A large-scale analysis of the heterogeneity of markets' reactions to the disclosure of nonfinancial information

Abstract

To allocate capital to its most sustainable use, market participants need information on companies' sustainability plans and initiatives. This information is disclosed in sustainability reports, but the disclosure process is largely unregulated and voluntary. When do sustainability reports convey relevant information? To answer this question we estimate the heterogeneous effects of nonfinancial disclosure on analysts' estimates of earnings and firms' equity values. We have found that the information content of nonfinancial disclosure is larger when firms are subject to greater information asymmetry, and when nonfinancial information is integrated within a financial context. Moreover, positive responses have a long-lasting impact while negative shocks are corrected within a short window. Overall, our work suggests that market participants' interest in standalone nonfinancial information is limited, and integrated reporting increases the value of sustainability reports.