Latest news with #ESG
Wall Street Journal
an hour ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
How to Evaluate the Efficacy of ESG Investing
James Mackintosh suggests that a surge of environmental, social and governance data hasn't improved portfolio performance ('Streetwise: ESG Investing Data Isn't as Helpful as Advertised,' Business & Finance, July 9). But he is pointing to a chicken-or-egg question. The research he mentions relies on multiple dimensions generally understood as 'good governance,' ESG or non-ESG. From cybersecurity and privacy to health and safety in the workplace and risk management, these are standard fare for executive teams and board oversight. Governance experts would expect most public companies to have implemented some form of risk oversight using some of these tools. Companies recognize that business risks include some social risks, and they're building governance frameworks to address them directly. As a result, because the adoption of these tools was arguably ubiquitous, one wouldn't expect large differentiation in performance. But if companies with these governance tools also show better financial performance, what's the point of looking at governance separately? The answer is simple: Investors' job is to monitor management, to push one team to do what works in other companies. The goal is to make sure that no company is left behind, exposed to risks that they would have readily addressed.
Techday NZ
an hour ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
New property fund targets NZD $1 billion export-focused assets by 2030
A newly established wholesale property investment fund is launching with the acquisition of a coolstore facility in Hawke's Bay valued at NZD $24 million, with ambitions to build a NZD $1 billion portfolio by 2030. The Erskine Owen Veritas Property Fund's inaugural purchase is a 7,000 square metre smart coolstore leased long-term to Mr Apple, the subsidiary of Scales Corporation, which is among the largest vertically integrated apple exporters in New Zealand. The asset marks the fund's entry, under a 20-year triple net lease agreement. Portfolio growth The fund has revealed a strategy to reach NZD $1 billion in holdings within a five-year time frame, by diversifying across sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, manufacturing, office and retail, targeting income-generating assets with strong links to export activities and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. "We chose this site as the fund's foundation because it ticks all the boxes. It is a core industrial logistics facility, under a long-term lease to a globally competitive exporter, located in a region that is vital to New Zealand's agri-economy. "We're focused on assets that help drive New Zealand's global competitiveness and that perform well in both stable and volatile markets. These are the kinds of buildings that don't go out of fashion, that provide reliable income and that help sectors like horticulture and agribusiness perform at the highest level," said Alan Henderson, Director at Erskine Owen. A capital raise to support the investment in the Groome Place coolstore is now underway. Henderson stated, "This is a Fund with a long-term growth and diversification strategy, which is intended to spread investment risk across sectors and locations. We are aiming to have $200 million in assets within 12 to 18 months and increase that to a billion dollars within four years after that. "The asset quality here speaks for itself. There's clear investor appetite for export-aligned infrastructure backed by strong tenant covenants," he added. Technology and efficiency The Hawke's Bay coolstore features advanced design and automation, including systems that reduce the time between orchard and packhouse by 25 percent. According to Mr Apple's Head of Coolstores, Logistics and Engineering, Michael Caccioppoli, these upgrades are significant for product quality and competitiveness in export markets. "This turnaround speed directly supports export quality, and by shortening the time from picking to cooling, we're able to preserve internal fruit integrity. "That means apples are fresher when they hit the ships. It improves shelf life, reduces quality complaints and lifts the eating experience for millions of consumers around the world, which is critical as we establish markets for new varieties," he said. In 2024, 72 percent of Mr Apple's exports comprised premium varieties such as Dazzle, Posy and NZ Queen, with a stated aim to expand that to 75–80 percent by 2027. The smart coolstore supports this goal by introducing optimised workflows, precision-controlled storage, and a 15 to 20 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared with older facilities. The facility is operated by just eight staff, as automation and integrated systems allow for tight control of environmental variables, reduced handling, and lowered labour costs. Mr Apple processes approximately 3,000 bins of apples daily, using technology to accelerate throughput while protecting product quality. Caccioppoli highlighted the broader advantages of the advanced facility, stating, "The system helps protect margin and reduce risk in a volatile global freight market," he observed. Investor demand Henderson commented on current sentiment in the investment community, with more investors seeking reliable income and ESG-aligned assets with export relevance. "It reinforces our view that there is real demand for high-quality, income-generating assets in this sector. "The coolstore reflects the kind of high-performance infrastructure we're targeting - efficient, export-driven and future-ready," he said. The Erskine Owen Veritas Property Fund is now open to wholesale investors interested in income-producing infrastructure assets.
