ISS adds water risk ratings

ISS adds water risk ratings
The ratings are based on 11 data points per company and are designed to assess its level of freshwater-related risk as well as its management of that risk.
MAR 24, 2022

ISS ESG this week began rating about 7,400 public companies on their water risk, a launch timed to coincide with World Water Day.

The ratings are based on 11 data points per company and are designed to assess its level of freshwater-related risk as well as its management of that risk, according to ISS. The water risk exposure classification is based on a company’s industry, geography and supply chain risks. The water risk management performance score, meanwhile, measures operational performance. Overall scores range from 0 to 100, indicating substantial or low and well-managed risks, the firm stated.

“Institutional investors can mitigate water risks across their investment portfolio by identifying industries and business activities that depend on or greatly impact water resources, and by actively engaging with company management to improve transparency with regard to water-related strategy and risk management,” ISS ESG, the investment arm of Institutional Shareholder Services Inc.,  said in its announcement on Tuesday.

The new rating will help investors “identify and manage freshwater-related risks in portfolios, build freshwater-focused portfolios, funds and indices, through to supporting their water-related stewardship and engagement programs.”

Latest News

Raymond James, Osaic laud new bank partnerships
Raymond James, Osaic laud new bank partnerships

A Texas-based bank selects Raymond James for a $605 million program, while an OSJ with Osaic lures a storied institution in Ohio from LPL.

Bessent backpedals after blowback on 'privatizing Social Security' comments
Bessent backpedals after blowback on 'privatizing Social Security' comments

The Treasury Secretary's suggestion that Trump Savings Accounts could be used as a "backdoor" drew sharp criticisms from AARP and Democratic lawmakers.

Alternative investment winners and losers in wake of OBBBA
Alternative investment winners and losers in wake of OBBBA

Changes in legislation or additional laws historically have created opportunities for the alternative investment marketplace to expand.

Financial advisors often see clients seeking to retire early; Here's what they tell them
Financial advisors often see clients seeking to retire early; Here's what they tell them

Wealth managers highlight strategies for clients trying to retire before 65 without running out of money.

Robinhood beats Q2 profit estimates as business goes beyond YOLO trading
Robinhood beats Q2 profit estimates as business goes beyond YOLO trading

Shares of the online brokerage jumped as it reported a surge in trading, counting crypto transactions, though analysts remained largely unmoved.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.