LINKING CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND PROFITABILITY OF SELECTED CEMENT COMPANIES IN INDIA: AN EMPIRICAL VALIDATION

Abstract

Aim: This study aims at discussing corporate social responsibility and profitability of selected cement companies in India. Methodology/Approach: Secondary data were used to do this study. Initially, 5 cement companies listed on BSE were selected. The study covered a period of five years, from 2017-2018 to 2021-2022. Data is collected from annual reports of the selected cement companies and national CSR portal. Research models and techniques used are; simple linear regression model and correlation analysis. Summary: The results indicate a moderately positive correlation between CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) spent amount and total revenue, with CSR spent amount significantly affecting the revenue. The analysis also reveals a strong positive correlation between CSR spent amount and net profit, with increasing CSR spent amount leading to an increase in net profit. However, no significant relationship exists between CSR spent amount and ROCE or ROA, indicating other factors may have a stronger influence on these metrics. The study further shows a weak positive correlation between CSR spent amount and EPS, but other factors are the primary drivers of variation in EPS. These findings suggest that while CSR spent amount may impact certain profitability for selected cement companies in India, it is necessary to consider multiple variables when analysing profitability. KEYWORDS: CSR Spent Amount, Profitability, Simple Linear Regression Model and Correlation Analysis. JEL Classification: M14, M41.