Becoming ESG Leaders

The MAS commitment to responsible investing has been further developed. So now within the responsible investing mandate of our international equities, we're choosing to only buy shares in companies that are leaders in their industries with their environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. We don't consider companies that are involved in serious controversies - irrespective of how good their ESG practices are.

Not only do we believe this is the right thing to do as a responsible investor, but there's increasing evidence that this helps reduce risk and improve long-term returns. 

Outlined in the table below are examples of how the new strategy has changed the companies we own within the responsible investing mandate of our international equities. 

We favour companies that are ESG leaders, e.g.:

Microsoft
Proctor & Gamble
Home Depot

 

We avoid companies that are ESG laggards, e.g.:
Apple
Coca Cola
Cisco Systems

 

We exclude companies that are mired in serious controversies, e.g.:
Johnson & Johnson
Samsung Electronics
Nestle

 

Here for good.

This extension to our investment strategy demonstrates our commitment to investing responsibly, not only for our Members but also with our own capital reserves. More than $1.8bn is now helping to make a positive contribution to the environment and human health. 

You can learn more about our approach to responsible investing here

Disclaimer

The Trustees of the Medical Assurance Society KiwiSaver Plan and the Medical Assurance Society Retirement Savings Plan are the issuer and manager of each of those Plans. 

The Product Disclosure Statement for the Medical Assurance Society KiwiSaver Plan is available here.
The Product Disclosure Statement for the Medical Assurance Society Retirement Savings Plan is available here


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