Environmental, Social, and Governance Investing
Michimich.com/10221063

PHOENIX - Michimich -- Making investment decisions by focusing on issues beyond balance sheets, income statements, and other measurable metrics has become a major issue in the finance world. However, the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) movement aims to incorporate other factors.

Those who favor ESG factors as part of the investment decision-making process argue that it produces better investment returns over time, as companies with higher ESG scores have superior investment returns.

On the other hand, those who cast a skeptical eye on ESG measures are focused on the traditional metrics of a balance sheet, income statements, and absolute and relative valuation to determine if the stock or bonds of a particular company represent an attractive investment opportunity.

ESG 101: How It Works

Incorporating ESG into the investment decision-making process is a recent phenomenon. Traditionally, financial professionals will evaluate a potential investment based on financial analysis, relative valuation, and estimates of the entity's future growth.

More on Michimich.com

• Most Indiana Plane Crashes Happen Away from the State's Major Airports
• L2 Aviation Welcomes Jason Marshall as Vice President of Sales and Business Development
• Mom Era, Still That Girl: Family Art Tees 25% Off
• Willie E. Brake of All About Technology Selected for Detroit Regional Chamber's Leadership Detroit Class 47
• Fashion vs. Fascism - Because Democracy Should Always Be In Style

The philosophy behind ESG is based on the belief that choosing investments/companies with higher ESG scores will produce superior investment returns in the long run. However, because ESG investing is still relatively new, measuring these factors and assigning scores to different companies remains debatable.

Moreover, the process becomes even more difficult as determining an ESG score for a particular company is subjective. Therefore, the ability to quantify most ESG measures is complex and fraught with pitfalls.

"One of the risks of using ESG factors in the investment selection process is that management takes their eye off the ball, and the company's fortunes suffer as a result," said Sterling Russell, CFA at Trajan Wealth, LLC.

What The Future May Hold for ESG

Based on broad support for using ESG factors in decision-making, it is likely here to stay. However, ESG factors will likely evolve over time as more data becomes available.

In the interim, a continued focus on fundamental analysis —balance sheets, income statements, relative valuations, and projections of future performance—will dominate the investment process.

More on Michimich.com

• Sterling Heights: Looking Local: Made from Scratch at Brome Modern Eatery
• Sterling Heights Remains Safest Big City in Michigan in 2025
• Lee Gunn IV Shares Lessons From 40 Years in the Courtroom on PodNumbra Podcast
• Michael H. Kaplan Recognized for 17 Years on PHPA Workers' Compensation Panel and Advocacy for Professional Athletes
• International Society of Medical AI Convenes Global Faculty in Florence for ISMAI 2026

About Trajan Wealth

Trajan Wealth, LLC, formed in 2012, was founded by CEO Jeff Junior. Before his 20+ years in the financial services profession, Jeff Junior was a United States Marine Corps member. Jeff continues to serve his clients and employees with the utmost service, respect, and attention to detail. The firm has multiple locations in Arizona, Texas, and Utah.

For more information on all the different services offered or to schedule a complimentary consultation, visit https://trajanwealth.com or call 1-800-838-3079.

Disclaimer:

* Advisory services offered through Trajan® Wealth L.L.C., an SEC registered investment advisor. Legal services are offered through ​Trajan® Estate, L.L.C. ​in Arizona and Utah, and independent law firms in other states.