
The 28th edition of the Webranking research reveals an encouraging improvement for Switzerland, with the country’s average score increasing by nearly two points compared to last year. Swiss representation in the EU500 ranking has also strengthened, with nine companies now among the top 100, up from seven in the previous edition. This progress secures Switzerland’s seventh-place position among the 17 European countries included in the study.
In a landscape reshaped by the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Artificial Intelligence, and rising transparency demands from stakeholders, companies face not only challenges but also opportunities to redefine their communication strategies with greater credibility and distinction.
The research, conducted by Lundquist in collaboration with Comprend, evaluates how leading European companies meet stakeholder expectations, identifying gaps between what is communicated and what is required for true transparency.
2024-2025 Results: Switzerland’s performance
Swiss companies continue to make strides in demonstrating their transparency and communicating effectively with a wider range of stakeholders, with notable leaders standing out in the EU500 ranking.
Givaudan and Swisscom, ranked 8th and 13th respectively, are exemplary models of how Swiss businesses can compete at the highest European level. Sika (25th) and Barry Callebaut (33rd) also reinforce Switzerland’s presence in the top 50, reflecting strong performance across diverse industries. Swiss Life’s achievement as the “best improver” in Switzerland, with a +9.1 score increase, and Helvetia Group’s +8.1 gain further demonstrate the potential for rapid progress when companies focus on a strategic approach to corporate communications.
Despite these successes, the results point to a broader inconsistency in Switzerland’s overall performance. The country’s average score of 49.7% slightly surpasses the European average (48.4%) but lags behind leaders like Finland (70.6%), Sweden (53.9%), and Italy (53.7%). More critically, over half of Swiss companies (58%) fail to reach 50 points (out of 100), indicating that many don’t meet basic transparency expectations. This gap is underscored by the fact that three Swiss companies are ranked among the bottom 50 in the EU500.
Swiss companies have shown they can excel, with several proving themselves as European leaders. The challenge now is for the broader market to follow suit and bridge the gap between top performers and laggards.
Shifts in the European sector rankings
The 2024-2025 Webranking study highlights significant shifts in the sector rankings compared to the last edition (2023-24). The Basic Resources industry remains the top performer for the second year running, maintaining its lead as a benchmark for corporate excellence. Meanwhile, Telecommunications makes an impressive leap from 7th to 2nd place, reflecting a six-point score increase, with Swisscom continuing to set the standard as the sector leader. The Energy sector climbs from 4th to 3rd, bolstered by strong performances from Italian companies Snam and Eni, both securing long-standing positions in the Top 5. By contrast, the Chemicals sector, previously among the top three, slips to 5th despite the strong performance of Givaudan, the only Swiss company featured in this year’s European Top 10.
The Healthcare sector holds steady at 10th place, showing a slight improvement with a one-point increase in its average score, led by notable performances from Swiss companies Sonova and Roche. In contrast, Banks and Financial Services show minimal progress grappling with persistent challenges in financial communication, though UBS stands out as the top-performing Swiss company in this sector. The Construction and Materials sector slips from 5th to 7th, but Sika delivers an excellent performance, ranking second in the sector and maintain its position in the European Top 30.
The Industrial Goods and Services sector gained momentum this year, advancing two places to 9th, driven by the participation of nine Swiss companies. Similarly, the Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector, led by consistent Barry Callebaut, registers an improvement, climbing two positions from the 9th to the 11th.
Corporate Communication: Redefining its purpose
Nearly three decades after the launch of the Webranking research, corporate communication is undergoing profound changes. The CSRD is pushing companies toward greater transparency and standardized reporting, while artificial intelligence is reshaping data analysis. In this context, clear and authentic communication is essential for companies to reflect their identities effectively.
The corporate website remains a strategic tool for providing reliable information and engaging increasingly demanding audiences. However, it must transcend being a mere repository of financial statements. Companies need to craft cross-functional narratives that connect various aspects of their business strategy and articulate their role in the broader world.
Organizations that deliver credible, evidence-based content, while acknowledging both their challenges and achievements, gain a competitive edge – especially as AI increasingly influences online searches. Yet, corporate communication must extend beyond the institutional website to encompass the entire business ecosystem, engaging clients and consumers alike. Addressing critical issues such as human rights, DE&I (diversity, equity, and inclusion), sustainability, and innovation will be essential in this evolving landscape.
Whitepaper
Webranking Europe 500 Switzerland
2024-2025

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“In the era of the CSRD, businesses cannot afford to be confined by compliance alone. Standing out requires the courage to make bold decisions and prioritize the issues that will shape the company’s future.”