FBA1032 Corporate & Investment Finance Assignment 2025-26 | DCU

FBA1032 Corporate & Investment Finance

The Relationship between ESG Practices and Dividend Policy: Implications for Corporate Financial Management’

Background

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have become central to corporate financial management and investor decision-making. At the same time, dividend policy remains a core issue in corporate finance, reflecting both shareholder expectations and managerial choices. The intersection of ESG and dividend policy raises important questions:

• Do firms with stronger ESG performance distribute profits differently?
• How do sustainability commitments influence payout strategies and capital structure decisions?
• What are the implications for corporate value, investor preferences, and longterm growth?

Required:

This assignment requires students to critically evaluate these questions by applying theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence, and case analysis.

Working in groups of four, you are required to produce a report that:

1. Literature Review & Theoretical Framework

• Summarise and critically evaluate the main theories of dividend policy (e.g., signalling, agency costs, life-cycle theory).
• Review the literature on ESG and its impact on corporate financial decisions.

2. Empirical Evidence

• Analyse at least two academic studies (peer-reviewed) that examine the relationship between ESG and dividend policy.
• Compare and contrast their findings, methodologies, and implications.

3. Case Study Analysis

• Select two publicly listed companies (from different sectors and/or geographies) and analyse how ESG performance appears to influence their dividend decisions.
• Use publicly available financial reports, sustainability disclosures, and market commentary.

4. Critical Discussion

• Assess whether ESG engagement strengthens or weakens a firm’s ability/willingness to pay dividends.
• Consider stakeholder perspectives (investors, regulators, managers).
• Discuss implications for shareholder wealth maximisation versus stakeholder value creation.

5. Conclusion & Recommendations

• Summarise key insights from your analysis.
• Provide recommendations for corporate managers and/or policymakers regarding integrating ESG with dividend policy decisions.

Suggested Structure and Word Allocation

1. Introduction (300–350 words)
2. Theoretical Framework (600–700 words)
3. Literature Review & Empirical Evidence (600–700 words)
4. Case Study Analysis (700–800 words)
5. Critical Discussion (500–600 words)
6. Conclusion & Recommendations (250–300 words)
7. References & Appendices (not included in word count)

• Use Harvard referencing style.
• Append tables/figures with financial data or ESG scores.
• Ensure all references are cited appropriately.
• Students must comply with the university’s academic integrity policies.

Ensure all references are appropriately cited.

• Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) should only be used as support (e.g., for brainstorming, clarifying concepts), not as a substitute for original analysis.
• All sources of information, including AI-generated content, must be appropriately acknowledged and referenced if used.
• Plagiarism will not be tolerated; ensure all sources are correctly

FBA1032 Assignment Requirements:

• Word Count: 3,000 (±10%) words
• Assignment Weight: 20% of overall module grade
• Format: The assignment should be typed, double-spaced, using a size 12 font