Head of ESG investments, Saxo Bank.
Summary: Traditionally ESG investors have excluded defence stocks from their portfolios due to ethical concerns over defence companies' association with warfare. Despite impressive performance amid rising global defence spending, the inclusion of defence stocks in ESG portfolios remains controversial, balancing investment ethics with national security interests.
ESG investing, also known as responsible or sustainable investing, is about considering environmental, social and governance factors when making investment decisions. In addition to financial considerations, ESG investors consider the impact that their investments have on the environment and society. Sectors or companies that are viewed as detrimental to the environment or society are typically shunned by ESG investors.
The traditional view of defence stocks by ESG investors has been negative. Defence companies produce weapons and are thus associated with war and death. ESG investors view these companies as non-ESG and choose to exclude them from their investment universe and their portfolios. The exclusion is based on ethical considerations from investors who do not want their investments to support companies that harm civilians and destroy lives. Consequently, defence companies but also oil & gas, mining and tobacco companies have for many years been under-invested compared to technology and healthcare companies that are viewed as more ESG-friendly.
Defence stocks are many things. Some companies are engaged in the production of ammunition, missiles, and bombs while others are more into (cyber) security solutions, surveillance radars or defence. Some companies continue to produce banned weapons such as anti-personnel mines though most do not. Some companies don’t mind dealing with dictatorships while others avoid it at all costs.
Saxo’s Defence theme basket include names like RTX (former Raytheon), Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing and Rolls-Royce. RTX is known for being one of America’s prime defence contractors while Boeing is known for its commercial airplanes segment. Defence companies tend to perform poorly ESG-wise due to their association with human rights abuse and violations, pollution and lack of transparency and accountability. Indeed, out of the 19 companies in Saxo’s Defence basket, only Hensoldt has top ESG risk rating, all the others have average or below average ratings and as such would not be considered ESG stocks.
As evidenced by Sustainalytics assessment of Hensoldt, defence stocks can have top ESG ratings, defence stocks can be ESG. So, does it make sense to exclude all defence stocks from ESG portfolios? Well, there is no easy answer. Ultimately whether one chooses to exclude defence stocks or not is a matter of opinion. But, whatever the choice, it is important to remember not to demonize defence companies and those who choose to invest in those companies, even the ones that produce weapons. After all, we all enjoy the protection and safety that those same weapons afford.
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