renaissance technologies proxy voting guidelines

May 15, 2023 0 Comments

As such, we will generally oppose proposals requesting the adoption of cumulative voting, which may disproportionately aggregate votes on certain issues or director candidates. WebGlass Lewis 2023 Proxy Voting Policy Guidelines are now available for the United States and Canada, Continental Europe, the UK, and ESG. Web2022 Policy Guidelines United States 2 Table of Contents opinion on our proxy research directly to the voting decision makers at every investor client in time for voting decisions to be made or changed. WebInvesting involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Webproxy voting principles and philosophy discussed in the Invesco Global Proxy Policy. 3 - vested Artisan Partners with proxy voting authority or has reserved or delegated that responsibility to another designated person; and - adopted a proxy voting policy that Artisan Partners is required to follow. Comprehensive disclosures provide investors with a sense of the companys long-term risk management practices and, more broadly, the quality of the boards oversight. [8] We recognize that it may take time and that companies with smaller market capitalizations and in certain sectors may face more challenges in pursuing diversity. In cases where a board unilaterally adopts exclusive forum provisions that we consider unfavorable to the interests of shareholders, we will vote against the Independent Chair or Lead Independent director and members of the nominating/governance committee. Sandy Boss is Global Head of Investment Stewardship, John Roe is Head of Investment Stewardship (BIS) in the Americas, and Jessica McDougall is a Director at BlackRock Inc. Although we have historically opposed most plans, we may support plans that include a reasonable qualifying offer clause. Such clauses typically require shareholder ratification of the pill and stipulate a sunset provision whereby the pill expires unless it is renewed. MFS Proxy Voting Committee. &/%C`6c l`T8N! BIS may support shareholder proposals requesting to put extraordinary benefits contained in supplemental executive retirement plans (SERP) to a shareholder vote unless the companys executive pension plans do not contain excessive benefits beyond what is offered under employee-wide plans. As discussed more fully below in Section D of this Policy, depending on the proposal, an Approved Guideline may provide that Lazard should vote for or Shareholders should have the opportunity to review substantial governance changes individually without having to accept bundled proposals. Dodge & Cox Funds are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC, which is not affiliated with Dodge & Cox. Boards should disclose how the corporate governance structures adopted upon a companys initial public offering (IPO) are in shareholders best long-term interests. BIS recognizes the critical importance of financial statements to provide a complete and accurate portrayal of a companys financial condition. For example, we recognize that topics around taxation and tax reporting are within the domain of local, state, and federal authorities. ? q+Hv~ IicC"%l|lc?gN.yV^}v]wmY]Mtuw?aY:M}Q]1_/)f_Xe[iRVyxrI^r.%"W`O`!q 2036 41 A companys approach to human capital management (HCM) is a critical factor in fostering an inclusive, diverse, and engaged workforce, which contributes to business continuity, innovation, and long-term value creation. In particular, where a director maintains a Chair role of a publicly listed company in European markets, we may consider that responsibility as equal to two board commitments, consistent with our EMEA Proxy Voting Guidelines. Proxy Voting Guidelines: TRPA. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Voting guidelines. We will consider a variety of possible voting outcomes in contested situations, including the ability to support a mix of management and dissident nominees. It is our view that well-run companies will effectively evaluate and manage material sustainability-related risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses. Self identified board demographic diversity can usefully be disclosed in aggregate, consistent with local law. Companies with multiple share classes should receive shareholder approval of their capital structure on a periodic basis via a management proposal on the companys proxy. A companys board of directors should put in place a compensation structure that balances incentivizing, rewarding, and retaining executives appropriately across a wide range of business outcomes. We believe boards should aspire to meaningful diversity of membership, at least consistent with local regulatory requirements and best practices, while recognizing that building a strong, diverse board can take time. In addition, to the extent that an auditor fails to reasonably identify and address issues that eventually lead to a significant financial restatement, or the audit firm has violated standards of practice, we may also vote against ratification. We may oppose plans that provide for the acceleration of vesting of equity awards even in situations where an actual change of control may not occur. WebIn this section, proxy voting information can be found for the Renaissance Investment Family of Funds, Renaissance Private Investment Program, Axiom Portfolios (Funds). In our view, a strong board provides a competitive advantage to a company, providing valuable oversight and contributing to the most important management decisions that support long-term financial performance. Review recommendations for proxies where the Guidelines specify that the issues are to be determined on a caseby--case basis and ensure such proxies are voted in accordance with these Policies and Guidelines; and Monitoring Proxy Vendor Oversights proxy voting activities (see below). For this reason, BIS sees engagement with and the election of directors as one of our most critical responsibilities. [15] It is, of course, up to each company to define their own strategy: that is not the role of BlackRock or other investors. In general, we support market-standardized proxy access proposals, which allow a shareholder (or group of up to 20 shareholders) holding three percent of a companys outstanding shares for at least three years the right to nominate the greater of up to two directors or 20% of the board. Our publicly available commentary provides more information on our approach to natural capital. Common circumstances are illustrated below: In addition, we recognize that board leadership roles may vary in responsibility and time requirements in different markets around the world. We may also support a pill where it is the only effective method for protecting tax or other economic benefits that may be associated with limiting the ownership changes of individual shareholders. This and other important informationiscontained in a Fund's prospectus and summary prospectus. As a result, BlackRock will generally not participate in consent solicitations or related processes. 