This article is part of our Rising Star Portfolio series.
Sometimes it's difficult to imagine that beleaguered retailer Gap
In my search for socially responsible companies for my Rising Star portfolio, I recently noted Gap's spot on Ethisphere's "World's Most Ethical Companies" list for 2011. The clothier joins the likes of Whole Foods Market
Gap dedicates a good portion of its website real estate to its efforts in corporate social responsibility. Among other efforts:
- 100% of Gap branded denim complies with a Water Quality Program to ensure that wastewater is treated before discharge into the environment
- The company has committed to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 20% in 2015 (from 2008 levels).
- Gap's Personal Advancement and Career Enhancement Program (P.A.C.E.) trains participants in work and life skills. Some 5,000 female workers from six countries have taken part in the training
Retailers and consumer-facing brands haven't always had the best reputation when it comes to social responsibility. Shareholder advocacy organization As You Sow released its "Toward a Safe, Just Workplace Report" last year, grading companies on how well they avoided sweatshops and other human rights abuses within their supply chains.
The report included a scorecard with survey results pertaining to retailers' social labor practices throughout those supply chains. Gap scored a B. Only Levi-Strauss and Wal-Mart
Gap also made a positive impression by landing the highest score (B-) in Management Accountability for social compliance. That's highly impressive, because the average score there was a dreadful D.
Given Gap's other problems, it's nice that the company receives props for good corporate citizenship. Does its single-digit price-to-earnings ratio also earn it a place in this portfolio?
Sadly, Gap's positive spin on corporate citizenship simply doesn't outweigh the fact that it hasn't been able to institute a real business turnaround. Its unimpressive revenues and sad same-store sales figures for years running tell me it's still fumbling.
Gap's worth watching, but not buying. Although my Rising Star portfolio is all about positive corporate behavior, I also want exemplary companies that will yield positive returns. If and when Gap gets its competitive groove back, it could find itself back in the running.
- Add Gap to My Watchlist.
- Add Wal-Mart Stores to My Watchlist.
- Add Whole Foods Market to My Watchlist.
- Add V.F to My Watchlist.
- Add Target to My Watchlist.
- Add Best Buy to My Watchlist.