MHI Receives MSCI’s ESG Rating of “AA” for the First Time

TOKYO, Jul 13, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has received an ESG Rating of "AA" from MSCI(Note) for the first time. The new 2022 rating represents an upgrade from the Company's previous "A" rating, and it demonstrates the high assessment MSCI accords to MHI's ESG initiatives.MSCI's ESG Ratings are given in seven ranked grades in descending order from AAA to CCC, based on the firm's analysis of a company's initiatives relating to environmental, social and governance issues. MSCI's ESG Ratings serve as a global index for making ESG investments.MHI is currently selected for inclusion in all four of the ESG investment indices used by Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), which is the largest pension fund in the world: FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index, MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index, MSCI Japan Empowering Women Index (WIN), and S&P/JPX Carbon Efficient Index. The Company is also included in the Asia Pacific Index of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), one of the world's leading ESG stock investment indices.Going forward, MHI will continue to harness the power of technology to develop solutions to the world's social issues, marking growth as a business corporation that contributes to achieving a sustainable society and a secure future for the earth and all who inhabit it.MSCI Inc. is an American financial services provider based in New York and listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). MSCI provides a variety of tools to support investment decisions by institutional investors around the world, including large public pension funds, asset management companies, hedge funds, etc.For further information: https://www.msci.com/About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

EQS-News: CICC Initiates Sirnaomics (2257.HK) at Outperform Rating with Target Price of HKD106.00

EQS-News / 04/07/2022 / 17:56 UTC+8 CICC Initiates Sirnaomics (2257.HK) at Outperform Rating with Target Price of HKD106.00   China International Capital Corporation (CICC) initiates coverage of Sirnaomics at “Outperform” rating, with a target price of HKD106.00. CICC said, Sirnaomics is an RNA therapeutics pioneer in China. RNA therapeutics is a rapidly growing field with potential in various indications. Sirnaomics has disclosed over 15 candidates, including two in the clinical stage. STP705 is a siRNA candidate acting as dual TGF-β1/COX-2 inhibitor for local administration. CICC expect STP705 to be marketed in the US in 2024 and in China in 2025, and generate global risk adjusted peak sales of US$617mn in 2031. STP707 is a siRNA candidate also targeting TGF-β1/COX-2 but with potential for systemic administration. CICC expect STP707 to be marketed in 2026 and we estimate it will generate global risk adjusted sales of US$376mn by 2037. Sirnaomics owns proprietary RNA delivery platforms to solve principal challenges to RNAi therapeutics. Sirnaomics has proprietary polypeptide nanoparticle (PNP) and novel N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) delivery platforms. PNP delivery platform allows delivery of both siRNA and mRNA to target cells via local or intravenous administration in low toxicity. It is easy to manufacture and can reach more additional targeted organs other than the liver. CICC believe PNP could have wider use if STP707 has positive read-out in its proof of concept (PoC) trials. Therefore CICC initiates coverage of Sirnaomics at “Outperform” rating.   File: CICC Initiates Sirnaomics (2257.HK) at Outperform Rating with Target Price of HKD106.00 04/07/2022 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com

Moody’s upgrades Lenovo Group (00992.HK) to “Baa2”; outlook “stable”

HONG KONG, Mar 7, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Moody's has upgraded the issuer rating and senior unsecured rating of Lenovo Group (00992.HK) to "Baa2" from "Baa3", and has revised the outlook to "stable" from "positive", according to China Securities Journal.Currently, all three major international credit rating agencies have assigned a more positive investment rating to Lenovo Group. In addition to Moody's, Fitch affirmed Lenovo's rating at "BBB" with a "stable" outlook earlier, and S&P affirmed Lenovo's rating at 'BBB-' with a "positive" outlook in July 2021.Moody's said, "The rating upgrade reflects Lenovo's improved credit profile in terms of leverage, driven by debt reduction and a higher level of EBITDA. We believe the company will sustain its improved credit profile through maintaining its leading market position in personal computers (PCs), supported by steady global demand for PCs. In addition, we expect the company's continued disciplined financial management will help it to maintain its excellent liquidity and improve debt leverage."The rating upgrade followed Lenovo's third quarter earnings announcement for fiscal 2021/22, Securities Daily reported. Lenovo's third quarter performance improved significantly YoY, with revenue exceeding a historic US$20 billion, up 16% YoY to RMB128.7 billion, and net profit of RMB 4.09 billion, up 62% YoY, also a record high.According to the data, Lenovo's R&D expenses increased 38% YoY in Q3FY2021/22. The Group will continue to develop core technologies around the "New IT" full stack architecture of "Client-Edge-Cloud-Network-Intelligence", increase its investment in innovation, strive to double its R&D expenses within three years, and deeply promote service-oriented intelligent transformation. Looking ahead, the company remains focused on its 3S strategy (Smart devices/IoT, Smart Infrastructure, Smart Verticals) seeing continued opportunities for sustainable growth and profitability improvements across all areas of the business, keeping it on track to double net margin within three years (by the end of FY 2023/2024).In addition, Hang Seng Indexes Co., Ltd. announced last month that Lenovo Group will be included as a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Indexes from March 7 on, becoming one of the "blue chip" companies in the Hang Seng Indexes. Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

