ESGenius® Analysis

The ESGenius® or Best-in-Class analysis is at the heart of Erste Asset Management's sustainability approach. The aim of this process is to identify the most sustainable companies within each sector, with both external and in-house research being incorporated into the analysis.

The analysis focuses on the relevant ESG risks in each case, which can be assessed using statistical analysis. Two focal points are set:

• Risks that have a directly tangible impact on the financial success of the company.
• Risks that arise from ethically incorrect actions of the company.

The efficient use of natural resources, supply chain management, occupational safety and training or anti-corruption measures are just some of the topics examined. In total, more than 100 factors, some of them industry-specific, are included in the assessment.

The ESGenius® analysis thus provides significant added value compared to scores that are exclusively purchased externally, as it includes both a risk-oriented and an ethically oriented analysis. This means that, on the one hand, risks can already be identified and considered in our investment decisions before a loss occurs and, on the other hand, ethical aspects can also be continuously incorporated into the analysis.

The result of the analysis is a risk-conscious evaluation that also meets high ethical standards.

ESGenius® Score

The ESGenius® Score is the in-house sustainability score developed by Erste Asset Management. As part of a comprehensive ESGenius® analysis, an ESGenius® Score is calculated on a scale from 0 to 100 at fund level and for the securities invested in.

The ESGenius® Score is updated quarterly and represents the weighted average score of the securities held in the fund as at the last available month-end. Detailed information on the ESGenius® Score can be found in the fund prospectus or in Erste Asset Management's sustainability handbook.