Historical ESG Performance
Higher Profitability:
Cash-flow channel: High ESG-rated companies were more competitive and generated abnormal returns, often leading to higher profitability and dividend payments, especially when compared to low ESG-rated companies.
Lower Tail Risk:
Idiosyncratic risk channel: High ESG-rated companies experienced a lower frequency of idiosyncratic risk incidents such as major drawdowns. Conversely, companies with low ESG ratings were more likely to experience major incidents.
Lower Systemic Risk
Valuation channel: High ESG-rated companies have shown lower systematic risk exposure, evidenced by less volatile earnings and less systematic volatility. Compared to low ESG-rated companies, they also experienced lower betas and lower costs of capital.