MHI Receives Silver Rating in EcoVadis 2022 Sustainability Survey for Third Consecutive Time

TOKYO, Feb 28, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has received a "Silver" rating in the 2022 sustainability assessment conducted by EcoVadis, an international evaluation organization based in France. This is the third consecutive time that MHI has received this rating, conferred to companies with an overall score in the top 25%. Amid the growing demands placed on companies to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other global social issues, this rating reflects a high regard for MHI Group's initiatives in the four criteria categories of Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.EcoVadis provides buyer companies with evaluation data on the sustainability measures of more than 85,000 companies from 200 industries in 160 countries via a global cloud-based platform. Many global companies refer to these ratings when selecting a supplier. Through this rating, MHI Group has been able to enhance its presence in global markets as a sustainable supplier.On October 1, 2021, MHI Group established a new "Materiality Council" and "Sustainability Committee" to support the dual aims of achieving a sustainable world, and enhancing its corporate value over the longer term. This structure was created in consideration of calls from the international community, institutional investors, and other stakeholders for greater environmental, social, and economic sustainability from the corporate sector, as well as to further strengthen MHI Group's sustainability management system centered on the issues and values of modern society. As a result, MHI has been highly rated among ESG evaluation agencies throughout the world, and selected for inclusion in ESG indexes in Japan and overseas.Going forward, MHI Group will take advantage of this Silver rating to further focus on sustainability measures, pursuing growth as a company that is trusted by stakeholders, and contributes to the realization of a dependable future for people and the planet, and a sustainable world.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, logistics & infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

DigitalX Bitcoin Fund Secures Investment Grade Rating

PERTH, AU, Dec 20, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - DigitalX Limited (ASX: DCC, 'DigitalX' or 'the Company') is pleased to announce that the DigitalX Bitcoin Fund (ISIN: AU60BQC79571) has received an investment-grade research rating from well-known and respected investment research house, SQM Research. The investment-grade rating on the Company's Bitcoin Fund represents a significant milestone in that it is the first research-rated digital asset fund in Australia.Highlights- DigitalX Bitcoin Fund becomes the first digital asset fund in Australia to receive an investment-grade rating- The Fund has been issued with an investment-grade rating after the review process by SQM Research, one of Australia's most recognised and respected research houses- The investment-grade rating opens additional distribution channels for wealth managers and financial advisors to offer the DigitalX Bitcoin Fund to their clients- Represents a significant milestone for mainstream adoption of digital assets in the Australian investment and wealth management industryAs part of the research rating process, the Fund has been reviewed on a number of key principle areas including strategy, team, performance, governance and compliance, fees and expenses, liquidity, and risks. Following this external assessment of the Fund's credentials, the investment-grade rating now provides institutional investors with increased confidence for investing in the Company's Bitcoin Fund.Traditionally, financial advisers require an investment grade rating before being able to add investment products to their approved products list (APL). The investment-grade rating opens additional distribution channels for the Company as advisers can now consider adding the DigitalX Bitcoin Fund to their APLs. According to a report prepared by Oliver Wyman titled "Future of Financial Advice" there are approximately 21,670 registered financial advisers overseeing approximately $962 billion in funds under advice[1].Mr Matt Harry, the Company's Head of Funds, commented: "After many months of hard work by the team, we are pleased to have secured an investment grade research rating for the DigitalX Bitcoin Fund. Not only is this a first in Australia but the rating will significantly improve our ability to access the relatively untapped financial adviser market by providing them with access to a market-leading product that is audited, titled, insured, and managed by a team with deep experience in digital asset markets."Investor EnquiriesJonathon CarleyActing Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial OfficerDigitalX LimitedE: investors@digitalx.comMedia EnquiriesLuke ForrestalDirector, Financial CommunicationsGRA PartnersE: luke.forrestal@grapartners.com.au[1] https://www.oliverwyman.com/content/dam/oliver-wyman/v2/publications/2021/jan/future-of-financial-advice.pdfSOURCE: DigitalX Ltd. Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

