S&P adds ESG version of dividend indexes

By James Langton | April 26, 2021 | Last updated on April 26, 2021
2 min read
Executives are discussing the financial results of the Company for the marketing plan.
© Phonlawat Chaicheevinlikit / 123RF Stock Photo

Amid growing demand for sustainable investments, S&P Dow Jones Indices is launching ESG editions of its Dividend Aristocrats family of indexes.

The new family of indexes tracks the dividend yield–weighted performance of companies from the underlying indexes that follow a managed-dividends policy and meet certain ESG factors.

“The S&P ESG Dividend Aristocrats Indices include a layer of sustainability screens, reflecting the market’s growing recognition of the financial materiality and impact of ESG issues on corporate balance sheets,” said Reid Steadman, global head of ESG Indices at S&P Dow Jones Indices, in a release.

The indexes use S&P Global’s ESG scores, along with additional screens to exclude companies that are involved in specific businesses, including activities that are not aligned with UN principles or are involved in ESG controversies.

The new family consists of the S&P Developed ESG Dividend Aristocrats Index, along with the S&P ESG High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index, the S&P Global ESG Dividend Aristocrats Index, the S&P Global ESG Dividend Aristocrats Quality Income Index, and the S&P Euro ESG High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index.

“Dividend payments are often viewed as an important barometer of companies’ financial health and outlooks,” said Aye Soe, global head of product management at S&P Dow Jones Indices.

“Market participants closely monitor companies’ long-term dividend payment track records as indicators of corporate maturity and balance sheet strength. Investors also often utilize dividend-based strategies to help manage risks and returns especially in bearish and volatile market conditions,” Soe added.

James Langton headshot

James Langton

James is a senior reporter for Advisor.ca and its sister publication, Investment Executive. He has been reporting on regulation, securities law, industry news and more since 1994.