ShareSoc

LEADERS AND LAGGARDS

This page lists “leader” awards that ShareSoc considers companies have earned by exemplifying good practice in corporate governance and individual shareholder engagement; and “laggard” awards for those who’s behaviour falls short and we want to call out for poor practice.

Examples of good practice are responding to shareholder requests and concerns; good engagement with individual shareholders, as well as with analysts and institutions; good remuneration practices.

Examples of poor practice are holding general meetings at times and locations that make it difficult for many shareholders to attend; presenting exclusively to analysts and institutions and not offering the same opportunities to engage with individual shareholders; excessive executive remuneration.

Please contact us if you would like to nominate a company for a “leader” or “laggards” award.

ShareSoc has formed its views of these companies at the time recorded and using member recommendations and publicly available information. Companies are commended or criticised for the behaviour described. ShareSoc does not claim that the company is a leader or laggard in other aspects of its operations or that its behaviour is the best or worst example available. We describe it as “a” leader/laggard not “the” leader/laggard. If you feel that this assessment is based on inaccurate information at the time of writing or should be reconsidered subsequently, please contact us with further details.

Leaders

LeaderShell: Leading the Way for AGMs in Covid Times

Shell has today announced a webcast for all shareholders, ahead of the proxy voting deadline for its AGM. It's slightly disappointing that only written questions will be taken, preferably submitted ahead of the webcast. It's also a bit of a concern that the webcast is only two days before the proxy voting deadline, which may not be sufficient time for those holding shares in nominee accounts to submit their votes. It is understandable that Shell may not have been able to set ...

LeaderBT’s CEO Sets a Good Example

The BBC is reporting that BT's CEO will donate half his annual salary to charity and has promised not to lay off staff. Setting a good example that other CEOs on generous packages should follow at this time when individuals and H.M. Treasury are making big sacrifices to protect the nation's health and economy. It should be noted, however, "half his annual salary" appears to refer to his BASE salary, as reported in more depth, here: https://www.cityam.com/bt-gives-staff-pay-rise-as-chief-executive-donates-salary/ His MAXIMUM salary, including potential cash and ...

LeaderMurray Income Trust AGM 5 Nov 2019

Murray Income Trust have launched a campaign trying to encourage shareholders, existing and new, to meet their fund manager and directors at their forthcoming AGM.  ShareSoc are great believers in making AGMs as useful as possible. The Murray Income Trust campaign is welcomed by ShareSoc.  So, I am happy in this blog to give a plug for this AGM and also for their bright idea for their shareholders to bring a friend and have a free lunch.   After your free lunch you can attend ...

LeaderPaypoint Listens to Shareholder Requests

Stephen Day says: Your mention of Paypoint reminds me that I must commend them for listening to a shareholder, namely me. In July I sent an email to the FD Rachel Kentleton asking a question, and I received a prompt and helpful answer. In passing I commented on the lack of a Dividend Information page, and she tasked her team with preparing one, After a few follow-up emails it is now operational. So “well done” to Paypoint. Well done Paypoint!

Laggards

Laggard Bilby Disadvantages Individual Investors in Heavily Discounted Placing

Bilby plc (AIM: BILB), a leading gas heating, electrical and building services provider, announced on November 15th the completion of a fundraise of £2 million by way of a placing of new shares at a price of 11 pence per share; Canaccord Genuity Limited acted as Nominated Adviser and sole broker in relation to the Placing. The price of Bilby shares before the pacing was 23p and after the placing was 17p. The RNS says that the Directors of the company ...