Following Morningstar® equity classification methodology, stocks are classified in one of 11 sectors. The sectors are grouped in three 'supersectors': Cyclical, Defensive and Sensitive.
Cyclical
Industries significantly impacted by economic shifts
Basic Materials
Companies that manufacture chemicals, building materials and paper products. This sector also includes companies engaged in commodities exploration and processing. Companies in this sector include ArcelorMittal, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.
Consumer Cyclical
This sector includes retail stores, auto and auto parts manufacturers, companies engaged in residential construction, lodging facilities, restaurants and entertainment companies. Companies in this sector include Ford Motor Company, McDonald’s and News Corporation.
Financial Services
Companies that provide financial services which includes banks, savings and loans, asset management companies, credit services, investment brokerage firms, and insurance companies. Companies in this sector include Allianz, J.P. Morgan Chase and Legg Mason.
Real Estate
This sector includes mortgage companies, property management companies and REITs. Companies in this sector include Kimco Realty Corporation, Vornado Realty Trust and Westfield Group.
Defensive
Industries that are relatively immune to economic cycles
Consumer Defensive
Companies engaged in the manufacturing of food, beverages, household and personal products, packaging, or tobacco. Also includes companies that provide services such as education & training services. Companies in this sector include Philip Morris International, Procter & Gamble and Wal-Mart Stores.
Healthcare
This sector includes biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, research services, home healthcare, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and medical equipment and supplies. Companies in this sector include Astra Zeneca, Pfizer and Roche Holding.
Utilities
Electric, gas, and water utilities. Companies in this sector include Electricité de France, Exelon and PG&E Corporation.
Sensitive
Industries which ebb and flow with the overall economy, but not severely so
Communication Services
Companies that provide communication services using fixed-line networks or those that provide wireless access and services. This sector also includes companies that provide internet services such as access, navigation and internet related software and services. Companies in this sector include AT&T, France Telecom and Verizon Communications.
Energy
Companies that produce or refine oil and gas, oil field services and equipment companies, and pipeline operators. This sector also includes companies engaged in the mining of coal. Companies in this sector include BP, ExxonMobil and Royal Dutch Shell.
Industrials
Companies that manufacture machinery, hand-held tools and industrial products. This sector also includes aerospace and defense firms as well as companied engaged in transportations and logistic services. Companies in this sector include 3M, Boeing and Siemens.
Technology
Companies engaged in the design, development, and support of computer operating systems and applications. This sector also includes companies that provide computer technology consulting services. Also includes companies engaged in the manufacturing of computer equipment, data storage products, networking products, semi¬conductors, and components. Companies in this sector include Apple, Google and Microsoft.
Comparison to GICS sectors
Morningstar | GICS |
Basic Materials | Materials |
Communication Services | Communication Services |
Consumer Cyclical | Consumer Discretionary |
Consumer Defensive | Consumer Staples |
Energy | Energy |
Financial Services | Financials |
Healthcare | Health Care |
Industrials | Industrials |
Real Estate | Real Estate |
Technology | Information Technology |
Utilities | Utilities |