Sustainability Meets Substance: Evaluating ESG Reports in the Context of 10-Ks and Firm Performance

ESG reports carry unique material information beyond 10-K filings, linked to lower downside risk.

Ethan Rouen, Kunal Sachdeva, Aaron Yoon

Working paper, 2026

ESG reports carry unique material information beyond 10-K filings, linked to lower downside risk.

ESG reports contain financially material information unique from 10-K filings. This material information is associated with decreased downside firm risks, suggesting ESG reporting serves a meaningful informational role beyond signaling.

Awards: Best Paper Award, Fox and Haskayne Conference, 2024

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