Sustainalytics' research on companies focuses on analysing the sustainability and governance performance of an organisation. Research is conducted and categorised by use of the themes Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG). In which governance comprises corporate governance and business ethics, and social relates to the relationship of companies with their customers, suppliers, employees, as well as the society in general. The latter also includes community and philanthropic related activities. Within the theme of environment, Sustainalytics analyses companies in terms of the environmental impact of their operations, green procurement, and the integration of ecological aspects in their products and services. In addition, Sustainalytics monitors possible controversies that companies might be involved in and checks whether products or services of potential ethical concern are offered.

The highest quality standards are ensured by use of a sound and consistent methodology that consists of 200 indicators in total. In addition, it also comprises over 500 data points per company. Over two-thirds of these indicators are industry specific, making it possible to really identify those issues of key importance to a company’s sustainable performance. Within the research process, our sustainability analysts consult a broad scope of sources, such as public reporting of a company, company websites, media, information of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), international institutions, or governments. Moreover, to further ensure quality, we enter into an active dialogue with the analysed company, as well as with experts. Sustainalytics applies strict criteria and has adopted a stringent quality management system to ensure consistency and quality.

Company profiles and analysis
Company profiles are continuously updated to include the latest information on relevant ESG issues. This provides you with the information that you need, to make well-informed investment decisions, or to have well funded dialogues with companies.

Company comparison reports, ratings, and benchmarking
Sustainalytics offers its clients the opportunity to compare and benchmark companies on their ESG performance. Client specific company ratings can serve as a basis for such a comparison. In order to reflect their views and policies, Sustainalytics' clients can customise ratings by setting the weights for each of the (sector specific) indicators.

Screening services
Clients can screen their investment universe according to their policy, or use the research information to engage with companies to improve their policies or practices. With this service, Sustainalytics gives a comprehensive insight into companies’ policies, as well as involvement in certain products or services, such as military contracting, tobacco, nuclear energy, genetically modified organisms, or animal testing. In this respect, Sustainalytics also tracks corporate relations with governments in sensitive countries like Burma or Sudan, or violations of human and/or labour rights.

Alert services
Sustainalytics analyses companies on an ongoing basis. Based on this research, Sustainalytics provides alert services to clients with respect to developments that may affect their securities, which they defined in their responsible investment guidelines.

If requested, all of these services can be provided through online access to the Sustainalytics Platform.

For more information about Company Research, feel free to contact us at info@sustainalytics.com