Three Companies Shining in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Standards: Cardinal Health, Atmos Energy, and General Mills
ESG investing is a trending approach in the financial world that aims to consider a company’s environmental, social, and governance impacts when making investment decisions. These factors can significantly influence a company’s long-term sustainability and potential profitability. In the pursuit of companies excelling in these areas, let’s explore Cardinal Health, Atmos Energy, and General Mills.
Cardinal Health
Cardinal Health is a global, integrated healthcare services and products company. They provide pharmaceutical and medical products, services, and solutions to healthcare providers and pharmacies. Cardinal Health’s commitment to ESG stems from their belief that addressing these factors contributes to the long-term success of their business and stakeholders.
- Reduced carbon emissions by 23% from 2015 to 2019.
- Achieved a 30% increase in women in leadership roles since 2016.
- Received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index for the past 14 years.
Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy is a natural gas distribution company serving over 3 million customers in various states in the U.S. They have been recognized for their commitment to safety, reliability, and community engagement. Atmos Energy’s ESG efforts focus on reducing their environmental footprint, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce, and maintaining strong governance practices.
- Reduced methane emissions by 25% since 2015.
- Increased women in leadership roles from 18% to 23% since 2018.
- Received a ‘BBB+’ corporate credit rating from Standard & Poor’s, indicating a good credit quality.
General Mills
General Mills is a leading global food company with a portfolio of well-known brands such as Cheerios, Betty Crocker, and Haagen-Dazs. They have a strong focus on sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical business practices. General Mills’ ESG initiatives aim to minimize their environmental impact, improve the health and well-being of their consumers, and maintain strong corporate governance.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 21% since 2015.
- Increased their use of renewable energy sources to 35% in 2020.
- Received an ‘A-‘ grade for climate change from CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project).
Personal Impact
As an individual investor, supporting companies with strong ESG practices can contribute to your personal financial goals and align with your values. By investing in companies like Cardinal Health, Atmos Energy, and General Mills, you are contributing to companies that prioritize long-term sustainability and social responsibility, which can potentially lead to better financial returns in the long run.
Global Impact
The inclusion of Cardinal Health, Atmos Energy, and General Mills in an ESG fund can have a significant positive impact on the world. These companies’ commitments to reducing their carbon footprint, increasing diversity and inclusion, and maintaining strong governance practices can contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet and society. Additionally, their success in ESG initiatives can serve as a model for other companies to follow, potentially leading to widespread adoption of ESG practices across industries.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Cardinal Health, Atmos Energy, and General Mills in one ESG fund manager’s portfolio is a testament to their strong commitment to environmental, social, and governance practices. By investing in these companies, individuals can contribute to companies that prioritize long-term sustainability and social responsibility, potentially leading to better financial returns and a positive impact on the world.
As an investor, consider researching ESG practices of companies that align with your values and financial goals. By supporting companies with strong ESG initiatives, you can contribute to a more sustainable future for both yourself and the world.
