iSoftStone Achieves Major Breakthrough in ESG: Earns Top AAA Rating from SZSE CNI Index

As a field with high consensus between Eastern and Western perspectives and a critical measure of a company's sustainable development capacity, ESG is receiving increasing global attention. ESG ratings have become a key factor in the investment decisions of major international institutions.

Recently, according to the latest data from the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) CNI Index ESG rating, iSoftStone Information Technology (Group) Co., Ltd. (referred to as "iSoftStone", stock code 301236.SZ) has achieved a significant ESG rating upgrade, advancing from an AA rating to the AAA rating for the first time. This achievement marks another major breakthrough in iSoftStone's standing in mainstream domestic ESG ratings.

The SZSE CNI Index combines international standards with Chinese ESG values to offer comprehensive, multi-level ESG investment services for both domestic and international investors. The CNI Index ESG evaluation system is structured across four levels, focusing on three main dimensions: Environmental (E), Social Responsibility (S), and Corporate Governance (G). These dimensions are assessed across 15 themes, 32 fields, and more than 200 indicators. The CNI Index ESG rating system features ten levels: AAA, AA, A, BBB, BB, B, CCC, CC, C, and D, reflecting a company's relative ESG performance within the market. It uses customized indicators and weights based on the evaluated equity's main business category, integrating both international concerns and domestic priorities.

In 2024, iSoftStone's leading practices and strong performance in environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance have led to across-the-board improvements in various mainstream ESG ratings, both domestic and international. Among eight major domestic rating agencies—Wind, SZSE CNI Index, CSI, China Reform Holdings, Sino-Securities Index, CCXGF, SynTao Green Finance, and IIGF—iSoftStone received an A-level rating or higher in each, achieving AA ratings from Wind, CSI, and China Reform Holdings, and an AAA rating from SZSE CNI Index. In addition, following its inclusion in the MSCI China Index by the internationally renowned MSCI index agency in 2023, iSoftStone's MSCI ESG rating continued its upward trend in 2024. This progress highlights the effectiveness of iSoftStone's ESG strategy and implementation, demonstrating the growing recognition of iSoftStone's long-term investment value and ESG management and practices in both domestic and international capital markets.

iSoftStone actively leverages technological strength to drive ESG practices, advancing Data-AI management and business, proprietary core technologies, and green production and operations. This leadership in industry transformation enables enterprises to enhance quality and efficiency, creating a solid foundation for the sustainable growth of the green economy with stronger development momentum. We will continue to deepen our understanding of the intrinsic connection between ESG practices and value creation, collaborating with ecosystem partners to build a sustainable future.