Linking ESG Performance and Financial Outcomes: Evidence from Leading Latin American Stock Markets
摘要
The relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) indicators and financial performance has become a critical area of research, particularly for publicly traded companies in Latin America. Given the region’s unique economic dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability challenges, understanding the financial implications of ESG adoption is essential for investors and corporate decision-makers. This chapter examines the impact of key financial metrics, including return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), Tobin’s Q ratio, on ESG performance, using empirical evidence from Latin American stock exchanges over 8 years (2016–2024). Through a cross-country analysis through panel data from 157 companies, we assess whether ESG-compliant firms exhibit superior financial resilience, lower capital costs, and enhanced market valuation compared to their counterparts. Additionally, we explore the role of institutional factors, governance structures, and sectoral differences in shaping the ESG-financial performance nexus. By leveraging panel data econometrics and sustainability indices, this study provides confirmable and data-driven insights into the strategic value of ESG practices in emerging markets. The findings offer valuable implications for investors, regulators, and corporate leaders aiming to align profitability with sustainable growth in Latin America’s evolving financial landscape.