Exploring the impact of carbon emission disclosure on firm financial performance: moderating role of firm size

Purpose Based on stakeholder and legitimacy theory, this paper aims to investigate the impact of carbon emission disclosure on firm financial performance. Further, the study attempts to explore the potential moderating effect of firm size on this relationship. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on BSE 100 Indian firms for the period of 2018–2019 to 2020–2021. The association between carbon emission disclosure and firm financial performance, along with the moderating role of firm size, has been explored through regression models. Findings The present study confirmed the significant and negative association between carbon emission disclosure and firm financial performance. Furthermore, results reveal that firm size positively moderates the relationship between carbon emission disclosure and firm financial performance. Social implications Carbon emission disclosure helps corporate organizations advance the issues of climate change disclosure both nationally and globally. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current study is the first of its kind to explore the potential moderating effect of firm size on the relationship between carbon emission disclosure and firm financial performance. The current study provides significant novel insights into sustainability, climate change and finance literature.