Janus Henderson US Sustainable Equity Fund

SRI Style:

Sustainability Tilt

SDR Labelling:

Sustainability Focus label

Product:

OEIC

Fund Region:

USA

Fund Asset Type:

Equity

Launch Date:

20/09/2022

Last Amended:

Nov 2024

Dialshifter ():

Fund Size:

£88.05m

(as at: 31/03/2024)

Total Screened Themed SRI Assets:

£5448.82m

Total Responsible Ownership Assets:

£234802.64m

Total Assets Under Management:

£279117.97m

ISIN:

GB00BPH3DD08, GB00BPH3DF22, GB00BPH3DG39, GB00BPH3DH46

Objectives:

The Fund aims to provide capital growth over the long term (5 years or more) by investing in US companies whose products and services are considered by the Investment Manager as contributing to positive environmental or social change.

 

Sustainable, Responsible
&/or ESG Overview:

The US Sustainable Equity strategy (‘the strategy’) aims to provide capital growth over the long term (5 years or more) by investing in US companies whose products and services are considered by the investment manager as contributing to positive environmental or social change and thereby have an impact on the development of a sustainable global economy.

We believe that there is a strong link between sustainable development, innovation and long-term compounding growth.

Our investment framework seeks to invest in companies that have a positive impact on the environment and society; and at the same time, it helps us stay on the right side of disruption by avoiding companies we consider to be involved in activities that are harmful to the environment or society.

We believe this approach will provide clients with a persistent return source, deliver future compound growth, and help mitigate downside risk.

Primary fund last amended:

Nov 2024

Information directly from fund manager.

Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
Sustainability policy

Funds that have policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See fund information.

Sustainability focus

Find funds which substantially focus on sustainability issues

Sustainability theme or focus

Find funds where there is a significant emphasis on (environmental and social) sustainability. Funds with a 'sustainability theme' typically place more emphasis on the area than funds with a 'sustainability policy' - meaning that it is more likely to drive investment selection. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Sustainable transport policy or theme

Find funds that have documented policies or thematic investment approaches relating to investment in more sustainable, greener transport methods. These will typically set out a preference for companies that run, enable or support more sustainable methods of transport. See fund information for further detail.

Encourage more sustainable practices through stewardship

A core element of these funds aim to encourage higher sustainability standards across business practices through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

UN Global Compact linked exclusion policy

Find funds that use the UN Global Compact to inform or help direct where they can or cannot invest and will typically not invest in companies with significant breaches (low standards) - although strategies vary. (The UNGC covers a wide range of issues - search 'UNGC'). See https://unglobalcompact.org/

Transition focus

The delivery of the shift to a sustainable future is a core feature of this fund and its investment strategy. See eg https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/

Report against sustainability objectives

Find funds that publicly report their performance against specifically named sustainability objectives (in addition to reporting their financial performance)

Green / Sustainable property strategy

Fund has a strategy that focuses on sustainability issues in the property sector - they may eg use GRESB / BREEAM scores to inform investment decisions.

Environmental - General
Environmental policy

Funds that have policies which relate to environmental issues. These will typically set out the fund's stance on issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, plastics and/or additional environmental impacts. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Limits exposure to carbon intensive industries

Funds that limit or 'reduce' their exposure to carbon intensive industries (ie sectors which are major contributors to climate change. Funds vary - some funds may be 'underweight' in this area which means they may have some investment in highly carbon intensive areas. Funds of this kind may choose companies they consider to be 'best in sector' and encourage ever higher standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further details.

Environmental damage and pollution policy

Funds that have written policies explaining the approach they take when companies damage the environment or are significant polluters. Funds of this kind may work with companies to encourage higher standards, or exclude companies - sometimes dependent on the situation. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Resource efficiency policy or theme

Find funds that have a policy or theme that relates to managing natural resources more efficiently. Funds with this policy will be likely to favour companies that make (or enable the) more efficient use of resources - and either avoid or encourage change amongst companies with lower standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Favours cleaner, greener companies

Funds that aim to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary - in particular the balance between 'financial' aspects and environmental benefits. Some may invest substantially in solutions or 'positive impact' companies - others may invest in more conventional companies providing certain environmental criteria are met. See fund information for further detail.

