This fund has relatively low exposure to ESG risk compared with its peers in the US Equity Large Cap Growth category, earning it the second highest Morningstar Sustainability Rating of 4 globes. ESG risk measures the degree to which material environmental, social, and governance issues, such as climate change, biodiversity, human capital, as well as bribery and corruption, could affect valuations. ESG risk differs from impact, which is about driving positive environmental and social outcomes for society’s benefit.
Domini Impact Equity Fund has a sustainability or ESG-focused mandate. Funds with an ESG-focused mandate are more likely to align with the expectations of an investor who cares about sustainability issues. One key area of strength for Domini Impact Equity Fund is its low Morningstar Portfolio Carbon Risk Score of 4.00 and very low fossil fuel exposure over the past 12 months, which earns it the Morningstar Low Carbon Designation. Thus, the companies held in the portfolio are in general alignment with the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Domini Impact Equity Fund shows 21.5% involvement in carbon solutions. This percentage is high in absolute terms and surpasses the 15.0% average involvement of its peers in the Large Growth category. Carbon solutions include products and services related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, green transportation, and so on.
By prospectus, the fund aims to avoid, or limit its exposure to, companies associated with controversial weapons, tobacco, thermal coal, and and small arms. The fund mostly fulfills this goal; however, it does exhibit 0.11% and 0.12% exposure to companies involved in thermal coal and small arms, respectively. This compares with 0.16% and 0.42% for its average peer in the US Equity Large Cap Growth category. The fund has a modest level of exposure (6.61%) to companies with high or severe controversies. Companies with controversies are involved in incidents such as corruption, employee abuses, and that pose some degree of business risks to the company. Severe and high controversies can have significant financial repercussions, ranging from legal penalties to consumer boycotts. In addition, they controversies can damage the reputation of both companies themselves and their shareholders.