0000024781 00000 n Web3. 0000002073 00000 n See Appendix A of Calverts Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for a general discussion of the proxy voting guidelines to which these ETFs will be subject. We encourage companies to ensure that their compensation plans incorporate appropriate and rigorous performance metrics, consistent with corporate strategy and market practice. Stay on the $country-name$ $persona-name$ site. Where the company already has a sufficiently robust majority voting process in place, we may not support a shareholder proposal seeking an alternative mechanism. Where a company is listed on multiple exchanges or incorporated in a country different from their primary listing, we will seek to apply the most relevant market guideline(s) to our analysis of the companys governance structure and specific proposals on the shareholder meeting agenda. We may vote against the audit committee members where the board has failed to facilitate quality, independent auditing. While mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, business combinations, and other special transaction proposals vary widely in scope and substance, we closely examine certain salient features in our analyses, such as: Contested elections and other special situations[9] are assessed on a case-by-case basis. We may oppose boards that appear to have an insufficient mix of short-, medium-, and long-tenured directors. We look to understand a boards diversity in the context of a companys domicile, market capitalization, business model, and strategy. (go back), 6For a discussion on the different impacts of diversity see: McKinsey, Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters, May 2022; Harvard Business Review, Diverse Teams Feel Less Comfortable and Thats Why They Perform Better, September 2016; Do Diverse Directors Influence DEI Outcomes, September 2022(go back), 7We take a case-by-case approach and consider the size of the board in our evaluation of overall composition and diversity. Use of this site signifies that you accept ourTerms & Conditions of Use. A classified board structure may also be justified at non-operating companies, e.g., closed-end funds or business development companies (BDC),[3] in certain circumstances. WebProxy Voting Guidelines. It is our view that shareholders should have the opportunity to express feedback on annual incentive programs and changes to long-term compensation before multiple cycles are issued. Webthe extent there are any conflicts between these guidelines and the contract language, the contract language will control. We use third party research, in addition to our own analysis, to evaluate existing and proposed compensation structures. In such cases, we ask that companies highlight the metrics that are industry- or company-specific. 1. We also generally oppose plans that allow for repricing without shareholder approval. If you have not received an invitation, and think you should have, please contact your Renaissance representative. However, we may oppose this right in cases where the proposal is structured for the benefit of a dominant shareholder, or where a lower threshold may lead to an ineffective use of corporate resources. 0000013568 00000 n We may oppose shareholder proposals requesting the right to act by written consent in cases where the proposal is structured for the benefit of a dominant shareholder to the exclusion of others, or if the proposal is written to discourage the board from incorporating appropriate mechanisms to avoid the waste of corporate resources when establishing a right to act by written consent. We support incentive plans that foster the sustainable achievement of results both financial and nonfinancial consistent with the companys strategic initiatives. y7>>zz/A0G#sdS`:^`Es. We take particular note of cases involving significant financial restatements or material weakness disclosures, and we look for timely disclosure and remediation of accounting irregularities. We engage an outside advisor to make initial, customized recommendations based on these Proxy Voting Principles and Guidelines. Shareholders should have the right to vote on key corporate governance matters, including changes to governance mechanisms and amendments to the charter/articles/bylaws. The compensation committee should carefully consider the specific circumstances of the company and the key individuals the board is focused on incentivizing. WebProxy voting is a key element in our approach to sustainable investing. 0000006004 00000 n Consistent with our approach to voting on directors, we seek to hold the audit committee of the board responsible for overseeing the management of the independent auditor and the internal audit function at a company. Where we believe a companys disclosures or practices fall short relative to the market or peers, or we are unable to ascertain the board and managements effectiveness in overseeing related risks and opportunities, we may vote against members of the appropriate committee or support relevant shareholder proposals. In assessing mergers, acquisitions, or other transactions including business combinations involving Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) BIS primary consideration is the long-term economic interests of our clients as shareholders. 