Business Wire
4 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to Radian Mortgage Capital Trust 2025-J3 (RMCT 2025-J3)
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KBRA assigns preliminary ratings to 65 classes of mortgage pass-through certificates from Radian Mortgage Capital Trust 2025-J3 (RMCT 2025-J3), which is backed by prime mortgages with an aggregate principal balance of approximately $374.0 million as of the July 1, 2025 cut-off date. The pool comprises 398 first-lien, fixed rate residential mortgage loans. The weighted average original credit score is 774, which is in line with the prime mortgage credit score range. The underlying collateral consists of both prime jumbo (76.4%) and agency-eligible (23.6%) loans. KBRA's rating approach incorporated loan-level analysis of the mortgage pool through its Residential Asset Loss Model (REALM), an examination of the results from third-party loan file due diligence, cash flow modeling analysis of the transaction's payment structure, reviews of key transaction parties and an assessment of the transaction's legal structure and documentation. This analysis is further described in our U.S. RMBS Rating Methodology. To access ratings and relevant documents, click here. Click here to view the report. Related Publications Methodologies Disclosures Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above. A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here. Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here. Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at About KBRA Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA), one of the major credit rating agencies (CRA), is a full-service CRA registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a Designated Rating Organization (DRO) by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized as a Qualified Rating Agency by Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission and is recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider (CRP) in the U.S. Doc ID: 1010372
Business Wire
9 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to MSBAM 2025-C35
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KBRA is pleased to announce the assignment of preliminary ratings to 14 classes of MSBAM 2025-C35, a $597.8 million CMBS conduit transaction collateralized by 40 commercial mortgage loans secured by 65 properties. The collateral properties are located throughout 29 MSAs, of which the three largest are New York (11.6% of pool balance), Boston (11.4%), and Washington - NoVA - MD (8.8%). The pool has exposure to all major property types, with four types representing more than 10.0% of the pool balance: office (22.3%), retail (19.4%), mixed-use (18.5%), and lodging (15.3%). The loans have in-trust principal balances ranging from $1.7 million to $59.5 million for the largest loan in the pool, BioMed MIT Portfolio (10.0%), which is comprised of eight life science lab/office properties located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, directly adjacent to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campus. The five largest loans, which also include Marriott World Headquarters (8.8%), Extended Stay Portfolio (7.5%), Crossroads Office Park (7.1%), and 32 Old Slip - Leased Fee (6.0%), represent 39.4% of the initial pool balance, while the top 10 loans represent 61.1%. KBRA's analysis of the transaction incorporated our multi-borrower rating process that begins with our analysts' evaluation of the underlying collateral properties' financial and operating performance, which determine KBRA's estimate of sustainable net cash flow (KNCF) and KBRA value using our North American CMBS Property Evaluation Methodology. On an aggregate basis, KNCF was 14.0% less than the issuer cash flow. KBRA capitalization rates were applied to each asset's KNCF to derive values that were, on an aggregate basis, 37.9% less than third party appraisal values. The pool has an in-trust KLTV of 85.5% and an all-in KLTV of 89.8%. The model deploys rent and occupancy stresses, probability of default regressions, and loss given default calculations to determine losses for each collateral loan that are then used to assign our credit ratings. To access ratings and relevant documents, click here. Click here to view the report. Methodologies Disclosures Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above. A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here. Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here. Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at About KBRA Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA), one of the major credit rating agencies (CRA), is a full-service CRA registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a Designated Rating Organization (DRO) by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized as a Qualified Rating Agency by Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission and is recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider (CRP) in the U.S. Doc ID: 1010356
Business Wire
9 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to Jersey Mike's Funding, LLC, Series 2025-1 Senior Secured Notes
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KBRA assigns preliminary ratings to Jersey Mike's Funding, LLC, Series 2025-1 Class A-2 Notes, a whole business securitization (WBS). Jersey Mike's 2025-1 represents Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems, LLC's (Jersey Mike's or the Company's) fourth securitization following the establishment of the master trust in December 2019. In conjunction with the issuance of the Series 2025-1 Notes, KBRA anticipates affirming the ratings on the Issuer's outstanding notes (the Existing Notes and, together with the Series 2025-1 Notes, the Notes). The ratings are consistent with the results of our cash flow analysis following the addition of the Series 2025-1 Notes. Jersey Mike's is a US-based national sandwich brand spread across 3,054 restaurants (including non-securitized assets) among 50 US states, Washington DC, and Canada as of March 30, 2025, of which 3,045 are included as collateral for the transaction. There are 9 locations in Canada not included in the securitization. The brand was established in 1956, and it serves hot and cold submarine sandwiches. The brand positions itself within the competitive space as offering high quality, freshly sliced meats, cheese, and produce through its 'A Sub Above' branding. As of the last twelve-month period ended March 31, 2025, the system generated approximately $3.9 billion in systemwide sales (SWS). To access ratings and relevant documents, click here. Click here to view the report. Methodologies Disclosures Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above. A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here. Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here. Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at About KBRA Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA), one of the major credit rating agencies (CRA), is a full-service CRA registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a Designated Rating Organization (DRO) by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized as a Qualified Rating Agency by Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission and is recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider (CRP) in the U.S. Doc ID: 1010344
