The number of companies achieving an “A” score in at least one category in research provider and environmental disclosure system CDP’s annual assessment jumped by 30% in 2024, but still represented only 2% of disclosing companies, CDP reported.

CDP runs a global environmental disclosure system, enabling investors and other stakeholders to measure and track organization’s performance in key environmental sustainability areas including climate, forests, and water security.

In 2024, a record of more than 22,700 companies disclosed through CDP, up 8% over the prior year. Of these companies, nearly all (98%) received a climate score, while 6,500 received a water score, and 1,600 received a forests score. CDP awards “A” scores to companies that provide the most accurate picture of their environmental impact in each category, and are best equipped to take actions to mitigate their impacts.

For the 2024 disclosure cycle, CDP reported that 515 companies achieved A List status, or 2% of all disclosing companies, up from 396 companies in 2023. By category, 462 companies were awarded A scores for Climate, up by 33%, and 133 companies received A scores for Water Security, up 32%, while the number of companies on the Forests A List fell slightly to 26, from 30 in the prior year.

With the annual results, CDP also released research indicating that A List companies outperform their peers, with analysis showing an average of 6% higher stock returns over the past decade.

According to CDP, only 8 companies achieved a “Triple A” in 2024, reaching top scores in each environmental category. Triple A companies included L’Oréal, Kering, British American Tobacco, KAO Corporation, Uni-Charm Corporation, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Metsä Board Corporation, and Marfrig Global Foods S/A.

By region, CDP reported that for climate and water, Asia had the most A List companies followed by Europe and the Americas, while Europe had the most A List companies for forests, followed by Asia and the Americas.

CDP Sherry Madera said:

“Thank you to all of you who disclosed through CDP. You are championing transparency and good governance. Congratulations to the 2024 A List – representing every major sector with disclosures across climate, water and forests topics. These business leaders know something important: Earth-positive action drives opportunity and growth.”