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Sustainable Fund Quality Ratings

Useful for screening funds and constructing sustainable portfolios, SRA Fund Quality Ratings combine qualitative and quantitative evaluations expressed along a five-point scale that runs from A (highest quality) to E (lowest quality).

Sustainable Bottom Line: Fund quality ratings can be used by investors, financial intermediaries and other stakeholders to screen, select funds and construct sustainable investment portfolios. SRA Fund Quality Ratings-An Explanation Fund quality ratings are assigned to funds within their designated investment category/segment, as defined by Morningstar. The investment category/segment for which the displayed ratings have been assigned falls into the focused sustainable Mid-Cap Blend funds investment category, defined as mutual funds and ETFs investing in U.S. stocks that fall into the middle 20% of the equity market's capitalization, typically between $1 billion and $8 billion. It has a "middle-of-the-road" profile because it combines both growth and value stocks, meaning neither characteristic predominates in its portfolio. These funds aim for a balance between the high growth of growth stocks and the lower price of value stocks. Morningstar’s universe of sustainable funds consists of funds whose official documents indicate a focus on sustainability, impact investing, or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, and it uses binding ESG criteria for investment selection. Funds that only use limited exclusions or non-binding ESG considerations are not categorized as sustainable by Morningstar. It should be noted that Morningstar’s definition of a sustainable fund may be widely used but is not universally embraced. That said, the definition is transparent and its adaptation in the context of SRA Fund Quality Ratings facilitates the assignment of such ratings based on Morningstar’s investment categorization. Focused sustainable Mid-Cap Blend funds: 13 funds, $6.7 billion in assets The focused sustainable mid-cap blend funds segment covered by SRA Fund Quality Ratings consists of 13 funds, 24 funds/share classes, with $6.7 billion in net assets as of September 30, 2025, excluding funds that employ leverage, if any, as well as thematic funds. These funds include actively managed and passively managed mutual funds as well as ETFs. Fund quality ratings, which are expressed along a five-point scale that runs from A (highest quality) to E (lowest quality), can be used to screen and select funds and to construct sustainable investment portfolios by investors and financial advisors. Ratings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factors Ratings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factors. These are: (a) Management company. A fund should be offered and managed by an established firm with a positive reputation, to ensure effective fund operations and impart trust and confidence in the organization. (b) Years in operation. The fund should be in operation for at least three years and managed pursuant to the same investment strategy or approach—to provide a sufficiently long but not excessively long view against which to evaluate the fund’s operations, strategy, and performance. Some exceptions may apply. (c) Fund size. The fund’s total net assets should generally exceed around $30 million—so that it may be managed more efficiently and provide some protection against the fund’s early liquidation or closure. Some exceptions may apply, particularly in the case of funds offered by larger, established firms. (d) Total returns. The fund’s performance results, achieved by adhering to a relatively consistent investment strategy and sustainability approach, are evaluated relative to an appropriate securities market index over a one year, three year and five-year intervals, and (e) Expense ratios. A fund’s expense ratio is evaluated relative to other funds in the same investment category/segment. Factors d and e above are evaluated and scored quantitatively, based on a fund’s investment results over the trailing one-, three- and five-year time intervals relative to a designated benchmark as well as a fund’s expense ratio relative to its investment category/segment. Once scored, factors a, b and c are considered, and funds may be excluded from the rated funds universe based on these considerations. Fund quality ratings are then assigned to all remaining funds based on the following distribution: Top 15%=A, next 20%=B, next 30%=C, next 20%=D and final 15%=E. NA indicates that a rating has not been assigned to the fund due to its use of leverage or the fund's exclusion due to the consideration of factors a, b or c, for example, fund size. How to use the ratings? Funds assigned A and B quality ratings are considered primary candidates for the selection of funds and in the construction of a portfolio consisting entirely or partially of sustainable funds. That said, additional research to qualify a fund may be in order. In the case of thematic funds, such as renewable energy funds, investors should keep in mind that some funds may be even more narrowly focused, for example, funds investing in solar or wind energy, while others are broader based, for example, renewable energy. Fund selections should be consistent with an investor’s financial goals and objectives and sustainability preferences. Fund quality ratings are derived based on a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of fundamental factors but do not address a fund's sustainable investing approach and methodology. While certainly relevant, such considerations should be evaluated relative to each individual investor's sustainability preferences, which tend to vary from one investor to the next. Fund Quality Ratings in the A and B rating categories A rated funds Within the focused sustainable mid-cap blend funds segment, one fund, an ETF, is assigned a fund quality rating in the highest A category. This single fund managed $315.2 million in net assets and is subject to an expense ratio of 12 basis points (bps). The fund recorded average annual returns of 4.93%, 15.32% and 12.76% over the trailing 12-months, 3-years and 5-years ending on September 30, 2025. B rated funds Within the focused sustainable mid-cap blend funds segment, two funds, including three share classes, are assigned fund quality ratings in the second highest B category. On a combined basis, the funds manage $339.7 million in net assets.* The average expense ratio of the two funds and share classes is 17 basis points, ranging from 15 bps to 20 bps. The B rated funds and share classes posted average annual returns of 6.21%, 15.23% and 0.00% over the trailing 12-months, 3-years and 5-years ending on September 30, 2025. Not rated funds (NR) Three funds/five share classes are not rated due to net assets under management that fall below $30 million as of September 30, 2025. *Net assets applies to rated funds and applicable share classes. VIEW AS FULL TABLE

