," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    2. Alexander Braun & Sebastian Utz & Jiahua Xu, 2019. "Are insurance balance sheets carbon-neutral? Harnessing asset pricing for climate change policy†," The Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance - Issues and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan;The Geneva Association, vol. 44(4), pages 549-568, October.
    3. Benjamin Hübel & Hendrik Scholz, 2020. "Integrating sustainability risks in asset management: the role of ESG exposures and ESG ratings," Journal of Asset Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 21(1), pages 52-69, February.
    4. Paola Demartini & Claudia Pagliei, 2023. "Can we trust ESG Ratings? Some insights based on a bibliometric analysis of ESG data quality and rating reliability," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2023(2 Suppl.), pages 161-187.
    5. Adil Haniev, 2024. "Intangible Assets and US Stock Returns: An analysis using the Index Method, Panel Regression, and Machine Learning," Journal of Applied Economic Research, Graduate School of Economics and Management, Ural Federal University, vol. 23(3), pages 833-854.

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