This fund has rather high exposure to ESG risk relative to its peers in the US Equity Large Cap Growth category, earning it the lowest Morningstar Sustainability Rating of 1 globe. Investors concerned about ESG risk may be better off with funds in the category that receive 4 or 5 globes, as they tend to hold securities less exposed to ESG risk. ESG risk measures the degree to which material environmental, social, and governance issues, such as climate change and inequalities, could affect valuations. ESG risk differs from impact, which is about driving positive environmental and social outcomes for society’s benefit.
One potential issue for a sustainability-focused investor is that American Funds Growth Fund of Amer doesn’t have an 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. The fund exhibits high exposure (13.63%) to companies with severe controversies. From bribery and corruption to workplace discrimination and environmental incidents, controversies are incidents that may negatively affect stakeholders, the environment, or the company’s operations.
One key area of strength for American Funds Growth Fund of Amer is its low Morningstar Portfolio Carbon Risk Score of 8.36 and low fossil fuel exposure of 6.87% over the past 12 months, which earns it the Morningstar Low Carbon Designation. The fund is therefore well positioned to transition to a low-carbon economy.