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Sustainable Bottom Line: Fund quality ratings can be used by investors, financial intermediaries and other stakeholders to screen, select funds and construct sustainable investment portfolios.SRA Fund Quality Ratings-An ExplanationFund quality ratings are assigned to funds within their designated investment category/segment, as defined by Morningstar. The investment category/segment for which the displayed ratings have been assigned falls into the focused sustainable Intermediate Core-Plus Bond Funds investment category, defined as mutual funds and ETFs that primarily invest in investment-grade U.S. fixed-income securities like government, corporate, and securitized debt, but with greater flexibility to hold non-core assets. These non-core holdings can include corporate high-yield bonds, bank loans, emerging-markets debt, and foreign currency exposures. The "core" portion ensures the fund is still largely invested in traditional, investment-grade U.S. bonds, while the "plus" gives managers the ability to venture into riskier sectors to potentially boost yield. Morningstar’s universe of sustainable funds consists of funds whose official documents indicate a focus on sustainability, impact investing, or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, and it uses binding ESG criteria for investment selection. Funds that only use limited exclusions or non-binding ESG considerations are not categorized as sustainable by Morningstar. It should be noted that Morningstar’s definition of a sustainable fund may be widely used but is not universally embraced. That said, the definition is transparent and its adaptation in the context of SRA Fund Quality Ratings facilitates the assignment of such ratings based on Morningstar’s investment categorization.Focused sustainable Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds: 15 funds, $8.9 billion in assetsThe focused sustainable intermediate core-plus bond funds segment covered by SRA Fund Quality Ratings consists of 15 funds, 44 funds/share classes, with $8.9 billion in net assets as of September 30, 2025, excluding funds that employ leverage, if any, as well as thematic funds. These funds include actively managed and passively managed mutual funds as well as ETFs. Fund quality ratings, which are expressed along a five-point scale that runs from A (highest quality) to E (lowest quality), can be used to screen and select funds and to construct sustainable investment portfolios by investors and financial advisors.Ratings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factorsRatings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factors. These are: (a) Management company. A fund should be offered and managed by an established firm with a positive reputation, to ensure effective fund operations and impart trust and confidence in the organization. (b) Years in operation. The fund should be in operation for at least three years and managed pursuant to the same investment strategy or approach—to provide a sufficiently long but not excessively long view against which to evaluate the fund’s operations, strategy, and performance. Some exceptions may apply. (c) Fund size. The fund’s total net assets should generally exceed around $30 million—so that it may be managed more efficiently and provide some protection against the fund’s early liquidation or closure. Some exceptions may apply, particularly in the case of funds offered by larger, established firms. (d) Total returns. The fund’s performance results, achieved by adhering to a relatively consistent investment strategy and sustainability approach, are evaluated relative to an appropriate securities market index over a one year, three year and five-year intervals, and (e) Expense ratios. A fund’s expense ratio is evaluated relative to other funds in the same investment category/segment.Factors d and e above are evaluated and scored quantitatively, based on a fund’s investment results over the trailing one-, three- and five-year time intervals relative to a designated benchmark as well as a fund’s expense ratio relative to its investment category/segment. Once scored, factors a, b and c are considered, and funds may be excluded from the rated funds universe based on these considerations. Fund quality ratings are then assigned to all remaining funds based on the following distribution: Top 15%=A, next 20%=B, next 30%=C, next 20%=D and final 15%=E.NR indicates that a rating has not been assigned to the fund due to its use of leverage or the fund's exclusion due to the consideration of factors a, b or c, for example, fund size.How to use the ratings?Funds assigned A and B quality ratings are considered primary candidates for the selection of funds and in the construction of a portfolio consisting entirely or partially of sustainable funds. That said, additional research to qualify a fund may be in order. In the case of thematic funds, such as renewable energy funds, investors should keep in mind that some funds may be even more narrowly focused, for example, funds investing in solar or wind energy, while others are broader based, for example, renewable energy. Fund selections should be consistent with an investor’s financial goals and objectives and sustainability preferences.Fund quality ratings are derived based on a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of fundamental factors but do not address a fund's sustainable investing approach and methodology. While certainly relevant, such considerations should be evaluated relative to each individual investor's sustainability preferences, which tend to vary from one investor to the next.Fund Quality Ratings in the A and B rating categoriesA rated fundsWithin the focused sustainable intermediate core-plus bond funds segment, three funds, including five share classes, are assigned a fund quality rating in the highest A category. These funds manage $13.7 billion in net assets and are subject to an average expense ratio of 45 basis points (bps), ranging from 12 bps to 63 bps*. The funds, including applicable share classes, recorded average annual returns of 3.50%, 5.92% and 0.72% over the trailing 12-months, 3-years and 5-years ending on September 30, 2025.B rated fundsWithin the focused sustainable intermediate core-plus bond funds segment, three funds, including six share classes, are assigned fund quality ratings in the second highest B category. On a combined basis, these funds manage $2.7 billion in net assets*. The average expense ratio of the two funds/six share classes is 118 basis points, ranging from 7 bps to 153 bps. The B rated funds/share classes posted average annual returns of 4.38%, 6.63% and 1.0% over the trailing 12-months and 3-years and 5-years ending on September 30, 2025.Not rated funds (NR)One fund/five share classes are not rated due to due to the thematic character of the fund. However, the fund is rated within its SRA assigned thematic category.*Net assets apply to relevant share classes only.  VIEW AS FULL TABLE

