Investment Information Provider MSCI Conducts Evaluation
Achieves Top Industry Level in Product Safety & Quality, Tax Transparency, and Board Governance
KT&G announced on the 14th that it has achieved an 'AA' rating, the highest level within its industry group, in the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) index evaluation conducted by MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International), a global investment information provider.
MSCI annually evaluates over 8,500 listed companies worldwide by industry, assessing their management status related to Environment (E), Social Responsibility (S), and Corporate Governance (G), and assigns ratings across seven levels from top 'AAA' to bottom 'CCC'.
The AA rating places KT&G as an ESG leader among the nine global tobacco companies evaluated. This rating is higher than that of the top three global tobacco companies. KT&G has received the AA rating for four consecutive years, an unusual achievement for a domestic company. From this rating level, companies may be newly included or have increased weighting in various investment portfolios managed by MSCI.
KT&G ranked first among the nine companies in the 'Product Safety and Quality' category due to responsible marketing and excellent quality control. In the governance area, it received high scores for 'Tax Transparency.' The operation of the board of directors, characterized by independence and expertise, was also evaluated as industry-leading. In the environmental sector, water reuse and supply chain management activities stood out.
Shim Young-ah, Head of KT&G ESG Management Office, stated, "We will continue to strive for the sustainable development of the company based on advanced ESG management."
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