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Does hedge fund activism harm corporate social performance? Evidence from ESG ratings11We have no potential conflicts to disclose. Zhao gratefully acknowledges financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, [Grant No. 72472150]

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  • Wei, Jiaying
  • Zhao, Shan

Abstract

We reexamine the impact of hedge fund activism on corporate social performance as measured by ESG ratings. Using a high-quality dataset on hedge fund activism, we find that the impact of hedge fund activism on ESG ratings is neither statistically nor economically significant. In our preferred model, relative to control firms, the ESG ratings of target firms increase by 0.033, about 1.6 % of the sample standard deviation, following activist interventions. In addition, we find no evidence that stock market reactions to the announcement of activist interventions are significantly higher for firms with high ESG ratings, inconsistent with the view that hedge fund activism harms corporate social performance to benefit shareholders.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei, Jiaying & Zhao, Shan, 2025. "Does hedge fund activism harm corporate social performance? Evidence from ESG ratings11We have no potential conflicts to disclose. Zhao gratefully acknowledges financial support from the National Natu," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:94:y:2025:i:c:s0929119925000690
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2025.102801
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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