CAIR Talk - Does zombification influence corporate carbon performance?

In this talk, we will explore how zombification—a state where distressed firms survive through governmental or bank support despite their financial unviability—affects corporate carbon performance.

The evidence shows that zombie firms emit significantly more carbon per $1 of revenue than their non-zombie counterparts. This effect is more pronounced in low-growth economies, capital-dependent industries, and countries with weaker financial disclosures. The findings highlight the trade-offs between maintaining economic stability, primarily employment levels, through zombie lending and addressing environmental sustainability, with implications for policymakers seeking to balance both goals.

DOES ZOMBIFICATION INFLUENCE CORPORATE CARBON PERFORMANCE? The paper presented was written in collaboration with Sadok El Ghoul, University of Alberta; Spyridon Gkikopoulos, University of Manchester; Omrane Guedhami, University of South Carolina; Konstantinos Stathopoulos, University of Manchester.

About Assistant Professor Spyridon Gkikopoulos:

Spyros is an Assistant Professor of Accounting at the Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) of The University of Manchester. His interests broadly lie in empirical accounting research and are centred on two areas.

First, Spyros is interested in exploring the economic consequences of taxation for corporations. In this regard, he researches the roles of the corporate tax rate, the corporate taxable income, and corporate tax planning in shaping economic firm-level outcomes. Second, he has an interest on the determinants and consequences of firms’ tax planning strategies.

In the future, Spyros plans to extend his work on both areas, and also explore the role of accounting regulations in facilitating corporate taxation decisions.Prior to joining AMBS, he worked as a senior analyst for Ernst & Young, where he gained experience on Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), Mergers & Acquisitions (M&As), and Public to Private Transactions (P2Ps). Spyros frequently draws on his working experience to teach prospective students in Accounting and Finance (i) the valuation and stewardship roles of accounting information, and (ii) corporate taxation.

Spyros earned a Ph.D in Accounting and Finance from AMBS. In his free time, Spyros is a bookworm, swims, enjoys watching and playing basketball, and polishes his coding skills.

Location: Alliance Manchester Business School.

Details: Spaces are limited, you will need to register using this Eventbrite form. The event is open to all staff and students of AMBS and UoM as well as relevant externals.

This event will be in person only.

CAIR Thematic Talks Series:

CAIR Thematic talks brings you exciting research tackling real-life issues that can be solved by accounting and finance. We bring you the information and encourage you to share a pint with our speaker at the end.

This talk series has been designed to encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration in an informal setting.

The talk will take place on campus from 3:30-4:30 pm, after we will relocate to BrewDog, where you are welcome to discuss and debate until for little longer over a pint.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Alliance Manchester Business School, Booth Street West, Manchester, United Kingdom