Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important subject for investors. Many investors used to think that sustainability was just a buzzword used by environmentalists and activists. But as the world becomes increasingly aware of the impact of climate change and other environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, more and more investors are starting to take notice. In particular, there is a growing interest in comprehending the relationship between sustainability and equity investing. But why does sustainability matter to equity investing, and do strong sustainability stocks translate into better performance for sustainability-minded investors? While there is no strong evidence linking sustainability with investment performance, the truth is, sustainability and equity investing go hand in hand, and investors who ignore this fact risk failing in the long run.
Firstly, some investors assume that strong sustainability stocks will translate into more profitable performance for sustainability-minded investors. However, there's no definitive proof to back this theory yet. But don't let that discourage you! As mandatory and standardized ESG information becomes more widespread, it's becoming easier to price sustainability into investments. For instance, firms with strong environmental footprint and greenhouse gas disclosure are performing better than their peers, according to studies by Derwall et al. and Leisen et al. Social issues also matter, with research showing a positive relationship between high employee satisfaction and stock returns. Governance is another vital element for investors to consider, as strong governance is associated with firm value and high sales growth, profitability, and low CAPEX. Firms with high governance also tend to have heightened environmental and social performance.
The big question for investors is, how can sustainability be integrated into their equity investments? There are a few different approaches, including exclusionary screening (i.e. avoiding companies with poor ESG records), best-in-class (i.e. picking companies with the best ESG practices), active ownership (i.e. engaging with firms to enhance their ESG performance), and thematic investing (i.e. investing in companies that profit from or provide solutions for particular ESG trends). It all depends on your investment goals and the level of impact you want to make. But don't just take our word for it - ESG integration is becoming the "need of the hour," according to some experts. As PRI (an investor initiative in partnership with UNEP Finance Initiative and UN Global Compact) explains, "more guidance from regulators" is driving investors to consider ESG factors, and "growing interest from investors and other stakeholders" is probing how investment decisions affect real-world outcomes.
So how do investors integrate ESG into their investment process? It starts with analysis- considering ESG megatrends alongside economic and geopolitical conditions. While considering ESG elements it is necessary to consider materiality and how significant they are for the company in question. Resources such as the financial materiality map from the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board can be utilised as a starting point. ESG factors are then taken into consideration during the process of analysis and forecasting a company's key financial metrics (earnings, cash flow). The estimated intrinsic or fair value of the stock is then adjusted to reflect ESG factors. After which, one needs to consider the impact of the buy, sell or hold decision upon the overall makeup of their portfolios. For example, check that a given buy or sell decision does not breach a set limit on the level of CO2 emissions associated with stocks in the portfolio. Portfolio construction considers the impact of ESG factors on the overall makeup of a portfolio.
But what about passive investors? Can they still consider ESG factors? Yes! It's not just about making a profit anymore; it's about creating societal value and avoiding future costs. So, even passive investors can consider ESG factors by choosing a fund that mimics an index or customizing their indices to exclude companies with poor ESG ratings.
ESG can also be incorporated into active quantitative strategies as factors of stocks. As ESG data availability improves, investors can explore ESG factors further in their investment decisions.
While there is no strong evidence linking sustainability and investment performance, integrating ESG factors into equity investing is becoming a necessary step to avoid future costs and ensure long-term profitability. Whether investors decide to adopt exclusionary screening, best-in-class (positive screening), active ownership (ESG engagement), thematic investing, impact investing, or ESG integration, there is a growing recognition that ESG factors should be a critical element of investors' due diligence method. So, what are you waiting for? Let us embrace sustainability and make the world a better place, one investment at a time!