Research and Information services
The GIR staff is always available to provide specific research for its clients on subjects having to do with responsible investment, particularly sector-based rankings, company profiles, reports on specific companies or regions, reports on particular issues, etc.
Our analysts also offer a range of information products to help investors stay up-to-date with the latest news on companies and on issues that relate to socially responsible investing. With our information service, investors can also stay abreast of new trends, to better understand emerging issues and how markets are evolving.
A subscription to the premium research and information services GIR Info Plus™ package includes products such as portfolio reviews, GIR Note to Professionals newsletter, Corporate Issues Report, and shareholder proposal analyses.
Portfolio Review
Twice a year (or more) GIR produces a portfolio review of the client’s corporate stocks and bonds, to identify companies whose social, environmental or governance-related performance is inadequate. GIR then suggests one of the following lines of action:
- Nothing to report;
- Monitor the company;
- Write to the company to request a commitment;
- Vote according to a specific recommendation;
- Submit a shareholder proposal.
GIR Note to Professionals Newsletter
The weekly GIR Note to Professionals Newsletter provides information in the following areas:
- Follow-up on companies that are particularly at risk regarding their social, environmental or governance-related performance;
- Proceedings from shareholder meetings (voting results, executive statements);
- Follow-up of negotiations regarding the submission of shareholder proposals;
- News on the responsible-investment market around the world;
- Development of the major issues in the news.
Corporate Issues Report
At the beginning of every year, GIR prepares a report on the major issues in socially responsible investment, including social, environmental and governance issues, and focuses on those that relate to shareholder proposals. GIR relies on its well-developed network of Canadian, American and international affiliations and on the contribution of its advisory committee to let its clients know early in the year the contents of the proposals to be submitted between March and May. This gives clients as much time as possible to form an opinion on the issues. A general meeting is also held annually to present this report to select clients, and to allow a dialogue with the analysts that write the report.
Shareholder Proposal Analysis
GIR carries out a detailed analysis of social or environmental shareholder proposals and makes a voting recommendation for proposals that have been submitted to a vote at the shareholder meetings of public corporations. GIR's recommendations focus on the long-term performance of the companies and include environmental and social values.