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How do socially controversial companies do during a stressful time? Evidence from the Great Recession

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  • Chatjuthamard, Pattanaporn
  • Wongboonsin, Patcharawalai
  • Kongsompong, Kritika
  • Jiraporn, Pornsit

Abstract

This study investigates the performance of socially controversial companies during a financial crisis. Companies are usually considered controversial if they are involved in controversial businesses such as alcohol, tobacco, firearms, nuclear etc. The results show that controversial firms exhibit higher firm value as well as better accounting performance during the Great Recession than otherwise similar, albeit non-controversial, firms. The results are consistent with the notion that the demand for controversial products remains relatively stable even during a stressful time. Further analysis confirms the results, including random-effects analysis, GMM dynamic panel data analysis, and instrumental-variable (IV) analysis. The results of this paper are particularly relevant to portfolio management, where controversial firms may be added to portfolios to inoculate them from a negative shock brought about by an economic crisis.

Suggested Citation

  • Chatjuthamard, Pattanaporn & Wongboonsin, Patcharawalai & Kongsompong, Kritika & Jiraporn, Pornsit, 2020. "How do socially controversial companies do during a stressful time? Evidence from the Great Recession," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 54(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecofin:v:54:y:2020:i:c:s1062940818303838
    DOI: 10.1016/j.najef.2018.12.010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Sin stocks; Controversial stocks; Financial crisis; Great Recession;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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