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Unpacking the ESG ratings: Does one size fit all?

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Listed:
  • Billio, Monica
  • Fitzpatrick, Aoife Claire
  • Latino, Carmelo
  • Pelizzon, Loriana

Abstract

In this study, we unpack the ESG ratings of four prominent agencies in Europe and find that (i) each single E, S, G pillar explains the overall ESG score differently, (ii) there is a low co-movement between the three E, S, G pillars and (iii) there are specific ESG Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are driving these ratings more than others. We argue that such discrepancies might mislead firms about their actual ESG status, potentially leading to cherry-picking areas for improvement, thus raising questions about the accuracy and effectiveness of ESG evaluations in both explaining sustainability and driving capital toward sustainable companies.

Suggested Citation

  • Billio, Monica & Fitzpatrick, Aoife Claire & Latino, Carmelo & Pelizzon, Loriana, 2024. "Unpacking the ESG ratings: Does one size fit all?," SAFE Working Paper Series 415, Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:safewp:284398
    DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4742445
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Monica Billio & Michele Costola & Iva Hristova & Carmelo Latino & Loriana Pelizzon, 2021. "Inside the ESG ratings: (Dis)agreement and performance," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(5), pages 1426-1445, September.
    2. Florian Berg & Julian F Kölbel & Roberto Rigobon, 2022. "Aggregate Confusion: The Divergence of ESG Ratings [Corporate social responsibility and firm risk: theory and empirical evidence]," Review of Finance, European Finance Association, vol. 26(6), pages 1315-1344.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ESG Investing; ESG ratings; Asset Allocation; Portfolio Management; Sustainable Finance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions

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