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Sustainable Bottom Line: Fund quality ratings can be used by investors, financial intermediaries and other stakeholders to screen, select funds and construct sustainable investment portfolios. SRA Fund Quality Ratings-An Explanation Fund quality ratings are assigned to funds within their designated investment category/segment, as defined by Morningstar. The investment category/segment for which the displayed ratings have been assigned falls into the focused sustainable Intermediate Core Bond funds investment category, defined as mutual funds and ETFs primarily invest in U.S. investment-grade debt, including government, corporate, and securitized bonds, with a duration typically between 75% and 125% of the Morningstar Core bond Index. These funds have less than 5% of their holdings in below-investment-grade debt, focusing on credit quality and managing interest-rate risk with their intermediate-term maturity, making them a suitable core holding for many portfolios. Morningstar’s universe of sustainable funds consists of funds whose official documents indicate a focus on sustainability, impact investing, or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, and it uses binding ESG criteria for investment selection. Funds that only use limited exclusions or non-binding ESG considerations are not categorized as sustainable by Morningstar. It should be noted that Morningstar’s definition of a sustainable fund may be widely used but is not universally embraced. That said, the definition is transparent and its adaptation in the context of SRA Fund Quality Ratings facilitates the assignment of such ratings based on Morningstar’s investment categorization. Focused sustainable Intermediate Core Bond funds: 18 funds, $21.8 billion in assets The focused intermediate core bond funds segment covered by SRA Fund Quality Ratings consists of 18 funds, 41 funds/share classes, with $21.8 billion in net assets as of September 30, 2025, excluding funds that employ leverage, if any, as well as thematic funds. These funds include actively managed and passively managed mutual funds as well as ETFs. Fund quality ratings, which are expressed along a five-point scale that runs from A (highest quality) to E (lowest quality), can be used to screen and select funds and to construct sustainable investment portfolios by investors and financial advisors. Ratings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factors Ratings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factors. These are: (a) Management company. A fund should be offered and managed by an established firm with a positive reputation, to ensure effective fund operations and impart trust and confidence in the organization. (b) Years in operation. The fund should be in operation for at least three years and managed pursuant to the same investment strategy or approach—to provide a sufficiently long but not excessively long view against which to evaluate the fund’s operations, strategy, and performance. Some exceptions may apply. (c) Fund size. The fund’s total net assets should generally exceed around $30 million—so that it may be managed more efficiently and provide some protection against the fund’s early liquidation or closure. Some exceptions may apply, particularly in the case of funds offered by larger, established firms. (d) Total returns. The fund’s performance results, achieved by adhering to a relatively consistent investment strategy and sustainability approach, are evaluated relative to an appropriate securities market index over a one year, three year and five-year intervals, and (e) Expense ratios. A fund’s expense ratio is evaluated relative to other funds in the same investment category/segment. Factors d and e above are evaluated and scored quantitatively, based on a fund’s investment results over the trailing one-, three- and five-year time intervals relative to a designated benchmark as well as a fund’s expense ratio relative to its investment category/segment. Once scored, factors a, b and c are considered, and funds may be excluded from the rated funds universe based on these considerations. Fund quality ratings are then assigned to all remaining funds based on the following distribution: Top 15%=A, next 20%=B, next 30%=C, next 20%=D and final 15%=E. NA indicates that a rating has not been assigned to the fund due to its use of leverage or the fund's exclusion due to the consideration of factors a, b or c, for example, fund size. How to use the ratings? Funds assigned A and B quality ratings are considered primary candidates for the selection of funds and in the construction of a portfolio consisting entirely or partially of sustainable funds. That said, additional research to qualify a fund may be in order. In the case of thematic funds, such as renewable energy funds, investors should keep in mind that some funds may be even more narrowly focused, for example, funds investing in solar or wind energy, while others are broader based, for example, renewable energy. Fund selections should be consistent with an investor’s financial goals and objectives and sustainability preferences. Fund quality ratings are derived based on a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of fundamental factors but do not address a fund's sustainable investing approach and methodology. While certainly relevant, such considerations should be evaluated relative to each individual investor's sustainability preferences, which tend to vary from one investor to the next. Fund Quality Ratings in the A and B rating categories A rated funds Within the focused sustainable intermediate core bond funds segment, two mutual funds, including seven share classes in total, are assigned a fund quality rating in the highest A category. These funds manage $8.0 billion in net assets* and are subject to an average expense ratio of 54 basis points (bps), ranging from 35 bps to 74 bps. The funds recorded average annual returns of 3.2%, 5.21% and -0.07% over the trailing 12-months, 3-years and 5-years ending on September 30, 2025. B rated funds Within the focused sustainable intermediate core bond funds segment, five funds, including six share classes, are assigned fund quality ratings in the second highest B category. On a combined basis, these funds manage $4.7 billion in net assets.* The average expense ratio of the five funds and share classes is 46 basis points, ranging from 15 bps to 20 bps. The B rated funds/share classes posted average annual returns of 3.04%, 4.93% and -0.31% over the trailing 12-months and 3-years and 5-years ending on September 30, 2025. Not rated funds (NR) Two funds/two share classes are not rated due to net assets under management that fall below $30 million as of September 30, 2025. *Net assets apply to rated share classes only. VIEW AS FULL TABLE

