Market capitalisation and index inclusion
The market capitalisation of METRO AG was €5.3 billion at the end of September 2019. In the time between the initial stock exchange listing and the end of the financial year, a typical trading day at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in financial year 2018/19 saw an average of around 900,000 of METRO’s ordinary shares traded. Around 4,000 of the significantly fewer liquid preference shares were exchanged on each trading day.
The METRO AG ordinary share is included in a number of indices, most noteworthy the MDAX. The MDAX comprises the 60 largest German corporations with the highest trading volumes below the DAX 30. The composition is based on fixed inclusion criteria. In addition to being listed in the Prime Standard and a free float of more than 10%, inclusion in the index depends on the free-float market capitalisation and the stock exchange turnover. As of 30 September 2019, METRO was ranked number 38 in the MDAX in terms of market capitalisation and number 33 in terms of stock exchange turnover.
The METRO share is also included in the global MSCI index and the relevant industry sector indices EURO STOXX Retail and STOXX 600 Retail.
Many investors place high priority on the issue of sustainability. METRO is fostering the continuous dialogue with sustainability-oriented investors, analysts and rating agencies. In 2019, METRO AG was again confirmed as the best company in the industry in the European sustainability ranking of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Rating agency Oekom Research issued a prime recommendation for METRO AG in the wholesale category (Trading Companies & Distributors). METRO is also listed in the FTSE4Good index. METRO has been issuing public statements on climate protection and water for many years through CDP. METRO achieved a rating of A- or B- (on a scale from F to A) for both subject areas. Since 2019, METRO has also reported via the CDP on deforestation, which is associated with sensitive raw materials such as soya, palm oil, meat and wood/paper. The results for 2019 were not yet available on the publication date. METRO shares are also included in the MSCI World ESG Leaders Index and its European counterparts.
METRO has set the future course with its initiation and implementation of sustainable business practices.