This report analyses ESG Impact Ratings and Controversy Scores for over 11,000 companies using 2024 data. The findings reveal significant regional, country, and sectoral differences. Developed markets generally outperform emerging ones, with Europe leading in ESG Impact performance. The report also highlights top-performing countries across both developed and emerging markets, offering key insights into global ESG trends.
Communication Services, Utilities, and Information Technology record the highest average scores, while Materials and Energy lag behind. Higher ESG scores are associated with stronger financial attributes and lower risk levels. Finally, large companies tend to achieve higher ESG Impact Ratings but perform worse on Controversy Scores compared to smaller firms.
Key Takeaways
- Analysis covers 11,000+ companies using 2024 ESG Impact data.
- 9% of companies score above B+; 12.7% fall below C.
- Europe leads in ESG Impact Ratings; North America ranks best on Controversy Scores.
- Developed markets outperform emerging markets on both ESG Impact and controversy metrics.
- Top-performing developed countries: Portugal, Luxembourg, Spain, Ireland, Austria.
- Top emerging countries:Taiwan, Chile, South Africa, Brazil, Thailand.
- Highest-scoring sectors: Communication Services (7.1), Utilities, Information Technology.
- Lowest-scoring sectors: Materials (6.0) and Energy (4.7).
- Higher ESG Impact Scores correlate with stronger financial indicators (+7–9%) and lower risk (-4% beta, -9% volatility).
Contributor
Aymen Karoui
Head of Methodology
