The success of equity investments within a.s.r. is determined by the team, the investment beliefs, and a specific work process in which sustainable investing can ultimately be combined with a good return.
We see investing with an eye for sustainability characteristics, i.e. for people, society and the environment, not as something extra, but as a basic requirement. Sustainability assessments enable us to identify risks and opportunities that remain hidden in purely financial analyses. By this we mean that we don't just look at ESG ratings, but also at sustainable accounting, governance, the quality of management, and the long-term vision, for example. Our ultimate goal is a win-win situation for society and shareholders. That's in our DNA.
The equity team at a.s.r. asset management manages around €12 billion. It combines experience with the latest academic insights and promising talent with a fresh perspective on the world. Unlike other asset managers, the entire equity team is involved in every investment decision. This investment style, structure, and teamwork are unique in the Netherlands.
Our investment beliefs are based on four pillars: quality, investing with a sustainable investment strategy, long term, and diversification. Every proposal must first and foremost comply with these principles, so that these values are an integral part of all our investments. Certain sectors are excluded from the outset. This is followed by fundamental analysis, assessments, and the decision whether or not to include a company in the portfolio.
A company must not only be strong, but also have a good ESG profile. We always think long term. We select quality stocks with an eye for people, society, and the environment, as well as stable long-term returns. This means, for example, that we do not invest in companies that are active in weapons, tobacco, gambling, and thermal coal. For other investments, we apply so-called ‘threshold values’ that determine which companies we do or do not invest in. For example, companies that derive a large part of their turnover from electricity production from coal, nuclear energy, and oil and gas are excluded. We also do not invest in companies or countries that do not treat human rights or working conditions well. We actively monitor the companies we include in our portfolios. We vote at all shareholder meetings in line with our shareholder engagement policy and, if necessary, engage in dialogue with management in the event of controversies.
03 June 2025 | 5 min. readingtime
Climate change and biodiversity loss are two sides of the same coin. At a.s.r. asset management, we are taking action on three fronts to address these two pressing issues.
21 May 2025 | 5 min. readingtime
1.5°C was the crucial limit to avoid the most catastrophic consequences of climate change. There is now a growing awareness that this goal is rapidly moving out of sight. That means something to humans and the planet.
08 April 2025 | 2 min. readingtime
In March, stock markets worldwide yielded sharply, with U.S. equities again the biggest laggard. Meanwhile, interest rates on European government bonds rose.
