Robeco logo

Disclaimer

Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. (DIFC Branch) is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) and only deals with Professional and Market Counterparty Clients and does not deal with Retail Clients as defined by the DFSA.

Neither information nor any opinion expressed on the website constitutes a solicitation, an offer or a recommendation to buy, sell or dispose of any investment, to engage in any other transaction or to provide any investment advice or service. An investment in a Robeco product should only be made after reading the related legal documents such as management regulations, prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports, which can be all be obtained free of charge at this website and at the Robeco offices in each country where Robeco has a presence.

Please confirm that you are a professional investor and/or institutional investor and that you have read, understood and accept the terms of use for this website.

Decline

30-04-2024 · Insight

Voting to support the climate transition

Climate change has taken center stage during the annual general meeting (AGM) season for many years, offering investors the chance to vote on how well companies are transitioning toward net zero. But it’s not a simple matter of voting yes or no.


    Authors

  • Michiel van Esch - Head of Voting

    Michiel van Esch

    Head of Voting

The way in which companies are readying themselves to cut emissions can be complex, and will vary depending on the reliance of their business on fossil fuels. It is a different beast for an oil and gas company than it is for one in the financial services industry. But it’s still an important subject for shareholder scrutiny.

Robeco has long believed that over the long run, companies that have strong climate transition plans are likely to be more viable companies for the future, and will help to achieve the decarbonization requirements of many of our clients. At the same time, the energy crisis and geopolitical uncertainty have created more questions and debate about the right course of action in the short run.

Approaching AGMs in 2024

In this article, Robeco’s voting specialists explain how they will approach the current AGM season, outlining voting plans for climate-related resolutions at AGMs. We will support some resolutions at companies making good progress, but oppose them at companies considered to be lagging.

The power to vote also extends to deciding whether to approve the reappointment of members of the board, including the chair and CEO. And there are issues over Say on Climate resolutions which are non-binding but nevertheless keenly watched.

Read the full story here