Our Work

Proxy Voting

 

Maximize support at the annual meeting by knowing relevant context, investor policies, proxy advisor views, and market trends.

Our Approach

  • Shareholder, stakeholder, and proxy advisor engagement advice
  • Proxy statement review and recommendations
  • Analysis of director elections, Say-on-Pay and shareholder resolutions

ESG Strategy

Build credibility with investors, educate & inform the board, enhance resiliency, and integrate ESG into long-term corporate strategy.

Our Approach

  • ESG benchmarking, gap analysis and materiality assessment
  • ESG strategy road mapping and target setting
  • ESG reporting, frameworks, and ratings support

Activism Defense

Effectively engage with active and passive investors, respond to market concerns, and position your company for long-term success.

Our Approach

  • Insights into how investors will evaluate situations and vote their shares
  • Engagement advice to drive traction with shareholders
  • Communication strategies for the board and management team

Select Engagements

Shareholder engagement at a large-cap energy company

Challenge

The company was concerned about its annual meeting following low Say on Pay support and mixed engagements with investors. It was also facing a shareholder proposal focused on its climate strategy.

SGP Approach

We guided the company through an off-season engagement program, refined the CD&A, and helped craft its plan to address the shareholder proposal.

Outcome

Our actions led to successful resolution of the shareholder proposal and a significant increase in Say on Pay support from shareholders. 

ESG strategy development at a mid-cap healthcare company

Challenge

A Fortune 500 healthcare company faced pressure from investors & customers to improve its ESG strategy.

SGP Approach

We facilitated an ESG materiality assessment, developed an ESG strategy, built a stakeholder engagement program, and partnered with the company to identify near and long-term ESG goals.

Outcome

The company developed an ESG roadmap, lifted its ESG profile and produced its first sustainability report, enabling it to solidify relationships with clients and broaden its investor base.

Proxy fight win at a small-cap financial services firm

Challenge

A regional financial services firm faced a contentious proxy fight.

SGP Approach

We guided the company through a series of governance enhancements and crafted a shareholder engagement plan that enabled them to win support from the proxy advisors and key investors.

Outcome

The company soundly defeated the activist, and in the process, built trust and rapport with long-term investors.

Shareholder proposal resolution at a large-cap utility company

Challenge

The company received a climate-focused proposal from an ESG activist.

SGP Approach

We guided the company through an engagement program with the activist, responses to their concerns and engagements with top shareholders.

Outcome

Our approach led to the withdrawal of this shareholder proposal with negotiations that satisfied both parties and fortified relationships with top shareholders.