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Sustainable Bottom Line: Fund quality ratings can be used by investors, financial intermediaries and other stakeholders to screen, select funds and construct sustainable investment portfolios.SRA Fund Quality Ratings-An ExplanationFund quality ratings are assigned to funds within their designated investment category/segment, as defined by Morningstar. The investment category/segment for which the displayed ratings have been assigned falls into the focused sustainable High Yield Bond Funds investment category, defined as mutual funds and ETFs that primarily invest in lower-quality, below-investment-grade corporate bonds with a higher risk of default, though they offer higher potential yields. A key defining characteristic is that at least 65% of the fund's assets are rated BB or lower by major credit rating agencies. These funds are more vulnerable to economic and credit risk than investment-grade funds. Morningstar’s universe of sustainable funds consists of funds whose official documents indicate a focus on sustainability, impact investing, or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, and it uses binding ESG criteria for investment selection. Funds that only use limited exclusions or non-binding ESG considerations are not categorized as sustainable by Morningstar. It should be noted that Morningstar’s definition of a sustainable fund may be widely used but is not universally embraced. That said, the definition is transparent and its adaptation in the context of SRA Fund Quality Ratings facilitates the assignment of such ratings based on Morningstar’s investment categorization.Focused sustainable High Yield Bond funds: 10 funds, $3.2 billion in assetsThe focused sustainable high yield bond funds segment covered by SRA Fund Quality Ratings consists of 10 funds, 22 funds/share classes, with $3.2 billion in net assets as of September 30, 2025, excluding funds that employ leverage, if any, as well as thematic funds. These funds include actively managed and passively managed mutual funds as well as ETFs. Fund quality ratings, which are expressed along a five-point scale that runs from A (highest quality) to E (lowest quality), can be used to screen and select funds and to construct sustainable investment portfolios by investors and financial advisors.Ratings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factorsRatings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factors. These are: (a) Management company. A fund should be offered and managed by an established firm with a positive reputation, to ensure effective fund operations and impart trust and confidence in the organization. (b) Years in operation. The fund should be in operation for at least three years and managed pursuant to the same investment strategy or approach—to provide a sufficiently long but not excessively long view against which to evaluate the fund’s operations, strategy, and performance. Some exceptions may apply. (c) Fund size. The fund’s total net assets should generally exceed around $30 million—so that it may be managed more efficiently and provide some protection against the fund’s early liquidation or closure. Some exceptions may apply, particularly in the case of funds offered by larger, established firms. (d) Total returns. The fund’s performance results, achieved by adhering to a relatively consistent investment strategy and sustainability approach, are evaluated relative to an appropriate securities market index over a one year, three year and five-year intervals, and (e) Expense ratios. A fund’s expense ratio is evaluated relative to other funds in the same investment category/segment.Factors d and e above are evaluated and scored quantitatively, based on a fund’s investment results over the trailing one-, three- and five-year time intervals relative to a designated benchmark as well as a fund’s expense ratio relative to its investment category/segment. Once scored, factors a, b and c are considered, and funds may be excluded from the rated funds universe based on these considerations. Fund quality ratings are then assigned to all remaining funds based on the following distribution: Top 15%=A, next 20%=B, next 30%=C, next 20%=D and final 15%=E.NR indicates that a rating has not been assigned to the fund due to its use of leverage or the fund's exclusion due to the consideration of factors a, b or c, for example, fund size.How to use the ratings?Funds assigned A and B quality ratings are considered primary candidates for the selection of funds and in the construction of a portfolio consisting entirely or partially of sustainable funds. That said, additional research to qualify a fund may be in order. In the case of thematic funds, such as renewable energy funds, investors should keep in mind that some funds may be even more narrowly focused, for example, funds investing in solar or wind energy, while others are broader based, for example, renewable energy. Fund selections should be consistent with an investor’s financial goals and objectives and sustainability preferences.Fund quality ratings are derived based on a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of fundamental factors but do not address a fund's sustainable investing approach and methodology. While certainly relevant, such considerations should be evaluated relative to each individual investor's sustainability preferences, which tend to vary from one investor to the next.Fund Quality Ratings in the A and B rating categoriesA rated fundsWithin the focused sustainable high yield bond funds segment, only one share class attributable to a single fund is assigned a fund quality rating in the highest A category. The fund’s share class accounts for $892 million in net assets or 99% of the fund’s $898 in combined net assets. The share class is subject to an expense ratio of 57 basis points (bps). The fund’s share class recorded annual returns of 7.64%, 10.89% and 5.55% over the trailing 12-months, 3-years and 5-years ending on September 30, 2025.B rated fundsWithin the focused sustainable high yield bond funds segment, two funds, including three applicable share classes, are assigned fund quality ratings in the second highest B category. On a combined basis, these funds manage $109.1 million in net assets*. The average expense ratio of the two funds, including their three share classes, is 56 basis points, ranging from 53 bps to 58 bps. The B rated funds, including their share classes, posted average annual returns of 7.59% and 10.78% over the trailing 12-months and 3-years ending on September 30, 2025. The funds/share classes were not in operation during the preceding five years.Not rated funds (NR)All funds/share classes are rated.*Net assets applies only to rated funds and their share classes.  VIEW AS FULL TABLE