0000012172 00000 n trailer <<745C615CB068466D8BA2B6F1B596C766>]/Prev 714575/XRefStm 2073>> startxref 0 %%EOF 2076 0 obj <>stream For companies facing insolvency or bankruptcy, a premium may not apply, There should be clear strategic, operational, and/or financial rationale for the combination, Unanimous board approval and arms-length negotiations are preferred. We generally favor prompt recoupment from any senior executive whose compensation was based on faulty financial reporting or deceptive business practices. Companies that build strong relationships with their key stakeholders are more likely to meet their own strategic objectives, while poor relationships may create adverse impacts that expose a company to legal, regulatory, operational, and reputational risks. WebThe Policy has been approved by the Board of Renaissance Property Securities Pty Ltd. While we will typically support proposals requesting board de-classification, we may make exceptions, should the board articulate an appropriate strategic rationale for a classified board structure. As used in these policies and procedures the term clients/beneficiaries means any (go back), 9Special situations are broadly defined as events that are non-routine and differ from the normal course of business for a companys shareholder meeting, involving a solicitation other than by management with respect to the exercise of voting rights in a manner inconsistent with managements recommendation. HtPMO[1W>omK AT bPE4D4iT$\zfr]dW XM)sq= )b# ZKEES-hKl>&V;_!8?-Dh0Xc 9Td&1gXlfd6#:h!A8 lm%J\S U1 Mi[M {C/](gT%*B^yS As stated above, a majority vote standard is generally in the best long-term interests of shareholders, as it ensures director accountability through the requirement to be elected by more than half of the votes cast. Where a poison pill is put to a shareholder vote by management, our policy is to examine these plans individually. Academic and other research reveals correlations between specific dimensions of diversity and effects on decision-making processes and outcomes. 0000002522 00000 n Webvendor from providing such proxy voting services prior to delegating proxy responsibilities; (2) review and approve the Guidelines annually; and (3) provide advice and (go back), 10Front-loaded awards are generally those that accelerate the grant of multiple years worth of compensation in a single year(go back), 11Special awards refers to awards granted outside the companys typical compensation program. 0000042951 00000 n Nonetheless, we may support the proposal where the company: Increase in authorized common shares BIS will evaluate requests to increase authorized shares on a case-by-case basis, in conjunction with industry-specific norms and potential dilution, as well as a companys history with respect to the use of its common shares. Our view of independence may vary from listing standards. It is our view that a majority of the directors on the board should be independent to ensure objectivity in the decision-making of the board and its ability to oversee management. It is the responsibility of the Committee to evaluate and maintain proxy voting Shareholders should have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the meeting and interact with the board and management in these virtual settings; companies should facilitate open dialogue and allow shareholders to voice concerns and provide feedback without undue censorship. (go back), 14The ISSB has committed to build upon the SASB standards, which identify material, sustainability-related disclosures across sectors. The information on this website does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer. Increasingly, we see leading boards adding members whose experience deepens the boards understanding of the companys customers, employees, and communities. As part of this consideration, we encourage companies to produce sustainability-related disclosures sufficiently in advance of their annual meeting so that the disclosures can be considered in relevant vote decisions. WebName of proxy vote by the homeowners association during the _____ meeting. Companies should disclose the rationale for their selection of primary listing, country of incorporation, and choice of governance structures, particularly where there is conflict between relevant market governance practices. This post is based on their BlackRock memorandum. Business model, strategy, location, and company size may also impact our analysis of board diversity. We also recognize the potential benefits of dual class shares to newly public companies as they establish themselves; however, these structures should have a specific and limited duration. Boards should clearly explain the economic and strategic rationale for any proposed transactions or material changes to the business. In our letter on unequal voting structures, we articulate our view that one vote for one share is the preferred structure for publicly-traded companies. When presented with shareholder proposals requesting increased disclosure on corporate political activities, BIS will evaluate publicly available information to consider how a companys lobbying and political activities may impact the company. Governance is the core means by which boards can oversee the creation of durable, long-term value. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. An EGC should have an independent audit committee by the first anniversary of its IPO, with our standard approach to voting on auditors and audit-related issues applicable in full for an EGC on the first anniversary of its IPO. Proxy Voting Guidelines 2022. 2023 Dodge & Cox. proper books and records relating to proxy voting are kept. By end January 2023: Publication of updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) documents on ISS Price is a former Manager at Diligent. We see it as a means to promoting diversity of thought and avoiding group think in the boards exercise of its responsibilities to advise and oversee management. We will generally engage new companies on topics such as classified boards and supermajority vote provisions to amend bylaws, as we think that such arrangements may not be in the best interests of shareholders over the long-term. 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renaissance technologies proxy voting guidelines