Do ESG disclosures lead to superior firm performance? A method of moments panel quantile regression approach

Abstract We verify the effect of ESG disclosures on firm performance using NSE 500 index listed companies spanning from 2010 to 2020. The study employs a method‐of‐moments quantile regression approach to test whether ESG disclosures lead to superior firm performance. We find evidence that environmental, social, and governance disclosures positively influence firm performance. Higher quantiles of ESG disclosures are associated with better market performance (Tobin's Q), and the same lead to lower profitability (ROA). The present study suggests that companies aspiring to improve their financial performance may pay more attention to ESG disclosure practices.