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Sustainable Bottom Line: Fund quality ratings can be used by investors, financial intermediaries and other stakeholders to screen, select funds and construct sustainable investment portfolios.SRA Fund Quality Ratings-An ExplanationFund quality ratings are assigned to funds within their designated investment category/segment, as defined by Morningstar. The investment category/segment for which the displayed ratings have been assigned falls into the focused sustainable Small Blend funds investment category, defined as mutual funds and ETFs that invest in small-capitalization companies and hold a mix of both value and growth stocks, with neither style dominating their portfolios. The "small-cap" designation refers to companies in the bottom 10% of the U.S. equity market capitalization, while the "blend" style indicates that the funds’ holdings have growth and value characteristics that are close to the small-cap average, rather than a strong bias toward one or the other. Morningstar’s universe of sustainable funds consists of funds whose official documents indicate a focus on sustainability, impact investing, or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, and it uses binding ESG criteria for investment selection. Funds that only use limited exclusions or non-binding ESG considerations are not categorized as sustainable by Morningstar. It should be noted that Morningstar’s definition of a sustainable fund may be widely used but is not universally embraced. That said, the definition is transparent and its adaptation in the context of SRA Fund Quality Ratings facilitates the assignment of such ratings based on Morningstar’s investment categorization.Focused sustainable Small Blend funds: 10 funds, $8.1 billion in assetsThe focused sustainable small blend funds segment covered by SRA Fund Quality Ratings consists of 10 funds, 17 funds/share classes, with $8.1 billion in net assets as of August 31, 2025. The segment excludes funds that employ leverage, if any, as well as thematic-oriented funds (e.g. Hypatia Women CEO ETF) and any funds that have previously announced their liquidation). The funds in the small blend funds segment funds include actively managed and passively managed mutual funds as well as ETFs. Fund quality ratings, which are expressed along a five-point scale that runs from A (highest quality) to E (lowest quality), can be used to screen and select funds and to construct sustainable investment portfolios by investors and financial advisors.Ratings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factorsRatings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factors. These are: (a) Management company. A fund should be offered and managed by an established firm with a positive reputation, to ensure effective fund operations and impart trust and confidence in the organization. (b) Years in operation. The fund should be in operation for at least three years and managed pursuant to the same investment strategy or approach—to provide a sufficiently long but not excessively long view against which to evaluate the fund’s operations, strategy, and performance. Some exceptions may apply. (c) Fund size. The fund’s total net assets should generally exceed around $30 million—so that it may be managed more efficiently and provide some protection against the fund’s early liquidation or closure. Some exceptions may apply, particularly in the case of funds offered by larger, established firms. (d) Total returns. The fund’s performance results, achieved by adhering to a relatively consistent investment strategy and sustainability approach, are evaluated relative to an appropriate securities market index over a one year, three year and five-year intervals, and (e) Expense ratios. A fund’s expense ratio is evaluated relative to other funds in the same investment category/segment.Factors d and e above are evaluated and scored quantitatively, based on a fund’s investment results over the trailing one-, three- and five-year time intervals relative to a designated benchmark as well as a fund’s expense ratio relative to its investment category/segment. Once scored, factors a, b and c are considered, and funds may be excluded from the rated funds universe based on these considerations. Fund quality ratings are then assigned to all remaining funds based on the following distribution: Top 15%=A, next 20%=B, next 30%=C, next 20%=D and final 15%=E.NA indicates that a rating has not been assigned to the fund due to its use of leverage or the fund's exclusion due to the consideration of factors a, b or c, for example, fund size.How to use the ratings?Funds assigned A and B quality ratings are considered primary candidates for the selection of funds and in the construction of a portfolio consisting entirely or partially of sustainable funds. That said, additional research to qualify a fund may be in order. In the case of thematic funds, such as renewable energy funds, investors should keep in mind that some funds may be even more narrowly focused, for example, funds investing in solar or wind energy, while others are broader based, for example, renewable energy. Fund selections should be consistent with an investor’s financial goals and objectives and sustainability preferences.Fund quality ratings are derived based on a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of fundamental factors but do not address a fund's sustainable investing approach and methodology. While certainly relevant, such considerations should be evaluated relative to each individual investor's sustainability preferences, which tend to vary from one investor to the next.Fund Quality Ratings in the A and B rating categoriesA rated fundsWithin the focused sustainable small blend funds segment, just two funds, four funds/share classes, are assigned fund quality ratings in the highest A category. On a combined basis, these funds manage $2.7 billion in net assets. Their average expense ratio, which is skewed by three share classes linked to one of the two funds that’s assigned an A rating, is 84 basis points (bps). Expense ratios range from a low of 17 basis points to a high of 115 bps. Funds assigned A ratings posted average annual returns of 9.7%, 10.5% and 11.4% over the trailing 12-months, 3-years and 5-years ending on August 31, 2025.B rated fundsWithin the focused sustainable small blend funds segment, only one fund offering and its two share classes are assigned fund quality ratings in the second highest B category.  On a combined basis, the fund manages $108.7 million in net assets. The average expense ratio of the two share classes is 102 basis points, ranging from 94 bps to 109 bps. The B rated fund share classes posted average annual returns of 7.2% and 10.5% over the trailing 12-months and 3-years ending on August 31, 2025. Launched in September 2021, the fund’s track record doesn’t extend to five years. VIEW AS FULL TABLE

