Systems with a future
Our most important task is to create the best possible balance between security and return for our clients. This is one of the reasons why our two teams in sustainability research and portfolio management act independently of each other in their core tasks. Their findings are discussed within the team and thus lead to broad-based decisions.
"Comprehensive knowledge in the fields of natural sciences, technology and social sciences is the key to the high quality of our work. "
Alice Balmer
Head of Sustainability Research, Member of the Executive Board
"We identify companies that are not only economically strong, but also develop solutions that are relevant for the future. "
Markus Raguth Tscharner
Co-Head of Portfolio Management
How are the systems selected?
We analyze companies not only on the basis of key financial figures, but also in terms of their contribution to a functioning future. How do they position themselves in an economy that needs to become more responsible? What problems are they solving?
The result of our multi-stage selection process is a carefully selected investment universe of around 250 companies. They are all consistently geared towards sustainability and long-term growth.
Shares, bonds
Equities, bonds, funds and countries
Investment universe (approx. 250)
1
External basic audit
Sustainability
Analysis based on around 100 industry-specific sustainability criteria by ISS ESG...
How do we identify quality companies?
The business model is central to the investment case. Our portfolio management team analyzes the respective industry and identifies companies with sustainable competitive advantages. In doing so, we assess the growth potential, the resilience of the business model and the long-term profitability. We also attach great importance to a high proportion of recurring sales and examine the dependence on individual key customers.
In addition to the business model, the management also plays an important role in the investment case. We analyze the management's experience and track record, capital allocation, as well as the transparency and quality of corporate communications. The latter in particular is also central to our sustainability research, as dialog with companies is an important part of our impact-oriented approach.
Where do we say no?
Investing assets responsibly also means being able to draw clear boundaries. Since the company was founded, we have not invested in companies or sectors that violate our ethical, social or ecological principles. Companies that generate more than 5 percent of their turnover with the exclusion criteria listed below are not included in our investment universe.
Alcohol
Fossil energy
Gambling
Nuclear energy
Pornography
Tobacco
Weapons
A quantitative turnover threshold is not feasible or sensible for every criterion. We therefore assess how companies deal with these critical issues in an in-depth case-by-case review.
Biofuels and bioplastics
Fertilizers and pesticides
Green genetic engineering
Gold
Nanotechnology
Embryonic stem cells
Animal testing
Business relations with authoritarian states
Deforestation
Conflict minerals and rare earths
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