This fund has relatively low exposure to ESG risk compared with its peers in the US Equity Large Cap Blend 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.
One key area of strength for Catholic Rspnsbl Invst Mlt-Styl US Eq Fd is its low Morningstar Portfolio Carbon Risk Score of 6.84 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. By prospectus, the fund aims to avoid, or limit its exposure to, companies associated with tobacco and small arms. The fund fulfills this goal as its investment exposure to each of these activities is negligible.
One potential issue for a sustainability-focused investor is that Catholic Rspnsbl Invst Mlt-Styl US Eq Fd 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 relatively high exposure (9.53%) to companies with high or severe controversies. Companies with controversies may be involved in incidents such as corruption, employee abuses, and environmental incidents that have a negative impact on stakeholders or the environment. Severe and high controversies can have significant financial repercussions, ranging from legal penalties to consumer boycotts. In addition, they can damage the reputation of both companies themselves and their shareholders.