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Sustainable Bottom Line: Fund quality ratings can be used by investors, financial intermediaries and other stakeholders to screen, select funds and construct sustainable investment portfolios.SRA Fund Quality Ratings-An ExplanationFund quality ratings are assigned to funds within their designated investment category/segment, as defined by Morningstar. The investment category/segment for which the displayed ratings have been assigned falls into the focused sustainable Diversified Emerging Markets funds investment category, defined as mutual funds and ETFs that invest at least 75% of their total assets in equities from developing countries, which have young, developing stock and bond markets and are considered higher-risk due to political and economic instability, though they offer higher long-term growth potential. These funds can invest in equities or debt, and the manager determines if a country is "emerging" based on factors like international financial community recognition (e.g., MSCI Emerging Markets Index) and the country's overall economic development. Morningstar’s universe of sustainable funds consists of funds whose official documents indicate a focus on sustainability, impact investing, or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, and it uses binding ESG criteria for investment selection. Funds that only use limited exclusions or non-binding ESG considerations are not categorized as sustainable by Morningstar. It should be noted that Morningstar’s definition of a sustainable fund may be widely used but is not universally embraced. That said, the definition is transparent and its adaptation in the context of SRA Fund Quality Ratings facilitates the assignment of such ratings based on Morningstar’s investment categorization.Focused sustainable Diversified Emerging Markets funds: 26 funds, $10.1 billion in assetsThe focused sustainable diversified emerging markets funds segment covered by SRA Fund Quality Ratings consists of 26 funds, 53 funds/share classes, with $10.1 billion in net assets as of August 31, 2025, excluding funds that employ leverage, if any. These funds include actively managed and passively managed mutual funds as well as ETFs. Fund quality ratings, which are expressed along a five-point scale that runs from A (highest quality) to E (lowest quality), can be used to screen and select funds and to construct sustainable investment portfolios by investors and financial advisors.Ratings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factorsRatings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factors. These are: (a) Management company. A fund should be offered and managed by an established firm with a positive reputation, to ensure effective fund operations and impart trust and confidence in the organization. (b) Years in operation. The fund should be in operation for at least three years and managed pursuant to the same investment strategy or approach—to provide a sufficiently long but not excessively long view against which to evaluate the fund’s operations, strategy, and performance. Some exceptions may apply. (c) Fund size. The fund’s total net assets should generally exceed around $30 million (all share classes combined in the case of mutual funs)—so that it may be managed more efficiently and provide some protection against the fund’s early liquidation or closure. Some exceptions may apply, particularly in the case of funds offered by larger, established firms. (d) Total returns. The fund’s performance results, achieved by adhering to a relatively consistent investment strategy and sustainability approach, are evaluated relative to an appropriate securities market index over a one year, three year and five-year intervals, and (e) Expense ratios. A fund’s expense ratio is evaluated relative to other funds in the same investment category/segment.Factors d and e above are evaluated and scored quantitatively, based on a fund’s investment results over the trailing one-, three- and five-year time intervals relative to a designated benchmark as well as a fund’s expense ratio relative to its investment category/segment. Once scored, factors a, b and c are considered, and funds may be excluded from the rated funds universe based on these considerations. Fund quality ratings are then assigned to all remaining funds based on the following distribution: Top 15%=A, next 20%=B, next 30%=C, next 20%=D and final 15%=E.NA indicates that a rating has not been assigned to the fund due to its use of leverage or the fund's exclusion due to the consideration of factors a, b or c, for example, fund size.How to use the ratings?Funds assigned A and B quality ratings are considered primary candidates for the selection of funds and in the construction of a portfolio consisting entirely or partially of sustainable funds. That said, additional research to qualify a fund may be in order. In the case of thematic funds, such as renewable energy funds, investors should keep in mind that some funds may be even more narrowly focused, for example, funds investing in solar or wind energy, while others are broader based, for example, renewable energy. Fund selections should be consistent with an investor’s financial goals and objectives and sustainability preferences.Fund quality ratings are derived based on a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of fundamental factors but do not address a fund's sustainable investing approach and methodology. While certainly relevant, such considerations should be evaluated relative to each individual investor's sustainability preferences, which tend to vary from one investor to the next.Fund Quality Ratings in the A and B rating categoriesA rated fundsWithin the focused sustainable diversified emerging markets segment, four funds, six funds/share classes, are assigned fund quality ratings in the highest A category. On a combined basis, these funds manage $1.5 billion in net assets. Their average expense ratio is 82 basis points (bps), ranging from a low of 15 basis points to a high of 116 bps. Funds assigned A ratings posted average annual returns of 21.5%, 14.2% and 7.7% over the trailing 12-months, 3-years and 5-years ending on August 31, 2025.B rated fundsWithin the focused sustainable diversified emerging markets funds segment, six funds, seven funds/share classes are assigned fund quality ratings in the second highest B category. On a combined basis, the funds manage $5.5 billion in net assets. The average expense ratio of the six funds and share classes is 80 basis points, ranging from 26 bps to 126 bps. The B rated funds/share classes posted average annual returns of 20.0%, 12.7% and 3.6% over the trailing 12-months, 3-years and 5-years ending on August 31, 2025. VIEW AS FULL TABLE

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Sustainable Bottom Line: Fund quality ratings can be used by investors, financial intermediaries and other stakeholders to screen, select funds and construct sustainable investment portfolios. SRA Fund Quality Ratings-An Explanation Fund quality ratings are assigned to funds within their designated investment category/segment. The investment category/segment for which the displayed ratings have been assigned falls into the focused sustainable Foreign Large Blend investment category, defined as mutual funds and ETFs that primarily invest in a variety of big international stocks. Most of these portfolios divide their assets among a dozen or more developed markets, including Japan, Britain, France, and Germany. These portfolios primarily invest in stocks that have market caps in the top 70% of each economically integrated market (such as Europe or Asia ex-Japan). The blend style is assigned to portfolios where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. These portfolios typically will have less than 20% of assets invested in U.S. stocks. Performance results are evaluated relative to the MSCI EAFE NR USD Index that serves as their primary index. Morningstar’s universe of sustainable funds consists of funds whose official documents indicate a focus on sustainability, impact investing, or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, and it uses binding ESG criteria for investment selection. Funds that only use limited exclusions or non-binding ESG considerations are not categorized as sustainable by Morningstar. It should be noted that Morningstar’s definition of a sustainable fund may be widely used but is not universally embraced. That said, the definition is transparent and its adaptation in the context of SRA Fund Quality Ratings facilitates the assignment of such ratings based on Morningstar’s investment categorization. Focused sustainable Foreign Large Blend funds: 36 funds, $32.1 billion in assets The focused sustainable large-cap segment covered by SRA Fund Quality Ratings consists of 36 funds, 72 funds/share classes with $32.1 billion in net assets as of July 31, 2025, excluding funds that employ leverage. These funds include actively managed and passively managed mutual funds as well as ETFs. Fund quality ratings, which are expressed along a five-point scale that runs from A (highest quality) to E (lowest quality), can be used to screen and select funds and to construct sustainable investment portfolios by investors and financial advisors. Ratings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factors Ratings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factors. These are: (a) Management company. A fund should be offered and managed by an established firm with a positive reputation, to ensure effective fund operations and impart trust and confidence in the organization. (b) Years in operation. The fund should be in operation for at least three years and managed pursuant to the same investment strategy or approach—to provide a sufficiently long but not excessively long view against which to evaluate the fund’s operations, strategy, and performance. Some exceptions may apply. (c) Fund size. The fund’s total net assets should generally exceed around $30 million (all share classes combined in the case of mutual funs)—so that it may be managed more efficiently and provide some protection against the fund’s early liquidation or closure. Some exceptions may apply, particularly in the case of funds offered by larger, established firms. (d) Total returns. The fund’s performance results, achieved by adhering to a relatively consistent investment strategy and sustainability approach, are evaluated relative to an appropriate securities market index over a one year, three year and five-year intervals, and (e) Expense ratios. A fund’s expense ratio is evaluated relative to other funds in the same investment category/segment. Factors d and e above are evaluated and scored quantitatively, based on a fund’s investment results over the trailing one-, three- and five-year time intervals relative to a designated benchmark as well as a fund’s expense ratio relative to its investment category/segment. Once scored, factors a, b and c are considered, and funds may be excluded from the rated funds universe based on these considerations. Fund quality ratings are then assigned to all remaining funds based on the following distribution: Top 15%=A, next 20%=B, next 30%=C, next 20%=D and final 15%=E. NA indicates that a rating has not been assigned to the fund due to its use of leverage or the fund's exclusion due to the consideration of factors a, b or c, for example, fund size. How to use the ratings? Funds assigned A and B quality ratings are considered primary candidates for the selection of funds and in the construction of a portfolio consisting entirely or partially of sustainable funds. That said, additional research to qualify a fund may be in order. In the case of thematic funds, such as renewable energy funds, investors should keep in mind that some funds may be even more narrowly focused, for example, funds investing in solar or wind energy, while others are broader based, for example, renewable energy. Fund selections should be consistent with an investor’s financial goals and objectives and sustainability preferences. Fund quality ratings are derived based on a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of fundamental factors but do not address a fund's sustainable investing approach and methodology. While certainly relevant, such considerations should be evaluated relative to each individual investor's sustainability preferences, which tend to vary from one investor to the next. Fund Quality Ratings in the A and B rating categories A rated funds Within the focused sustainable large-cap segment, five funds, 10 funds/share classes, were assigned fund quality ratings in the highest A category. On a combined basis, these funds managed almost $6.0 billion in net assets. Their average expense ratio is 87 basis points (bps), ranging from a low of 9 basis points to a high of 192 bps. (The average expense ratio is reduced to 62 bps when three funds with the highest expense ratios, >1%, are excluded). A rated funds posted average annual returns of 15.41%, 15.11% and 10.74% over the trailing 12-months, 3-years and 5-years ending on July 31, 2025. B rated funds Within the focused sustainable large-cap segment, eight funds, 11 funds/share classes, were assigned fund quality ratings in the second highest B category. On a combined basis, these funds manage $8.2 billion in net assets. Their average expense ratio is 40 basis points, ranging from a low of 1 bps to a high of 102 bps. B rated funds posted average annual returns of 13.64%, 12.40% and 9.23% over the trailing 12-months, 3-years and 5-years ending on July 31, 2025. VIEW AS FULL TABLE

