
The 28th edition of the Webranking Europe 500 study reveals a mixed performance for Austrian companies: significant strides among top performers are contrasted by challenges for those further down the list. Leading the way, Wienerberger claims the top spot in Austria after a three-year absence form the research, followed by OMV Group and Verbund. Conducted by Lundquist in collaboration with Comprend, this comprehensive study evaluates the transparency of corporate communications across the 500 largest listed European companies, based on market capitalization in the STOXX All Europe 800 index.
“In the era of 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.”
Austria’s performance in the 2024-25 edition
This year’s Webranking Europe 500 showcases significant progress for Austrian companies, with an average score of 52.6 out of 100 – 3.2 points higher than last year. This improvement places Austria above the European average of 48.4, with only one company, BAWAG Group, falling below this benchmark. These results highlight Austria’s growing commitment to transparency in corporate communication.
OMV Group and Andritz lead the way as “best improvers” in Austria, with gains of +4.8 and +4.6 points respectively. This upward momentum has also propelled Austria to a new milestone: two Austrian companies, Wienerberger and OMV Group, now rank among the top 100 in Europe, compared to just one last year.
However, not all companies shared in this success. While Andritz continues to climb up the ranking, the other three Austrian companies included in the research saw declines in their positions, highlighting the challenge of keeping pace with Europe’s top performers. Despite these setbacks, the overall trend for Austria remains positive, reflecting steady progress in aligning with European best practices and enhancing corporate communication standards.
Austria compared to the rest of Europe
Despite the limited representation of Austrian companies in the research sample, Austria secures 6th place among the 23 European countries included in this year’s Webranking study. Last year, the country stood out for its strong communication efforts aimed at journalists and the press.
Instead, this year, Austria outperforms the European average in areas related to reporting, where it ranks second, just behind Finland, as well as communication aimed at the press and engagement with jobseekers. Additionally, Austria has made remarkable progress in sustainability communication, with an 18% increase over last year. This improvement demonstrates a growing commitment to transparency and alignment with evolving expectations in corporate responsibility.
However, Austria continues to lag in the investor relations section, scoring only 29% – the lowest among all categories. While this marks a 9% improvement from last year, it remains the country’s most significant challenge.
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.
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