Waste management policy or theme

Find funds that have a written policy or theme on waste management - typically a view to encouraging higher levels of recycling and better efficiency / reducing waste.

Plastics policy

Funds that are reviewing or encouraging companies to manage down the overuse of plastics (particularly single use, non-recyclable plastics). These funds will typically aim to encourage the use of alternative materials, but are unlikely to exclude companies purely on the basis of their use of plastics. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Nature & Biodiversity
Nature / biodiversity focus

Fund has a significant focus or emphasis on investment in nature and biodiversity related opportunities

Nature / biodiversity protection policy

Fund has a nature or biodiversity policy which sets out their expectations of investee assets - typically meaning the fund will not invest in assets with poor standards. See fund information.

Deforestation / palm oil policy

Find funds that have policies in place designed to ensure they do not invest in companies that are significantly involved in deforestation. This typically relates to palm oil plantations where biodiversity loss is a major concern (as well as other issues). Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Illegal deforestation exclusion policy

Find funds that have policies in place explaining that they avoid companies involved in illegal and/or unsustainable deforestation. This may relate to palm oil, cattle farming or other concerns. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Sustainable fisheries policy

Fund has a sustainable fisheries policy that will inform where it can and can not invest

Avoids genetically modified seeds/crop production

Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies that produce genetically modified seeds or crops. (This does not typically include avoiding companies such as supermarkets). See fund literature for further information.

Genetic engineering exclusion

Fund avoids assets / companies directly involved in genetic engineering

Climate Change & Energy
Climate change / greenhouse gas emissions policy

Funds that have policies (documented strategies that explain their position on) climate change related issues such as greenhouse gas/carbon emissions, net zero, transitioning to lower carbon. Strategies vary. Read fund details for further information.

Coal, oil & / or gas majors excluded

Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.

Fracking and tar sands excluded

Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Arctic drilling exclusion

Funds that avoid companies that are involved in extracting oil from the Arctic regions. See fund literature for further details.

Fossil fuel reserves exclusion

Funds that avoid investing in companies with coal, oil and gas reserves. See fund information for further details.

Clean / renewable energy theme or focus

Find funds where investment in clean / renewable energy companies an other assets is central to their investment selection strategy. The proportion of the fund that is directly or indirectly invested in renewable energy varies between funds and over time. See fund information for further details.

Encourage transition to low carbon through stewardship activity

A core element of these funds will aim to encourage the transition to lower carbon activities through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

Energy efficiency theme

Fund funds that have an energy efficiency theme - typically meaning that a fund manager is focused on investing in organisations that manage - or help others to manage - energy use more carefully and less wastefully - and so reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Invests in clean energy / renewables

Funds that hold companies in the clean energy and renewable energy sectors (at the time research was supplied). Fund strategies vary, in particular the proportion of investment in these areas may vary significantly. Check fund literature for details.

Nuclear exclusion policy

Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Supply chain decarbonisation policy

Fund has a supply chain decarbonisation policy which sets out its position on the need to reduce carbon emissions throughout the investment chain. This will inform where the manager can and can not invest.

Fossil fuel exploration exclusion - direct involvement

The fund manager excludes companies with direct involvement in fossil fuel exploration (eg coal, oil and gas companies)

Fossil fuel exploration exclusion – indirect involvement

The fund manager excludes companies with indirect involvement in fossil fuel exploration. For example they would be expected to exclude banks and insurance companies that are effectively enabling new coal, oil and or gas reserves to be discovered and in due course extracted through the provision of necessary finance or services.

Require net zero action plan from all/most companies

Find funds that require all, or almost all, of the companies it invests in to have a ‘net zero action plan’ - meaning that the companies they invest in have worked out how they will, over time, reduce their total carbon (and other greenhouse gas) emissions to nil.