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Sustainable Bottom Line: Fund quality ratings can be used by investors, financial intermediaries and other stakeholders to screen, select funds and construct sustainable investment portfolios. SRA Fund Quality Ratings-An Explanation: Fund quality ratings are assigned to funds within their designated investment category/segment. The investment category/segment for which the displayed ratings have been assigned falls into the focused sustainable large-cap investment category, defined as mutual funds and ETFs that primarily invest in large US companies, specifically those within the top 70% of the US equity market's capitalization. Morningstar’s universe of sustainable funds consists of funds whose official documents indicate a focus on sustainability, impact investing, or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, and it uses binding ESG criteria for investment selection. Funds that only use limited exclusions or non-binding ESG considerations are not categorized as sustainable by Morningstar. It should be noted that Morningstar’s definition of a sustainable fund may be widely used but is not universally embraced. That said, the definition is transparent and its adaptation in the context of SRA Fund Quality Ratings facilitates the assignment of such ratings based on Morningstar’s investment categorization. Focused sustainable large-cap funds: 73 funds, $144.5 billion in assets The focused sustainable large-cap segment covered by SRA Fund Quality Ratings consists of 73 funds, The focused sustainable large-cap segment covered by SRA Fund Quality Ratings consists of 73 funds, 161 funds/share classes with $144.5 billion in net assets as of May 30, 2025, excluding funds that employ leverage. These funds include actively managed and passively managed mutual funds as well as ETFs. Fund quality ratings, which are expressed along a five-point scale that runs from A (highest quality) to E (lowest quality), can be used to screen and select funds and to construct sustainable investment portfolios by investors and financial advisors. Ratings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factors Ratings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factors. These Ratings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five fundamental factors. These are: (a) Management company. A fund should be offered and managed by an established firm with a positive reputation, to ensure effective fund operations and impart trust and confidence in the organization. (b) Years in operation. The fund should be in operation for at least three years and managed pursuant to the same investment strategy or approach—to provide a sufficiently long but not excessively long view against which to evaluate the fund’s operations, strategy, and performance. Some exceptions may apply. (c) Fund size. The fund’s total net assets should generally exceed around $30 million—so that it may be managed more efficiently and provide some protection against the fund’s early liquidation or closure. Some exceptions may apply, particularly in the case of funds offered by larger, established firms. (d) Total returns. The fund’s performance results, achieved by adhering to a relatively consistent investment strategy and sustainability approach, are evaluated relative to an appropriate securities market index over a one year, three year and five-year intervals, and (e) Expense ratios. A fund’s expense ratio is evaluated relative to other funds in the same investment category/segment. Factors d and e above are evaluated and scored quantitatively, based on a fund’s investment results over the trailing one-, three- and five-year time intervals relative to a designated benchmark as well as a fund’s expense ratio relative to its investment category/segment. Once scored, factors a, b and c are considered, and funds may be excluded from the rated funds universe based on these considerations. Fund quality ratings are then assigned to all remaining funds based on the following distribution: Top 15%=A, next 20%=B, next 30%=C, next 20%=D and final 15%=E. NA indicates that a rating has not been assigned to the fund due to its use of leverage or the fund's exclusion due to the consideration of factors a, b or c, for example, fund size. How to use the ratings? Funds assigned A and B quality ratings are considered primary candidates for the selection of funds and in the construction of a portfolio consisting entirely or partially of sustainable funds. That said, additional research to qualify a fund may be in order. In the case of thematic funds, such as renewable energy funds, investors should keep in mind that some funds may be even more narrowly focused, for example, funds investing in solar or wind energy, while others are broader based, for example, renewable energy. Fund selections should be consistent with an investor’s financial goals and objectives and sustainability preferences. Fund quality ratings are derived based on a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of fundamental factors but do not address a fund's sustainable investing approach and methodology. While certainly relevant, such considerations should be evaluated relative to each individual investor's sustainability preferences, which tend to vary from one investor to the next. Fund Quality Ratings in the A and B rating categories A rated funds Within the focused sustainable large-cap segment, 14 funds, 22 funds/share classes, were assigned fund quality ratings in the highest A category. On a combined basis, these funds managed $41.8 billion in net assets. Their average expense ratio is 57 basis points (bps), ranging from a low of 2 basis points to a high of 132 bps. These funds posted average annual returns of 14.04%, 15.44% and 15.84% over the trailing 12-months, 3-years and 5-years ending in May 2025. B rated funds Within the focused sustainable large-cap segment, 12 funds, 22 funds/share classes, were assigned fund quality ratings in the second highest B category. On a combined basis, these funds managed $8.8 billion in net assets. Their average expense ratio is 43 basis points, ranging from a low of 1 bps to a high of 75 bps. These funds posted average annual returns of 10.76%, 13.70% and 16.28% over the trailing 12-months, 3-years and 5-years ending in May 2025. VIEW AS FULL TABLE

