At Polaris Capital, we view corporate responsibility and sustainability as good business practices; these practices are “part and parcel” for the long-term success of a company.
Polaris is an investment adviser to clients worldwide. We are retained to manage client funds subject to investment management agreements that provide, among other requirements, investment guidelines including responsible investing policies.
Since inception, the Polaris investment research process has focused on investing in quality companies that generate strong sustainable cash flows. Polaris has found that companies with sound business practices, which benefit customers, shareholders, and other stakeholders, often meet the desired metrics; conversely, corporate shortcomings can pose a material risk to a company’s ability to achieve sustainable cash flows. Further, companies that safeguard their own future by adapting to challenges are, not coincidentally, often those with durable competitive advantages, value drivers and successful track records.
Recognizing that corporate responsibility impacts a company’s long-term success, Polaris integrates sustainability factors into the investment research process to vet potential investments and track current portfolio holdings. Identifying and anticipating material risks and opportunities is a factor in achieving long-term value creation for our clients. Responsible investing issues may have material impact on potential investment opportunities and Polaris recognizes the danger of overlooking these in its screening and valuation process.
To that end, Polaris screens and evaluates companies as part of the fundamental bottom-up research process with attention to the following issues:
If a company clears Polaris’ stringent investment criteria, cash flow targets and sustainability standards as part of the initial investment research analysis, it is considered for investment. Once a portfolio holding, the stock is subject to routine sustainability review as part of Polaris’ ongoing company investment analysis and engagement.
Direct engagement is a hallmark of our investment process. Our investment team attends thousands of meetings annually, participating in face-to-face meetings with more than 75% the companies in the portfolios. Building rapport with company management, establishing a foundation of mutual respect and understanding, allows for effective communication and productive dialogue on potential conflicts and important issues that can impact financial performance. Our most impactful influence occurs before agenda items are prepared for shareholder votes (proxy). On frequent occasion, we review proposed compensation programs and other governance matters directly with company boards on behalf of our clients. As active, long-term investors, we encourage the companies in which we invest to adopt best-in-class sustainability practices that complement their business models.
Recent examples of our direct engagement include: LOOMIS NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Proxy voting is an important method to exercise shareholder governance, engagement and investment stewardship. Polaris uses its proxy voting rights to support shareholder resolutions that align with respective policies or, when necessary, to influence change in operating practice standards of portfolio companies; details about our proxy voting record are available upon request.
View Polaris’ current PROXY POLICY here.
Want to learn more about Polaris’ responsible investing practices? Please contact CLIENT SERVICE to get a comprehensive overview of our policy and practices.