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Controversies Research

Identify controversies affecting portfolio companies

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From bribery and corruption to workplace discrimination and environmental incidents, corporate scandals can have significant financial repercussions ranging from legal penalties to consumer boycotts. In addition, these incidents damage the reputation of both the companies themselves and their shareholders.

Leveraging smart technologies to monitor more than 700,000 news stories daily, Sustainalytics’ Controversies Research identifies companies involved in ESG-related incidents. These incidents are assessed through a framework that considers the severity of incidents, the corporation’s accountability and whether they form part of a pattern of corporate misconduct. Investors use Controversies Research to support investment decisions, including screening and engagement, and to manage reputational risks

Key Benefits

Read forward-looking assessments of how controversies are likely to evolve over the next 12 to 24 months

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Manage your portfolio’s ESG exposure with an in-depth assessments of companies’ exposure to ESG controversies.

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Identify issues to address during your corporate due diligence processes.

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Read forward-looking assessment of how controversies are likely to evolve over the next 12 to 24 months 

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Speak directly to our analysts and sector specialists who understand the relevant industries and can provide more context

Controversies Research Report

Controversies research report

Controversy Rating

When incidents are found in the news, they are tagged and grouped together before being rated on a scale from 1 to 5. This provides investors with a simple and straightforward way of assessing the severity of a company’s exposure to controversies.

Outlook

The Controversy Rating is accompanied by a positive, neutral or negative outlook that reflects the analyst’s assessment of the likeliness of a possible ratings change in the next 12 to 24 months.

Geographic Spread

See company’s global exposure to ESG incidents.

Historical Development

Understand how incidents evolved over time by reading past articles and news stories. 

Special Alerts

Stay up to date with our Special Alerts shared shortly after exceptional, high-profile incidents are reported. 

Report - Special Company alert

Coverage

20,000+ Issuers 

Global coverage of all major indexes and large private companies

Delivery Options 

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Global Access

Access our research through our user-friendly investor interface with easy to use screening and reporting tools

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Data Services 

Access our research via data feeds (SFTP,FTP or API) or a third-party system of your choice: Bloomberg, Factset and Markit

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Why Sustainalytics?

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A Single Market Standard

Consistent approach to ESG assessments across the investment spectrum.

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Award-Winning Research and Data

Firm recognized as Best ESG Research and Data Provider by Environmental Finance and Investment Week.

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End-to-End ESG Solutions

ESG products and services that serve the entire investment value chain.

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30 Years of ESG Expertise

800+ ESG research analysts across our global offices.

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A Leading SPO Provider

As recognized by Environmental Finance and the Climate Bonds Initiative.

ESG Risk Ratings

Take a coherent and consistent approach to assessing financially material ESG risks.

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Global Standards Screening

Identify companies in breach of the UN Global Compact to support your norms-based screening strategy. 

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Material Risk Engagement

Engage on the most material ESG risks identified by the ESG Risk Ratings. 

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Morningstar® Sustainability LeadersSM Index Family

Companies that proactively manage ESG issues that are most likely to affect financial results.

Morningstar® Sustainability Dividend Yield FocusSM Index Family

High Income generating equity investments focused on total returns with reduced ESG Risk.

Morningstar® Societal Development IndexSM

Developed and emerging market companies that align with one or more of the UN SDGs.

Morningstar® Minority Empowerment IndexSM

Companies that are committed to racial and ethnic diversity as demonstrated by relevant programs and policies related to diversity, community development etc.

Morningstar® Global Market SustainabilitySM Index Family

Best-in-class equity index that features reduced ESG risk profile​ with low to moderate tracking error.

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