Passion for Swiss equities

Swiss equities for more sustainability

We invest in companies which are committed to sustainability

The zCapital Swiss ESG Fund puts corporate sustainability at the core. Our ambition is to invest in Swiss listed companies which behave in a truly sustainable manner and are firmly committed to environmental and social aspects. We are convinced that these companies create added value for all stakeholders.

Our approach to sustainability

Four key building blocks

ESG integration

zCapital takes environmental, social and governance considerations into account when investing.
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Exclusions

The fund excludes companies which fundamentally contradict our ESG idea.
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Engagement

zCapital is in an active dialogue with the companies in the investment universe.
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Voting

zCapital always registers shares in the companies' share register and exercises voting rights consistently.
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ESG integration

A central element of our sustainability approach is the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects into traditional financial analysis. zCapital carries out the assessment of the sustainability profile itself and does not rely on external ESG rating agencies. We have one of the largest research teams for the analysis of Swiss equities and are in close contact with executives of companies in the investment universe. The knowledge we have built up over the years forms the basis to comprehensively assess the sustainability of a company.

The structured analysis process is supported by a proprietary ESG monitor which incorporates data from Inrate, ISS, MSCI, RepRisk and Glassdoor. In addition, zCapital collects its own data.

Exclusions

There are products and activities which, in our view, are not compatible with a sustainable investment product. Therefore, the zCapital Swiss ESG Fund excludes manufacturers of controversial weapons. In addition, companies that materially violate the principles of the UN Global Compact or generate more than 5% of sales from the production of nuclear or coal-fired power, coal mining, fracking, oil sands, tobacco, pornography, gambling, armaments or civilian weapons are not invested in. The sales shares used for the exclusions are based on ISS data.

Engagement

As co-owners of the company, shareholders have a responsibility. We therefore raise shareholder concerns and address relevant ESG issues in over 600 meetings with Executive Board Members each year. The aim is to motivate companies to act sustainably. When necessary, members of the Board of Directors are contacted, written questions are submitted or requests for items to be placed on the agenda of the annual general meeting are made. Increasingly, specific ESG meetings are also held in which zCapital exchanges views with the companies' ESG officers.

Voting

zCapital always registers shares in the share register and does not engage in securities lending. Voting rights are exercised consistently. zCapital thereby acts independently. The voting decision is based on internal guidelines and considers both financial aspects and ESG criteria. In the case of companies with weak corporate governance, zCapital tries to use its voting behavior to exert influence and achieve improvements. For example, inadequate compensation systems are rejected. In the case of a board of directors that is not independent, individual non-independent members are voted out.

Consistent implementation

No investment without a convincing sustainability profile

We consistently implement the findings of the sustainability analysis in the portfolio construction. Therefore, the zCapital Swiss ESG Fund invests exclusively in Swiss companies that have a convincing sustainability profile based on zCapital's ESG analysis. The fund limits itself to a concentrated portfolio of 25-35 stocks.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

zCapital analyses the positive and negative impacts of companies' products and activities on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The companies in the Fund as a whole contribute positively to the achievement of the UN SDGs. .

Paris climate targets

Products with a high carbon footprint are at risk of being replaced by more sustainable alternatives. For this reason, zCapital closely analyses the CO2 emissions of companies. We favour businesses that reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and are in line with the Paris climate targets.

Ecological engagement

We support reforestation projects

For every million Swiss francs of assets under management in the zCapital Swiss ESG Fund, we plant 100 trees each year, thereby supporting a community reforestation project in Nicaragua. In cooperation with myclimate, we ensure that the trees are cared for in the long term. The Plan Vivo certified  project combines nature and climate protection with the creation of new sources of income for more than 1300 small farmers.

Our track record

Passionate for almost 15 years

Since its foundation, zCapital has been focused solely on Swiss equities and has one of the largest research teams for listed Swiss companies. Our funds have an impressive track record. The zCapital Swiss Small & Mid Cap Fund achieved a performance of over 260% in 14 years, beating the benchmark by almost 90%, while the zCapital Swiss Dividend Fund gained around 150% in nine years, an outperformance of more than 30%. Since inception, zCapital has integrated ESG aspects into its investment process.

FNG label with 2 stars

The zCapital Swiss ESG Fund has been awarded the FNG label for 2024. According to the Forum Nachhaltige Geldanlagen (FNG), the fund pursues a professional and transparent sustainability approach. The seal is considered the most important quality standard for sustainable investment funds in German-speaking countries.

ESG Investing Awards 2023 and 2024 Winner

The zCapital Swiss ESG Fund won the "ESG Investing Award" in 2023 and 2024, in 2023 in the category "Best ESG Investment Fund: Specialist Equities" and in 2024 in the category "Best ESG Investment Fund: European Equities". An independent jury of financial market professionals, academics and independent experts selected the zCapital Swiss ESG Fund as the winner.

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Memberships

zCapital is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI). In addition, zCapital is a member of Swiss Sustainable Finance (SSF). SSF is committed to promoting sustainable investments in Switzerland. The Swiss climate protection foundation myclimate certifies zCapital as a climate-neutral company. As a supporter of TCFD, zCapital is committed to transparency in climate reporting. zCapital has signed the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative, committing to support the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or earlier.

Subscription possible at any Swiss bank

Specify Swiss security no. or ISIN

Fund name zCapital Swiss ESG Fund (class A)
Swiss security no. / ISIN 59273267 / CH0592732678
Universe Swiss equitites with a focus on sustainability
Income Distributing
Management fees (incl. fund management and custodian fee) 1.25%
Issue and redemption fee none
Minimum investment No minimum investment required
Subscriptions and redemptions On each bank working day at Net Asset Value (NAV)