All-New Outlander Earns Highest Safety Rating from IIHS in the US

TOKYO, Sep 9, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that the gasoline model of the all-new Outlander has earned the highest safety rating, TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+)1, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)2 in the United States.All-New OutlanderThe award applies to U.S. specification vehicles built after June 2021, after which the company made an adjustment to headlight aiming. The all-new Outlander was recognized for its high level of collision safety performance and preventive safety performance in the IIHS crash-worthiness evaluations, front crash prevention tests and headlight evaluation. Introduced in North America in April 2021, the all-new Outlander crossover SUV offers advanced driver assistance systems to increase driver convenience, confidence and safety. MI-PILOT Assist3, 4 integrates Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and supports driving operation by maintaining following distance and keeping the vehicle near the center of the lane. Vehicles equipped with the navigation link system use the curve information on the map to automatically adjust the vehicle speed and reduce the burden on the driver. Depending on trim level, the all-new Outlander offers other preventive safety technologies4 such as Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP). Mitsubishi Motors' RISE5 collision safety vehicle body and 11 airbags including front center airbag for the driver's seat and side airbags for the second-row seats also contribute to safe driving. 1. TSP+ designation is awarded for models with good ratings in all six IIHS crash-worthiness evaluations. Additionally, vehicles must be available with a front-crash prevention system that earns advanced or superior ratings in both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations, and possess good or acceptable headlights across all trim levels. TSP+ awarded to the all-new Outlander applies to U.S. specification vehicles built after June 2021, after which the company made an adjustment to headlight aiming.2. IIHS is an independent, non-profit organization that researches, performs evaluations and assesses safety ratings in crash testing of production vehicles.3. MI-PILOT Assist in the U.S. and Canada.4. Vehicle specifications may vary depending on model and/or market.5. Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution About Mitsubishi MotorsMitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211), MMC--a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan--, is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has more than 30,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, mainland China, the Philippines, Viet Nam and Russia. MMC has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, MMC has been a leader in electrification--launched the i-MiEV - the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV - the world's first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013. MMC announced a three-year business plan in July 2020 to introduce more competitive and cutting-edge models, including the Eclipse Cross PHEV (PHEV model), the all-new Outlander and the all-new Triton/L200. For more information on MMC, please visit the company's website at https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

China Medical System (00867.HK) MSCI-ESG Rating Upgraded to AA, Reaching Global Level

HONG KONG, Dec 22, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - On December 17, the largest index provider, Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) updated a report on the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) rating for China Medical System Holdings Limited ("China Medical System"), a well-established, innovation-driven specialty pharma with a focus on sales & marketing in China. According to the report, China Medical System's ESG rating has been upgraded from "BBB" to "AA", surpassing 88% of companies in the global pharmaceutical industry, and symbolizing that the Company has reached a leading level among its global peers in ESG management.In the report, MSCI recognized China Medical System's outstanding performance in Corporate Governance, Corporate Behavior, Product Safety and Quality, Human Capital Development and Access to Health Care, and commented: "Leads peers in business ethics and talent management practices". MSCI also gave a positive assessment of the Company's Corporate Behavior, "China Medical System has evidence of detailed policies on business ethics and corruption".There are seven levels of the MSCI-ESG rating, from the highest to the lowest are: AAA, AA, A, BBB, BB, B and CCC. Among them, companies with AA or AAA ratings are considered to be industry leaders in managing the most significant ESG risks and opportunities. This year, China Medical System's MSCI-ESG rating has been upgraded by three levels, from "BB" to "AA". According to the Company, "Receiving the 'AA' ESG rating from MSCI reflected China Medical System's long-term focus and resource investment on ESG management and information disclosure, and affirmed the Company's compliance focus and solid business practices. In recent years, under the leadership of the Board of Directors, the Company's ESG-related policies are increasingly improved, ESG practices are more standardized, and ESG management is constantly refined. In the future, through self-challenge and transcendence, China Medical System will continuously pursue higher corporate governance goals. The Company will continuously regard innovation as its driving force, to fulfill the unmet medical needs, and contribute to the integrated development of society, the environment, and civilization!" Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