TCFD reporting requirement (Becoming IFRS)

Will only invest in companies that report greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies in line with the framework set out the by the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosure, which is increasingly becoming mandatory. See https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/ https ://www.ifrs.org/sustainability/tcfd/

Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Tobacco and related product manufacturers excluded

Companies are excluded if they are involved in any aspect of the production chain for tobacco products, including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Tobacco and related products - avoid where revenue > 5%

Companies are excluded if they make more than 5% of their revenue from the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Armaments manufacturers avoided

Find funds that avoid companies that manufacture products intended specifically for military use. Fund strategies vary - particularly with regard to non-strategic military products. See fund literature for fund specific details.

Civilian firearms production exclusion

Find funds with a written civilian firearms exclusion policy - meaning that they will not invest in companies that make (or perhaps also sell) handguns made for non-military users.

Alcohol production excluded

Find funds that avoid investment in companies involved in the production of alcohol. Strategies vary; some funds allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund literature for further information.

Gambling avoidance policy

Find funds that avoid companies with significant involvement in the gambling industry. Some funds may allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund policy for further details.

Pornography avoidance policy

Find funds that avoid companies that derive significant income from pornography and related areas. Strategies vary. See fund details for further information.

Animal welfare policy

Find funds with policies that require specific animal welfare standards to be met. These may reference well-known welfare standards (3Rs - Replace, Reduce, Refine) or certification schemes. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Animal testing - excluded except if for medical purposes

Find funds that avoid companies that test their products on animals for purposes other than medical benefit (e.g. for cosmetics). Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Water / sanitation policy or theme

Find funds that have policies or themes that set out their position on investment in the water sector and/or sanitation. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Demographic / ageing population theme

Find funds with a thematic investment approach focusing on the ‘silver economy’ - in particular (typically) the issues and opportunities presented by changing demographics. This could include finance, healthcare and medicines and/ or longevity science to extend lifespans. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Healthcare / medical theme

Healthcare and or medical theme or area of investment - the fund may have a single theme or many themes

Gilts & Sovereigns
Does not invest in sovereigns

Find funds that do not invest in / exclude 'sovereigns' - debt issued by governments. See eg https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sovereign-debt.asp

Banking & Financials
Invests in banks

Find funds that include banks as part of their holdings / portfolio.

Invests in insurers

Funds that do or may invest in insurance companies.

Governance & Management
Governance policy

Find fund options that have policies that relate to corporate governance issues such as board structure, executive remuneration, bribery and/or corporate corruption. These funds will typically avoid companies with poor practices. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Avoids companies with poor governance

Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards. See fund literature for further information.

UN sanctions exclusion

Exclude companies that are subject to United Nations sanctions. See eg https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/un-sc-consolidated-list

Anti-bribery and corruption policy

Find funds that have policies explaining how managers will respond to assets / companies that do not comply with relevant anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards or laws. Strategies vary; options include stewardship/ engagement and divestment - or a combination. See fund literature for further information.

Encourage board diversity e.g. gender

Fund managers encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)

Encourage TCFD alignment for banks & insurance companies

Find fund managers that encourage the banks and insurance companies they invest in to publish climate change related financial information - as set out by the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (with the aim of helping investors measure and respond to climate risk).

Encourage higher ESG standards through stewardship activity

A core element of these funds will aim to encourage higher ESG standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement /voting activity

Require investee companies to report climate risk in R&A

The fund manager requires the companies they invest in to report on climate risks that are relevant to their business in their report and accounts

Targeted Positive Investments
Invests >25% of fund in environmental/social solutions companies

Find funds that invest >25% of their capital towards companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.

Invests >50% of fund in environmental/social solutions companies

Find funds that invest >50% of their capital in companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.

EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy holdings 5-25% of fund assets

Find funds that have calculated the proportion of fund asset that meet the new EU Taxonomy requirements and that they total 5-25% of assets. This will typically require adding up the proportion of each individual company's activity that is regarded as 'green' so that the fund manager can produce an overall total for the whole fund / portfolio.

EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy holdings >25% of fund assets

Find funds that have calculated the proportion of fund asset that meet the new EU Taxonomy requirements and that they total over 25% of fund assets. This will typically require adding up the proportion of each individual company's activity that is regarded as 'green' so that the fund manager can produce an overall total for the whole fund / portfolio.

