SM companies secure slots in global sustainability index

MANILA, Philippines — SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) continues to be recognized as a constituent company in the FTSE4Good Index Series for its strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance, securing its status for the second consecutive year.  Its property arm, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) and its banking arm, BDO Unibank (BDO), were also re-confirmed as constituents of the FTSE4Good Index Series.

Global index provider FTSE Russell confirmed that SMIC, SMPH and BDO have been independently assessed according to the FTSE4Good criteria and have satisfied the requirements to become a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series.  SMIC, SMPH and BDO sustained their rating following the index review in June 2020.

“We are honored by this recognition to be a part of the FTSE4Good Index Series for the second straight year. This reflects confidence in our holistic approach and integrated thinking to sustainability.  We continue to drive significant progress in ESG initiatives across our portfolio to ensure business sustainability, support the national agenda and create stakeholder value,” SMIC president and CEO Frederic DyBuncio said.

The FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong ESG practices.  The FTSE4Good indices are used by a wide variety of market participants to create and assess responsible investment funds and other products.

SMIC’s ESG scores outperform the subsector and industry average and rank above average of Philippine companies across environmental, social and governance themes.

SMIC is included anew in the FTSE4Good Emerging Index ranked among constituents in over 20 countries worldwide.  The FTSE4Good Emerging Indexes are designed to measure the performance of companies in emerging markets that meet the globally recognized ESG inclusion standards used by the FTSE4Good Index Series.

SMIC continues to put emphasis on responsible growth anchored on sustainability and good corporate governance.

Likewise, SMIC recognizes its role as a leader and partner in sustainable development. Through its domestic footprint, SMIC’s businesses are providing opportunities for micro, small, medium enterprises, tens of thousands of jobs, access to financial markets for underserved market segments, social development through targeted investments in education, healthcare, food security and sustainable agriculture; inclusive work environment and promotion of climate-friendly solutions across its operations.