China Medical System (00867.HK) MSCI-ESG Rating Upgraded to AA, Reaching Global Level

HONG KONG, Dec 21, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) issued a report on December 17 upgrading the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Rating for China Medical System Holdings Limited ("China Medical System"), a well-established, innovation-driven specialty pharma with a focus on sales & marketing in China. China Medical System's ESG Rating has been upgraded from "BBB" to "AA", surpassing 88% of companies in the global pharmaceutical industry, symbolizing that the Company has attained a level among its global peers in ESG management.MSCI recognized China Medical System's outstanding performance in Corporate Governance, Corporate Behavior, Product Safety and Quality, Human Capital Development, and Access to Health Care, noting that the Company "Leads peers in business ethics and talent management practices". MSCI also gave a positive assessment of the Company's Corporate Behavior, "China Medical System has evidence of detailed policies on business ethics and corruption".There are seven levels of the MSCI-ESG Rating, from the highest to the lowest are AAA, AA, A, BBB, BB, B, and CCC. Among them, companies with AA or AAA ratings are considered to be industry leaders in managing the most significant ESG risks and opportunities. This year, China Medical System's MSCI-ESG Rating has been upgraded by three levels, from BB to AA. According to the Company, "Receiving the AA ESG Rating from MSCI reflected China Medical System's long-term focus and resource investment on ESG management and information disclosure, and affirmed the Company's compliance focus and solid business practices. In recent years, with leadership from the Board of Directors, the Company's ESG-related policies have increasingly improved, ESG practices are more standardized, and ESG management is constantly refined. "In the future, through self-challenge and transcendence, China Medical System will continuously pursue higher corporate governance goals. The Company will continuously regard innovation as its driving force, to fulfill the unmet medical needs, and contribute to the integrated development of society, the environment, and civilization." Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

MHI Again Receives EcoVadis Silver Rating for Overall Sustainability

TOKYO, Oct 20, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - For the second consecutive year, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has been awarded a Silver rating for overall sustainability from EcoVadis, the independent French platform that regularly assesses corporate supply chains. At a time when the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has become a global focus of universal concern, EcoVadis gave high marks to MHI Group for its initiatives in promoting sustainability throughout its supply chain in all four criteria categories: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.In receiving a Silver rating, which is second only to Gold, MHI Group places within the top 24% of all companies evaluated by EcoVadis. Among manufacturers of general-purpose machinery, the rating puts MHI Group in the upper 16%.EcoVadis, working through its cloud-based platform, provides buyer companies with evaluative data pertaining to suppliers' SDGs initiatives. To date, it has evaluated more than 45,000 companies worldwide.Through the years, MHI Group has proactively undertaken diverse initiatives in each aspect of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investment in a quest to contribute to sustainable social development. These include: reducing environmental burdens both internally and at its customer sites, promoting women's empowerment, conducting social contribution activities, and strengthening corporate governance and information disclosure. These efforts have been recognized with the company's inclusion in numerous ESG investment indices. Now, with receipt of a second Silver rating from EcoVadis, MHI has successfully reinforced its presence as a highly sustainable supplier in the global market.Going forward, MHI Group, encouraged by receipt of EcoVadis's high evaluation two years running, will further devote its resources to initiatives focused on the SDGs, pursuing continuous growth as a company trusted by its stakeholders and recognized as a leading contributor to sustainable social development.About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial firms. For more than 130 years, we have channeled big thinking into solutions that move the world forward - advancing the lives of everyone who shares our planet. We deliver innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries, covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI Group employs 80,000 people across 400 locations, operating in three business domains: "Power Systems," "Industry & Infrastructure," "Aircraft, Defense & Space." We have a consolidated revenue of around 40 billion U.S. Dollars. We aim to contribute to environmental sustainability while achieving global growth, using our leading-edge technologies. By bringing people and ideas together as one, we continue to pave the way to a future of shared success.For more information, please visit MHI's website: https://www.mhi.com For Technology, Trends and Tangents, visit MHI's new online media SPECTRA: https://spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2020 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com