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Going Green: Effect of green bond issuance on corporate debt financing costs

Author

Listed:
  • Ruan, Qingsong
  • Li, Chengyu
  • Lv, Dayong
  • Wei, Xiaokun

Abstract

This paper investigates the influence of green bond (GB) issuance on the credit spread of non-green bonds (NGBs) issued by the same firm. Based on Chinese bond market data from 2013 to 2021, our results show that GB issuers experience a decline in NGB credit spreads after issuing GBs, indicating that “going green” can lower corporate debt financing costs. This beneficial effect is more salient among firms with lower bond liquidity, supporting the “bond liquidity story” that investors anticipate increased bond liquidity following GB issuance and thus charge lower credit spreads. In contrast, we find limited evidence for alternative explanations such as the “default risk story,” “halo effect story,” or “information asymmetry story.” Our research highlights the financial benefits of GB issuance and contributes to related literature on the economic implications of green finance. The findings also offer valuable insights for policymakers and corporate executives seeking to promote sustainable investment.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruan, Qingsong & Li, Chengyu & Lv, Dayong & Wei, Xiaokun, 2025. "Going Green: Effect of green bond issuance on corporate debt financing costs," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 75(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecofin:v:75:y:2025:i:pa:s1062940824002249
    DOI: 10.1016/j.najef.2024.102299
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Green bond; Credit spread; Corporate debt financing cost; Bond liquidity; Green finance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies
    • 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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