Q4 2020 spotlight on

ENGAGING FOR A GREENER FUTURE
Why engagement is an effective way to support the energy sector’s transition to a lower-carbon future.
Highlights from Q4 2020
- We voted at
61
Annual General Meetings
+
31
Extraordinary General Meetings
on behalf of our clients
- We engaged with
41
companies
for the primary purpose of raising ESG concerns
-
Examples of engagement with companies included matters such as:
- diversity and inclusion
- supply chains
- climate change
- human capital management
- compensation
- energy transition
- environmental solutions
- board effectiveness
- succession planning
- product safety
Voting profile: Q4 2020
During the quarter, we exercised our clients’ voting rights at a total of 92 shareholder meetings.
Across all regions, votes were instructed against management recommendations on 85 separate resolutions, which equated to 27.2% of the 92 meetings.
1 In favour of management on all resolutions.
2 Against management on one or more resolutions.
3 Took no action owing to share blocking.

10
took no action3

57
in favour of management1

0
abstained

25
against management2
Key issues of concern
ESG quality reviews
We conduct quality reviews analysing the separate ESG aspects of all companies our global sector analysts are considering recommending for investment. These quality reviews are undertaken by our responsible investment team who award an ESG rating score out of 10. Each quarter key issues of concern are identified and are closely monitored by our responsible investment analysts.
Executive pay arrangements failing to reflect the impact of Covid-19 on the business and employees.
Companies’ continued timidity in disclosing their approach and targets in relation to corporate social responsibility and sustainability matters.
Nascent policies and processes addressing specific ESG concerns, such as climate change.

