Through in-depth knowledge and research of an industry’s competitive landscape and regulatory context, along with management dialogue, we evaluate a company’s adherence to environmental restrictions and regulations and determine whether they are acting responsibly. We are alert to significant polluters or those creating large environmental liabilities. Companies that innovatively leverage their existing research platforms to develop new, sustainable technologies and solutions are favored.
We are drawn to companies that create real sustainable value for their clients and where the benefits are shared equitably between stakeholders. With a primary focus on large high-profile companies around the world, we gain comfort that the social issues of these firms are continuously monitored and scrutinized by the market and that their labor policies are highly visible. As a firm, we have never invested in companies with significant revenues coming from the tobacco industry. In addition to the ethical aspects, our fear is that these companies could at some point incur significant health-related liabilities. We have not wished to profit from the gaming industry and have hence avoided all investment in this sector. We are committed to shareholder advocacy in order to proactively influence corporate decisions to ensure that companies improve their labor practices and policies.