Impact Methodologies
Aims to generate positive impacts (or 'outcomes')

Funds that aim to help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies they regard as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Positive environmental impact theme

Find funds that specifically set out to help deliver positive environmental impacts, benefits or 'real world' outcomes.

Positive social impact theme

Find funds that specifically state that they aim to deliver positive social (i.e. people related) impacts and/or outcomes.

Invests in environmental solutions companies

Find funds that direct investment towards companies where a major part of their business is about solving environmental challenges. e.g. companies helping to address climate change.

Invests in social solutions companies

Find funds that invest in companies where a major part of their business is specifically aimed at helping to address social challenges. e.g. companies helping to address poverty.

Invests in sustainability / ESG disruptors

Find funds that specifically set out to invest in companies that are regarded as 'disrupting' existing business practices - typically through the development of innovative (sustainability aware) products and/or practices.

Aim to deliver positive impacts through engagement

Fund aims to deliver positive environmental and or social impacts (real world benefits) through its engagement with investee assets

Over 50% in assets providing environmental or social ‘solutions’

50% of fund assets are regarded by the fund manager as being significantly focused on providing solutions to environmental or social challenges. Strategies vary.

How The Fund Works
Positive selection bias

Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.

Significant harm exclusion

Aims to avoid companies that do significant harm. This originates from the EU’s sustainable finance ‘DNSH’ (do no significant harm) work, which is not necessarily used by UK investors.

Assets mapped to SDGs

Find funds that have 'mapped' (reviewed) their investment selection and management strategies to identify which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the fund is helping to address.

Combines norms based exclusions with other SRI criteria

Find funds that make significant use of internationally agreed 'norms' (e.g. United Nations Global Compact - UNGC - or the UN Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs) as part of their investment selection process alongside additional SRI criteria such as positive or negative stock selection policies and/or stewardship strategies.

Combines ESG strategy with other SRI criteria

Find funds that have an ESG strategy (which is typically focused on avoiding companies that pose environmental, social or governance related risks) with additional criteria such as positive and/or negative screens, themes and stewardship strategies.

SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website

Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).

Unscreened Assets & Cash
Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 70 - 79%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 80 – 89%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives > 90%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets

All assets (except cash) meet published sustainability criteria

All assets held in the fund - except cash - meet the sustainability criteria published in fund documentation.

Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for investors interested in sustainability

Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.

Available via an ISA (OEIC only)

Find funds that are available via a tax efficient ISA product wrapper.

Labels & Accreditations
SDR Labelled

Find funds that have chosen to adopt one of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) SDR labels. Please note: there are a range of reasons why potentially relevant funds may not use an SDR label eg. adopting a label may be work in progress, the manager may not yet be allowed to do so because of the product type, a manager may feel their fund is insufficiently aligned to SDR requirements. Read fund literature and / or our blogs for further information.

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Responsible ownership / stewardship policy or strategy (AFM company wide)

Finds fund management companies that have a published company wide stewardship, engagement and / or responsible ownership policy or strategy that covers all investments. Stewardship typically involves encouraging higher ESG standards through voting and dialogue.

ESG / SRI engagement (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and/or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.

Vote all* shares at AGMs / EGMs (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)

Responsible ownership / ESG a key differentiator (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.

Responsible ownership policy for non SRI funds (AFM company wide)

Find funds run by fund managers that apply Responsible ownership or 'Stewardship' policies to all or most of their investment assets. This means active involvement (e.g. voting, dialogue) with the companies they invest in across funds (not normally limited to ethical or SRI options.) Read fund literature for further information.

Integrates ESG factors into all / most (AFM) fund research

Find fund management companies that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues when deciding whether or not to invest in a company for all / almost all of their funds and other assets. This is increasingly seen as part of sound risk management.

In-house diversity improvement programme (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an in-house (company wide) diversity improvement programme - meaning that they are working to ensure that within their own businesses they employ people from diverse backgrounds - often typically focused on ethnicity and/or sex.

Invests in newly listed companies (AFM company wide)

This asset management company invests in companies which have recently listed on a stock exchange (which is important as it can help grow new businesses).

