Dutch corporate websites show strengths in carers but fall short in financial disclosure

By Freja Nilsson

Exploring the digital corporate communications among the Netherlands' largest companies, our Webranking survey unveils key insights into their performance against European standards.

In our recent Webranking survey focusing on the Netherlands, 31 of the largest companies by market capitalisation were evaluated to assess their digital corporate communications effectiveness. The average score for Dutch companies stood at 46.7 points, marginally below the European average of 47 points.

When summarising the Dutch results we notice the following:

Career information strength: Dutch companies outperform the European average in career information, with a 54% fulfilment of criteria. They excel in communicating career progression opportunities at 58%, above the European average of 41%.
Financial information transparency: Dutch companies need to enhance transparency in financial information, particularly in risk management and share performance details.
Analyst information: A low percentage of Dutch companies present analyst recommendations (8%) and consensus estimates (27%) on their websites, falling behind the European averages of 17% and 35%, respectively.
Risk management communication: A gap exists in the presentation of specific risk types by Dutch companies, with none of the ranked providing information on environmental, health and safety, or geopolitical risk.

Careers information is still slightly above the European average

One of the strengths of Dutch companies is their presentation of career information on their websites. They have, on average, fulfilled 54% of the criteria in this section, which compares with the European average of 51%.

Specifically, Dutch companies excel in showcasing career progression opportunities. 58% of the evaluated Dutch companies effectively communicated career progression opportunities, surpassing the European average of 41%. This strength demonstrates Dutch companies' commitment to transparency and engagement with potential employees, an important factor in talent attraction and retention.

ASM International present a well-structured and informative page explaining their view on career development, from onboarding to switching roles within the company. This kind of information is attractive to potential employees looking for career progression and personal development opportunities, thereby enhancing ASM's reputation as an employer of choice.

Financial information continues to fall behind

There is a need for Dutch companies to improve transparency in financial information, especially in presenting detailed risk management information and share performance information.

Analyst information an area of improvement

Dutch companies show an average of 32% criteria fulfilment in presenting share performance information, lagging behind the European average of 37%.

Few of the ranked companies present analyst recommendations directly on their websites. Only 8% present individual estimates, compared with the European average of 17%. Analyst recommendations provide valuable insights and independent perspectives on a company's performance and prospects. They are instrumental for investors in making informed decisions. Dutch companies can improve their transparency by integrating these recommendations into their digital communication strategies.

Furthermore, when it comes to presenting consensus estimates, the situation slightly improves, with 27% of Dutch companies including this information. However, this figure also falls short of the European average of 35%. The presentation of consensus estimates is a key element in providing a balanced and comprehensive view of a company's financial standing and market expectations, making it an important area for Dutch companies to focus on.

Randstad present consensus estimates for a wide range of key figures per quarter and full year.

Risk management presentation is lacking

The current state of risk management communication among Dutch companies reveals a significant discrepancy in how they present general versus specific risk information compared to European averages. While 38% of Dutch companies align with the European average in presenting their general risk management routines or processes, there is a shortfall when it comes to detailing specific risks that are relevant to their businesses.

Specific risk types, such as environmental, health and safety, or geopolitical risks, are important for stakeholders to understand the full spectrum of challenges a company might face. However, the data shows a concerning gap: none of the ranked Dutch companies provided information on these specific risk types. This compares with the European average, where 18% of companies fulfil the criteria.

Top performers

Shell keep first place on the Dutch ranking list and perform well in Reporting and Sustainability. They have been the best-performing Dutch company for four years in a row.

Unilever have climbed one place since last year and show strong performance in About us and Sustainability.

Heineken have also climbed one place, now taking place in the Dutch top three. Their strongest areas are Reporting and Sustainability.

Best climber

ASM International are the Dutch company that have improved their score the most since last year, with an improvement of 14.1 points. They perform especially well in presenting Careers and About us information.

Top 10 - Netherlands

Rank	Company	Sector	Score
1	Shell	Energy	60.3
2	Unilever	Personal Care, Drug and Grocery Stores	60
3	Heineken	Food, Beverage and Tobacco	58.6
4	ArcelorMittal	Basic Resources	57
5	ASML Holding	Technology	56.8
6	Airbus	Industrial Goods and Services	53.7
7	Philips	Health Care	52.4
8	Randstad	Industrial Goods and Services	51.3
9	Ahold Delhaize	Personal Care, Drug and Grocery Stores	50.9
10	ASM International	Technology	50.2