What Corporate Risks Are Global Investors Focusing on This Year? Samil PwC Publishes Report

'Global Investor Survey' Analysis Report
Innovation, AI, Climate Change, and Trust Prioritized in Corporate Evaluation
"Transparency in Disclosures Must Be Enhanced"

Global investors recognize non-financial indicators such as corporate governance (oversight, risk management, internal controls, ethics), innovation, executive capabilities, and climate change as important factors when evaluating global companies, in addition to financial performance.

On the 26th, Samil PwC announced the release of the “Global Investor Survey (PwC’s Global Investor Survey)” report containing these findings. Based on a survey of 345 global investors and analysts and subsequent interviews, the report analyzed risks that companies should pay attention to and proposed response measures.

According to the report, investors focused on various factors such as corporate governance, innovation, executive capabilities, and climate change when evaluating companies. In particular, they showed a positive outlook on companies’ use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). When asked how generative AI would affect companies they invest in within the next year, 66% of respondents said productivity would improve by at least 5%, 63% said revenue would increase by at least 5%, and 62% said profitability would improve by at least 5%. This suggests that investors perceive generative AI as a significant opportunity rather than a challenge. Three-quarters of respondents expressed a desire to increase investments in companies taking action related to climate change.

As trust in management becomes increasingly important, companies must not only provide sufficient information to investors but also strive to enhance the transparency and consistency of that information. Forty-four percent of survey participants answered that reports on companies’ sustainability performance often include largely unfounded claims. The report pointed out that “companies need to make great efforts to gain investors’ trust in sustainability disclosures.” In particular, 76% of respondents said they have higher trust when sustainability information reported by companies they invest in or manage is certified by a third party. This indicates the need to strengthen disclosure and certification processes to ensure the reliability of information.

The report emphasized, “Investors build trust with companies based on transparent disclosures and consistent information, but excessively voluminous information can cause ambiguity in meaning and difficulties in verifying authenticity,” and added, “Companies should explain regulatory requirements in an easy-to-understand manner so that investors can properly evaluate disclosed information.” It also stated, “Companies should identify where investors obtain information, transparently disclose quantitative and qualitative information on important topics, and be prepared to respond promptly to investors’ information requests.” For more details, please visit the Samil PwC website.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.