Offer structured intermediary training on sustainable investment

Fund management entity offers unstructured intermediary training on sustainable investment (ie for financial advisers and wealth managers)

Offer unstructured intermediary sustainable investment training

Fund management entity offers unstructured intermediary training on sustainable investment (ie for financial advisers and wealth managers)

Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory

Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.

UKSIF member

Find fund management companies that are members of UKSIF - the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance association

Fund EcoMarket partner

Find fund management companies that have partnered with Fund EcoMarket - meaning that they are helping to improve access to information on sustainable and responsible investment by paying an annual fee to us which enables us to publish information for free. Partner funds are listed ahead of other funds and have their logos displayed.

TNFD forum member (AFM company wide)

A member of the Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosures group which aims to aid risk management and shift money towards nature-positive outcomes.

Investment Association (IA) member

Fund management entity is a member of the Investment Association https://www.theia.org/

Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise

Find fund management companies that employ people to steer and support fund managers in voting shares at company AGM's and EGMs in ways that are consistent with encouraging higher ESG/sustainability standards.

Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers

Find a fund management company that directly employs specialist ESG/SRI/sustainability researchers or analysts. This allows asset managers to discuss environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities directly with companies.

Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.

Accreditations
UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)

Find fund managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where fund managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'.

Engagement Approach
Encourage responsible corporate taxation (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage more responsible corporate taxation.

Engaging on climate change issues

Fund manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.

Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change

Asset manager has a stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that involves working with fossil fuel companies on climate change related issues. See fund manager website for details.

Engaging to reduce plastics pollution / waste

Asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy with involves encouraging investee asset to reduce plastic waste and pollution.

Engaging to encourage responsible mining practices

Asset manager has a stewardship / responsible ownership policy that means they are working to encourage more responsible mining practices - where environmental and social issues are properly dealt with by the companies they invest in.

Engaging on biodiversity / nature issues

The asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy that focuses on biodiversity and nature issues relating to the assets they invest the aim of which will be to reduce harm and or deliver improvement. Strategies vary. https://tnfd.global

Engaging on human rights issues

Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place which aims to address human rights issues in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers) with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on labour / employment issues

Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place that aims to improve labour standards for the benefit of employees in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers)

Engaging on diversity, equality and / or inclusion issues

Asset management company has a stewardship strategy in place which involves working to raise diversity, equality and inclusion standards across investee assets

Engaging to stop modern slavery

working with the assets they hold to help stamp out modern slavery - where direct or indirect company employees are exploited for business benefits.

Engaging on governance issues

Fund managers have stewardship strategies in place that focus on improving governance standards across investee assets

Engaging on responsible supply chain issues

Has a stewardship / responsible ownership strategy that encourages responsible supply chain - ie the managers will discuss environmental, social and governance issues with investee companies with the aim of raising standards

Company Wide Exclusions
Controversial weapons avoidance policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies (not funds) that avoid investment in 'controversial weapons' across all of their funds and other investment vehicles.

Review(ing) carbon / fossil fuel exposure for all funds (AFM company wide)

Find funds / fund managers that are reviewing, or have reviewed, their exposure to carbon intensive industries including (but not only) mining, oil and gas companies. (Typically with reference to climate change.)

Climate & Net Zero Transition
Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon offsetting - offset carbon as part of our net zero plan (AFM company wide)

This asset management company plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions with the help of a scheme that will lock away an amount of carbon that is equivalent to the company’s own emissions – so that the end result is ‘net zero’. Calculations and scope vary.

In-house carbon / GHG reduction policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working to reduce their own (fund management company) carbon/greenhouse gas emissions.

Committed to SBTi / Science Based Targets Initiative

See https://sciencebasedtargets.org/

Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.

Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website

Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.

Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information available on request

Find fund management companies that will supply information about their sustainable and responsible investment activity on request.

Publish full voting record (AFM company wide)

Fund management companies that publish a full record of how they vote their shares at AGMs (annual general meetings) and EGMs (extraordinary general meetings). Voting strategies have an important role to play encouraging higher environmental, social and governance standards.

Dialshifter statement

Find fund management companies that have supplied Dialshifter information. See Dialshifter tab within record for more information.

