Examination of the relationship between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores and company performance: A study on companies listed on the BIST100 index

ESG rating scores have become a significant criterion for companies in recent years, especially for stakeholders and investors. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of both ESG and its components on the performance of 26 companies included in the BIST100 Index in Turkey between 2010 and 2022. The majority of the dataset was created through the Refinitiv Screener page and obtained from companies' activity and financial reports. In addition to ESG scores, separate environmental, social, and governance scores were included in the analysis. The ESG controversy score, companies' annual patents, operating profit, total assets, EBITDA, CSR, and EIS scores were included as independent variables, while ROA, ROE, and market value were included as performance indicators in the dataset. The study was analyzed using the Fixed Effects Model, one of the panel data regression methods, with Stata SE 17.0 statistical software. The results of the analysis indicate a significant relationship between ROA and social score, governance score, ESG controversy score, operating profit, and CSR. Additionally, a significant relationship was found between ROE and ESG, social score, governance score, EBITDA, and operating profit. Lastly, a significant relationship was identified between market value and ESG, social score, environmental score, governance score, EBITDA, operating profit, CSR, and EIS. Thus, the study concludes that ESG has an impact on companies.