The integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into investment processes and decision-making has expanded rapidly since the launch of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) in 2000. 80% of the world’s largest corporations now use GRI standards. Many investors recognize that ESG information is vital to understand the corporate purpose, strategy and management quality of companies, and believe its integration has a strong positive impact on financial performance and returns.
IR Consulting/Outreach
ESG Audit
Upon implementation, MZ begins a comprehensive audit of a client’s ESG profile, assessing industry-specific key issues such as climate change, human capital and labor management, corporate governance and culture, gender diversity, privacy and data security, among others. The results of the audit identify areas of strength and weakness, and serves as a starting point for the creation of a customized ESG iQ profile and strategy. The audit includes specific recommendations for leveraging strengths to build investor engagement and interest, and where improvements can drive increased attention in a client’s stock.
Communications
After the initial audit, MZ works with clients to produce a customized ESG communications strategy which articulates ESG KPIs and initiatives in a clear, concise, and consistent format. The strategy is integrated across all client communication platforms including press releases, website, annual reports, social media, presentations and other financial marketing materials.
Training
MZ works with senior management and board members to speak the language of ESG, and to effectively tell their story to investors during meetings and quarterly conference calls. Throughout the engagement, MZ continues to analyze and update the strategy as ESG initiatives evolve and change, and through ongoing feedback from shareholders and potential investors.
Financial Media
MZ will include the company’s ESG initiatives and milestones in its media outreach, identifying key publications and reporters that cover environmental, social and governance issues. Additionally, MZ targets thought-leader speaking engagements at ESG focused conferences and events, and identifies and forwards applications for ESG awards.
Roadshows & Investor Targeting
MZ leverages its internal database of investors and analysts with a focus in ESG to bring clients a unique additional set of roadshow introductions, outside those in its normal class and industry sector. These investors use a selection of ESG factors to help identify companies positioned for strong long-term performance.
Market Intelligence
Using MZ Capital Markets Intelligence infrastructure and extensive experience in Institutional ownership, MZ can help identify both current and potential ESG shareholders for clients. Engagement and introductions can then be crafted to match the unique set of metrics and information these investors need to make a buy or sell decision.
IPO Advisory
For private clients, MZ assists in the preparation of an ESG strategy prior to the IPO. By incorporating ESG early in the process, the public capital market debut will be highlighted by the company’s culture and management’s commitment to values, capturing interest from a broader vareity of initial buyers.
MZ’s private client ESG iQ program follows the same process as it does for an already public company: auditing current practices, developing the communication strategy, preparing management and targeting ESG investors and analysts for the IPO roadshow.