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

Janus Henderson has been involved in managing Sustainability portfolios for almost 30 years and the US Sustainable Equity strategy was launched in 2021. At the heart of the approach is the belief that the best investment returns will be generated by companies which are providing solutions to environmental and social challenges. These companies should have attractive financial attributes such as persistent revenue growth and durable cash flows.

The Global Sustainable Equity (GSE) Team (the ‘team’) aims to outperform the market over the long term through creating a differentiated global equity portfolio of the best sustainability ideas. The team’s investment approach is explicitly low carbon and by incorporating environmental, social, and governance factors into their analysis they seek to construct a portfolio with a favourable risk profile.

 

Key Distinctions

  • Investing with positive impact: environmental and social considerations are integral to the investment philosophy and process, from universe definition and idea generation through to fundamental analysis, engagement and portfolio management. A dedicated sustainability professional within the team enables deep integration of sustainability issues into investment process and enhances our ability to analyse issues from multiple angles.
  • Deep investment resource: the dedicated GSE portfolio management team works in collaboration with Janus Henderson’s global equity research platform and draws upon the deep knowledge and domain expertise of the sector and regional teams.
  • 30 years of Sustainability thought leadership: we have a long and successful track record in the consistent application of our sustainability framework – the GSE strategy was launched in 1991 and Hamish Chamberlayne, CFA has been managing the strategy since January 2012. We have been thought leaders on sustainability issues since the inception of the strategy and were founding signatories of the UNPRI in 2006.
  • Explicitly low carbon: we consider 5 levels in our approach to low carbon investing. We believe this approach will be a significant source of alpha as the transition to the low carbon economy continues over the next decade and beyond.
    Hamish Chamberlayne, CFA has had training in climate change and has written a paper on the investment implications. The team have many years of experience in analysing, understanding and managing both climate risk and transition risk within portfolios (the GSE strategy has had this low carbon approach since inception in 1991).
  • Continuous improvement: we have a philosophy of continuous improvement that applies both to ourselves and the companies we invest in. We are always looking to enhance our understanding of evolving sustainability issues and how to incorporate them into our investment process. Our portfolio management is driven by this philosophy.

 

Our Alignment with Sustainable Development

The guiding principle of our investment philosophy is: ‘Is the world a better place because of this company?’ and we always consider whether a company’s products contribute beneficially to the environment and society. Ten sustainable development investment themes help us identify long-term business opportunities. These have been informed by both the environmental and social megatrends that are pressuring the global economy, and by the UN’s 1987 Brundtland Report that defined sustainable development. Consequently, there is high alignment between our investment process and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and our portfolio contributes to all 17. Identifying companies that contribute towards the goals is inherent to our investment approach and we measure and report on this.

We believe there are a myriad of investment opportunities arising from the migration towards a more sustainable global economy, and that the best investment returns will be generated by companies that are on the right side of these. Looking for these long-term compounding characteristics and staying focused on long-term value not short-term valuation metrics, can generate exciting investment returns. We also believe there are substantial risks to companies and shareholder returns that come from factors such as asset obsolescence, regulatory risk, weak corporate cultures, or damaged franchises that are on the wrong side of ESG. While these risks can appear small in the short term, they also compound over time and can dramatically hurt company fundamentals.

Please refer to the Fund’s Investment Principles for further details.

Process:

Investment approach

There are four pillars to our sustainable investment process which incorporates both positive and negative selection criteria and includes both product and operational impact analysis. It is through this rigorous and repeatable stock-selection process that we believe we add value to our clients.

  • Positive impact: Ten sustainable development themes guide idea generation and identify long-term investment opportunities.
  • 'Do no harm’: Strict avoidance criteria are adopted. We will not invest in activities that contribute to environmental and social harm. This also helps us avoid investing in industries most likely to be disrupted.
  • Triple bottom-line framework: Fundamental research evaluates how companies focus on profits, people and the planet in equal measure.
  • Active management and engagement: We construct a differentiated portfolio with typically high active share (>90%). Collaborative, continuous and collective engagement is a key aspect of our process.


Thematic framework

The positive selection criteria lead the team to invest in businesses that have a positive impact on society and the environment by virtue of the products or services they sell, and by the way in which they manage their operations, thereby supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015.


