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 provides investors with a signal that reflects to what degree their investments are exposed to risks related to material ESG issues, including climate change, biodiversity, product safety, community relations, data privacy and security, bribery and corruption, and corporate governance, that are not sufficiently managed. ESG risk differs from impact, which is about seeking positive environmental and social outcomes.
Based on its latest prospectus, sustainability or ESG factors are a focus in the investment process of ClearBridge Large Cap Growth ESG ETF. Funds with ESG-focused mandates are more likely to deliver positive sustainability outcomes. One key area of strength for ClearBridge Large Cap Growth ESG ETF is its low Morningstar Portfolio Carbon Risk Score of 3.37 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 controversial weapons, tobacco, and and thermal coal. Yet this goal is far from achieved, as the fund exhibits 1.05% exposure to controversial weapons. This compares with 0.7% for its average peer in the US Equity Large Cap Growth category. The fund exhibits high exposure (12.39%) to companies with severe controversies. Controversies are incidents that have a negative impact on stakeholders or the environment, which create some degree of financial risk for the company. Examples of types of controversies include bribery and corruption scandals, workplace discrimination and environmental incidents. Severe and high controversies can have significant financial repercussions, ranging from legal penalties to consumer boycotts. Such controversies can also damage the reputation of both companies themselves and their shareholders.
The fund's 16.9% involvement in carbon solutions is roughly in line with the 18.1% 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.
United States