ESG performance and firms’ business and geographical diversification: An empirical approach

Diversification is primarily associated with improved performance, although the increasing complexity of conglomerates may offset these benefits. ESG scores and their dimensions serve as performance indicators and may also be risk components influencing cash flows. This study aims to investigate the relationship between ESG performance and firms’ diversification. We hand-collected data on business segments and geographical diversification from the constituents of the Euro Stoxx 50 over a large period, from 2002 to 2020. Our findings indicate that geographical diversification does not influence ESG variability. However, better ESG scores are observed in firms with more business segments, that do not have a dominant business segment with a significant role in the firm nor are concentrated in the most representative business segments. However, better ESG scores are also associated with greater asymmetry in the contribution of each business segment to the entire group. Collectively, we shed light on the importance of business diversification in improving sustainability performance across ESG dimensions.