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Sustainable Bottom Line:  Fund quality ratings, ranging from A to E, can be used to screen and construct sustainable investment portfolios by investors and advisors. SRA quality ratings-An Explanation: Fund quality ratings are assigned to funds within their designated investment category/segment. The investment category/segment for which the the displayed ratings have been assigned falls into the thematic renewable energy segment, defined as mutual funds and ETFs that aim to invest in companies across sectors that will drive and benefit from the energy transformation. The segment covers 38 funds/share classes with $4.2 billion in net assets as of May 30, 2025, excluding funds that employ leverage. Fund quality ratings, which are expressed along a five-point scale that runs from A (highest quality) to E (lowest quality), can be used to screen and construct sustainable investment portfolios by investors and financial advisors. Ratings combine qualitative as well as quantitative considerations and are derived based on an assessment of five factors. The first three, which are evaluated qualitatively, are: (a) Management company. The fund should be offered and managed by an established firm with a positive reputation, to ensure effective fund operations and instill trust and confidence in the organization. (b) Years in operation. The fund should be in operation for at least three years and managed pursuant to the same investment strategy—to provide a sufficiently long but not excessively long view against which to evaluate the fund’s operations, strategy, and performance. Some exceptions may apply.  (c) Fund size. The fund’s total net assets should exceed $30 million—so that it may be managed more efficiently and to provide some protection against the fund’s early liquidation or closure. Some exceptions may apply in the case of funds offered by larger, established firms. The next two factors, which are evaluated quantitatively via a scoring methodology, are: (d) Total returns. The fund’s performance results, achieved by adhering to a relatively consistent investment strategy and sustainability approach, are evaluated relative to an appropriate securities market index over a one year, three year and five-year intervals, and (e) Expense ratio. The fund’s expense ratio is evaluated relative to other funds in the same investment category/segment. One evaluated and scored, fund quality ratings are distributed as follows: Top 15%=A, next 20%=B, next 30%=C, next 20%=D and final 15%=E. NA indicates that a rating has not been assigned to the fund due to its use of leverage or the fund's failure to meet one of the minimum requirements, for example, fund size. How to use the ratings? Funds with quality ratings in the “A” and “B” category levels are  considered primary candidates in constructing a portfolio consisting entirely or partially of sustainable funds. That said, additional research to qualify a fund may be in order.  In the case of thematic funds, such as renewable energy funds, investors should keep in mind that some funds are even more narrowly focused, for example, funds investing in solar or wind energy, while others are broader based, for example, renewable energy. Fund selections should be consistent with an investor’s financial and sustainability goals and objectives. It should be noted that the ratings do not address the fund's sustainable investing approach and methodology.   While certainly relevant, such considerations should be evaluated relative to each individual investor's sustainability preferences which tend to vary from one investor to the next. VIEW AS FULL TABLE

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Research

Research and analysis to keep sustainable investors up to-date on a broad range of topics that include trends and developments in sustainable investing and sustainable finance, regulatory updates, performance results and considerations, investing through index funds and actively managed portfolios, asset allocation updates, expenses, ESG ratings and data, company and product news, green, social and sustainable bonds, green bond funds as well as reporting and disclosure practices, to name just a few.

A continuously updated Funds Directory is also available to investors.  This is intended to become a comprehensive listing of sustainable mutual funds, ETFs and other investment products along with a description of their sustainable investing approaches as set out in fund prospectuses and related regulatory filings.

Getting started

Many questions have surfaced in recent years regarding sustainable and ESG investing.  Here, investors and financial intermediaries will find materials that describe the various approaches to sustainable investing and their implementation.  While sustainable investing approaches vary and they have thus far defied universally accepted definitions, many practitioners agree that they fall into the following broad categories:  Values-based investing, investing via exclusions, impact investing, thematic investments and ESG integration.  In conjunction with each of these approaches, investors may also adopt various issuer engagement procedures and proxy voting practices.  That said, sustainable investing approaches will continue to evolve.

In addition to periodic updates regarding sustainable investing and how this form of investing is evolving, investors and financial intermediaries interested in implementing a sustainable investing approach will also find source materials that cover basic investing themes as well as asset allocation tactics.

Inesting ideas

Thoughts and ideas targeting sustainable investing strategies executed through various registered and non-registered sustainable investment funds and products such as mutual funds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs), closed-end funds, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Unit Investment Trusts (UITs). Coverage extends to investment management firms as well as fund groups. 

Independent source for sustainable investment management company research, analysis, opinions and sustainable fund disclosure assessments