(Vienna) Following the annual review of the VBV Austrian Sustainability Index (VÖNIX) in accordance with the rules and regulations, rfu, VBV-Vorsorgekasse and the Vienna Stock Exchange announce: 19 Austrian listed companies, that are leaders in terms of environmental and social actions will be included in the Austrian sustainability benchmark in 2021/22. The VÖNIX is based on the measurement of corporate sustainability using a model with ecological and social exclusion as well as positive criteria. The VÖNIX is one of the world's first national sustainability indices and has been calculated since June 2005.
19 companies can call themselves VÖNIX members in 2021/2022 and display the membership logo:
| AGRANA BETEILIGUNGS-AG | PALFINGER AG |
| AMAG AUSTRIA METALL AG | RAIFFEISEN BANK INTERNATIONAL AG |
| AT & S AUSTRIA TECH. & SYSTEMTECH. | ROSENBAUER INTERNATIONAL AG |
| BKS BANK AG | TELEKOM AUSTRIA AG |
| BURGENLAND HOLDING AG | UNIQA INSURANCE GROUP AG |
| CA IMMOBILIEN ANLAGEN AG | VERBUND AG |
| ERSTE GROUP BANK AG | VIENNA INSURANCE GROUP AG |
| EVN AG | WIENERBERGER AG |
| KAPSCH TRAFFICCOM AG | ZUMTOBEL GROUP AG |
| LENZING AG |
"The capital market is a decisive factor on the way to a CO2-neutral future. What was an initial spark in 2005 with the VÖNIX is now common practice. Sustainable investment is a central topic for VBV-Vorsorgekasse, as well as for many other players, today," says Andreas Zakostelsky, Chairman of the Advisory Board of VÖNIX and CEO of VBV-Vorsorgekasse.
"The consideration of ESG factors, which has recently also been demanded by EU regulators, has been a reality in the VÖNIX Sustainability Index for 16 years. The long-term development of the index shows that this is not to the detriment in terms of shareholder returns," says Reinhard Friesenbichler, Managing Director of rfu, the company responsible for the sustainability rating.
About VÖNIX
The VBV Austrian Sustainability Index (VÖNIX) is a price index weighted by free float capitalization. The base universe comprises stocks listed on the prime or standard market of the Vienna Stock Exchange with sufficient free float and trading volume. Well-known players in the Austrian capital market enable ongoing index management and sustainability research through their expertise and contributions. These partners are VBV-Vorsorgekasse, Raiffeisen Nachhaltigkeits-Initiative and Security KAG. rfu is responsible for sustainability analysis and Wiener Börse for index management, ongoing calculation and publication. Further information on the VÖNIX can also be found at www.voenix.at.
About the Vienna Stock Exchange
As the main provider of market infrastructure in the region, Wiener Börse AG is the gate to global markets. Operating the stock exchanges in Vienna and Prague, the group offers state-of-the-art systems, information and IT services. Listed companies receive maximum liquidity and investors benefit from fast and cost-effective trading by the market leader. Wiener Börse AG also collects and distributes stock market data and calculates the most important indices of the region. Because of this unique know-how the national stock exchanges in Budapest, Ljubljana and Zagreb trust its IT services. Additionally, the group holds stakes in energy exchanges and clearing houses.
Exclusion of Liability
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forecasts that are based on assumptions current made at the time of publication of this press release. We do not assume any liability for these forward-looking statements materializing. Furthermore, we would like to explicitly point out that this press release cannot serve as a basis for investment decisions and may not be construed as a solicitation to buy or a recommendation to invest by Wiener Börse AG. No liability is assumed for the information given in this press release.
