The grass is greener on the other side: Comparison of green versus brown corporate bonds

AYAYDIN HACIÖMEROĞLU H., DANIŞOĞLU S., GÜNER Z. N.

Borsa Istanbul Review, vol.22, no.6, pp.1182-1194, 2022 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 22 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.bir.2022.08.006
  • Journal Name: Borsa Istanbul Review
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, EconLit, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.1182-1194
  • Keywords: Blended-value investing, Green bonds, Greenium, Impact investing
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study compares the yield-to-maturities on green versus brown corporate bonds on their issue dates, after controlling for the market, firm, bond, and currency characteristics of the bonds. Our analyses show that if these characteristics are not addressed, it is possible to find support for the existence of a “greenium” at a magnitude of about 25 basis points. However, when all yield factors are included in the models, the results change and indicate that issuers do not necessarily enjoy any cost advantage when they issue green bonds, instead of brown bonds. Failure to consider these interactions might lead to biased findings.