Six ESG Highlights for 2026

With 2026 in full swing, many people are working to get their plans for the year moving forward. For many, an important part of those plans is working towards a more sustainable world, whether in their personal life, in their work, or in their investments. That’s where ESG analysis provides clarity, helping investors identify opportunities that are inline with their values.

But while the ESG market has exploded in size, a critical gap remains: the lack of data on companies outside the major indexes. To build a truly diversified and sustainable portfolio, you need more than just top-level index data; you need granular analysis of individual stocks.

That’s where AI makes its mark. BridgeWise leverages artificial intelligence to analyze companies globally, regardless of language, providing deep-dive ESG and financial analysis in a single, intuitive dashboard.

So we tapped our AI-driven stock and ESG analysis tools to identify six companies (plus one for next year) that are ESG leaders and also attractive investment opportunities. 

Novartis AG

Ticker: SWX:NOVN Sector: Health Care

Novartis is proving that social impact and profitability can go hand-in-hand. A Swiss pharmaceutical powerhouse focused on innovative treatments for chronic and complex diseases, Novartis positive outlook is driven by strategic innovation and a top-tier balance sheet. The company boasts a net income margin of 27.36% and invests nearly 20% of its revenue back into R&D, a key marker of commitment to future therapies.

While specific environmental metrics are secondary here, Novartis excels in the “Social” aspect of ESG. Their relentless focus on chronic disease solutions, efficient capital deployment, and prudent liability management align perfectly with the core principles of responsible healthcare and sustainable growth.

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Ticker: LSE:RR Sector: Industrials

Rolls-Royce is successfully pivoting from a traditional industrial giant to a leader in green aviation. The company is committed to net-zero operations by 2030 and recently achieved a 46% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2019. With engines capable of running on 100% sustainable aviation fuel and heavy investment in small modular reactors for clean energy, they are innovating responsibly.

Financially, they are in the top 10% of their sector. Q2 2025 results showed a massive 39% year-over-year surge in net income and a robust cash position. This combination of ambitious climate targets and top-tier financial strength makes them a standout for 2026.

Siemens Energy AG

Ticker: XTRA:ENR Sector: Industrials

As the world shifts toward infrastructure automation and clean energy, Siemens Energy is positioned at the center of the transition. Their diversified portfolio supports decarbonization and grid modernization, directly addressing critical ESG themes.

Siemens Energy Q3 2025 financials revealed revenue growth of over 7% and a staggering 156% quarter-over-quarter increase in cash generation from operations. With a very strong balance sheet and a net cash position of -5.20 billion euros, Siemens Energy has the financial flexibility to capture ESG-driven growth opportunities while maintaining sector-leading profitability.

Autodesk, Inc.

Ticker: NASDAQ:ADSK Sector: Information Technology

Autodesk is riding the wave of digital transformation, providing the software architecture necessary for sustainable building and efficient manufacturing. Their tools are central to the “E” in ESG, enabling designers to optimize materials and energy use before construction even begins.

Financially, the company is robust, ranking in the top 10% of its sector for Q3 2025. With easing interest rates boosting growth prospects, Autodesk delivered consistent revenue growth and a 6.5% increase in net income year-over-year. Their disciplined expense management and reduced debt highlight the financial resilience needed to support long-term innovation.

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB

Ticker: STO:HM B Sector: Consumer Discretionary

H&M is proving that fast fashion can pivot toward sustainability. The company earned a ‘B+’ in the 2025 Fossil Free Fashion Scorecard, a testament to its aggressive climate commitments. By 2025, 89% of its materials are recycled or sustainably sourced, with a goal of hitting 100% by 2030. They have also slashed Scope 1 and 2 emissions by over 41% since 2019.

H&M is riding solid momentum in operational efficiency and a confident share buyback program. This blend of financial discipline and tangible supply chain decarbonization places H&M among the leaders in retail sustainability.

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

Ticker: CPSE:VWS Sector: Industrials

It is impossible to talk about 2026 ESG highlights without mentioning Vestas, a global leader in wind turbine design. As a pure-play renewable energy company, they are the backbone of the energy transition.

Their financials are catching up to their mission following exceptional Q3 2025 results where net income soared over 800% quarter-over-quarter. With revenue up 42% and strong cash generation, Vestas is capitalizing on massive European investment in sustainable growth, standing out as both a financial and ESG powerhouse.

And One For Next Year: Oshkosh Corporation

Ticker: NYSE:OSK Sector: Industrials

For our bonus pick, we look at Oshkosh Corporation. Known for specialized vehicles, Oshkosh is making significant strides in greening heavy industry. They are targeting a 57.7% reduction in emissions by 2033 and have earned a spot on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices.

Financially, they are benefiting from government infrastructure spending and defense budgets. With top-tier cash generation and a conservative approach to debt, Oshkosh offers a compelling mix of stability and progressive climate goals, making them a smart stock to watch in the coming year.

If you’d like to see how AI can help your investors discover stocks with high ESG scores, sign up for a BridgeWise demo today.