The future of proxy voting and oil

二月 08, 2022 | Stephen Metcalf


Share

Investors are likely to see many changes both in companies and the ESG investing world thanks to proxy voting.

As pressure grows for the private sector to play an active role in mitigating their harmful impact on the environment, some of the most scrutinised industries have begun to make bolder commitments. Proxy voting and shareholder preferences are some of the contributing factors to this increased pressure.

Court cases were lost in Europe and proxy votes went against managements of carbon-intensive industries in the United States, mostly for not specifying how the companies were going to accomplish their carbon emission reduction plans. Because of that, one of the largest Canadian oil producers committed to becoming net-zero by 2050.

Asset managers are quickly taking the lead to invoke change at companies around the world. For example, Vanguard, BlackRock and StateStreet - which combined vote approximately 25 percent of all proxies - all committed to net-zero portfolios by 2050, as well as a 50 percent reduction in emissions by 2030.

Historically, both Vanguard and BlackRock tended to vote against proposals for companies to make changes to reduce emissions, but since 2021, they have switched to supporting them. In early 2021, we saw oil companies targeted first - they are the low-hanging fruit - but as the movement grows to reduce emissions, other sectors like transportation, agriculture and industrials are expected to face additional scrutiny.

Growing interest

Later in 2021, the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative was launched, designed to encourage the asset management industry to commit to a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. By August, it had 128 signatories from around the world managing more than US$43 trillion (£31.6 trillion) of assets.

Based on the activity in 2021, we anticipate more climate-related proposals will happen at annual meetings for large and small corporations around the world. Especially as the number of climate-related catastrophes continue to cause significant loss of lives and money. For example, in 2020, 22 weather-related incidents cost US$96 billion (£70 billion) and claimed 262 lives in the U.S. alone.

Changes needed

Governments around the world are making commitments to slow temperatures from rising 1.5 degrees Celsius. This means changes are needed in the oil industry to comply with those commitments.

Investors are likely to see many changes both in companies and the ESG investing world thanks to proxy voting. For example, industries with high levels of emissions will likely incorporate planning for adaption into a lower carbon world, which has the potential to change earnings reports. Also, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is discussing requiring asset managers to have carbon disclosures. And many more asset managers are indicating they are considering joining the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative.

With the proxy votes and court cases we've seen in 2021, oil companies are already facing challenges to the traditional business models they use. Climate influence is now a risk all companies are facing with greater impact because asset managers are looking at how companies plan - and accomplish - carbon deductions.

As proxy voters, investors are taking advantage of another way to influence their values. With proxy voting both individually and through asset managers, they can make a difference in the world.


This publication has been issued by Royal Bank of Canada on behalf of certain RBC ® companies that form part of the international network of RBC Wealth Management. You should carefully read any risk warnings or regulatory disclosures in this publication or in any other literature accompanying this publication or transmitted to you by Royal Bank of Canada, its affiliates or subsidiaries.

The information contained in this report has been compiled by Royal Bank of Canada and/or its affiliates from sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty, express or implied is made to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. All opinions and estimates contained in this report are judgments as of the date of this report, are subject to change without notice and are provided in good faith but without legal responsibility. This report is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Past performance is not a guide to future performance, future returns are not guaranteed, and a loss of original capital may occur. Every province in Canada, state in the U.S. and most countries throughout the world have their own laws regulating the types of securities and other investment products which may be offered to their residents, as well as the process for doing so. As a result, any securities discussed in this report may not be eligible for sale in some jurisdictions. This report is not, and under no circumstances should be construed as, a solicitation to act as a securities broker or dealer in any jurisdiction by any person or company that is not legally permitted to carry on the business of a securities broker or dealer in that jurisdiction. Nothing in this report constitutes legal, accounting or tax advice or individually tailored investment advice.

This material is prepared for general circulation to clients, including clients who are affiliates of Royal Bank of Canada, and does not have regard to the particular circumstances or needs of any specific person who may read it. The investments or services contained in this report may not be suitable for you and it is recommended that you consult an independent investment advisor if you are in doubt about the suitability of such investments or services. To the full extent permitted by law neither Royal Bank of Canada nor any of its affiliates, nor any other person, accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this report or the information contained herein. No matter contained in this document may be reproduced or copied by any means without the prior consent of Royal Bank of Canada.

Clients of United Kingdom companies may be entitled to compensation from the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme if any of these entities cannot meet its obligations. This depends on the type of business and the circumstances of the claim. Most types of investment business are covered for up to a total of £85,000. The Channel Island subsidiaries are not covered by the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme; the offices of Royal Bank of Canada (Channel Islands) Limited in Guernsey and Jersey are covered by the respective compensation schemes in these jurisdictions for deposit taking business only.