Idea generation

Idea generation is derived from four ‘core’ megatrends that are pressuring the global economy: population growth, ageing populations, resource constrains and climate change.

The team believes that the defining investment issue of our time will be transitioning to a low-carbon and sustainable economy, while maintaining the levels of productivity necessary to deliver the goods and services that an ageing and growing population requires. Derived from these four megatrends, we identify ten environmental and social sustainable development themes. For every investment, the team must be able to identify at least one theme operating as a value driver to the business.

Investing with positive impact is inherent in our approach and integral to all investment decisions. All investments must demonstrate positive impact and we measure and report on this. We do this by measuring the proportion of portfolio revenues that are aligned with each of our ten positive sustainable development themes; by mapping our portfolio holdings against the United Nations Social Development Goals (SDGs); by reporting our carbon footprint, and by measuring our portfolio against a set of ESG KPIs that are informed by the Global Impact Investing Network’s IRIS metrics.


Do no harm, avoidance criteria

The negative impact on global prosperity from the cost of economic externalities is becoming increasingly recognised. The team seeks to avoid businesses involved in activities contrary to the development of a sustainable economy, believing these types of business to be at a higher risk from government regulation or disruption.

All holdings are compliant with the UN Global Compact, whose Ten Principles cover human rights, the International Labour Organisation’s declaration on workers’ rights, corruption and environmental pollution. Additional oversight is provided by Janus Henderson’s ESG Oversight Committee, an independent committee comprising senior figures from across Janus Henderson,
responsible for ensuring the strategy’s adherence to its exclusion criteria.


Fundamental and valuation analysis

The team is ultimately trying to identify businesses with long-term compounding characteristics, and with optionality upside, which are trading at discounts to their intrinsic value. Typically, the team is looking for companies with the ability to generate and compound long-term free cash flows, where the equity market is currently under-valuing those. There is a specific focus to the
financial analysis that the team do to identify intrinsic value.

The team looks for:

  • The potential for multi-year revenue compounding
  • A culture of innovation, that in turn drives that upside optionality
  • Durable business models
  • Greater predictability of revenues
  • Consistency of margins and cash flows
  • Strong balance sheets


The team also believes there are substantial risks to companies and shareholder returns from factors such as asset obsolescence, regulatory risk, the loss of key talent arising from weak corporate culture, or the loss of customers given the perception that a company operates on the wrong side of ESG. While these risks can appear small in the short term, they also compound over time
and can dramatically hurt company fundamentals.

We believe that the equity market often fails to see both the long-term value being created by some companies and underappreciates the long-term risks to others. We consider all of these factors as we think about a business’ fair value and stay focused on the potential for long-term value creation rather than on shorter-term valuation metrics.


Active portfolio construction and risk management

Every stock selected for the portfolio must fit at least one theme; but for the purposes of portfolio construction, there is no forced distribution of themes. Portfolio construction is driven by stock selection, with each stock assessed within the disciplined analytical framework.

The portfolio is constructed with the aim of generating attractive excess returns, but with a good level of overall risk diversification. The intention is to construct a high-conviction portfolio with high active share against the benchmark. There are some key principles to this.

  • Portfolio construction is driven by stock selection, with each stock being assessed within the disciplined analytical framework. There are 3 levels of position size:
    • Substantial positions, of over 3% portfolio weight, are stocks with a superior combination of predictable revenue growth, financial strength and valuation upside. These positions typically account for 30-40% of the total portfolio.
    • Standard positions, of 2 to 3%, are the initial sizes for investments that meet all our portfolio entry requirements and have good liquidity
    • Small positions, of less than 1%, are less liquid investments which tend to be earlier in their life cycle, but where we see significant upside. These positions typically account for less than 5% of the total portfolio.
  • The portfolio will be regionally balanced to avoid unintended country and currency risk. Emerging market investments will be limited to a maximum of 3% of the portfolio.
  • The portfolio will comprise 30 – 50 equity investments. Every investment is selected on its own fundamental stock attributes but must contribute to overall portfolio fit and risk diversification.


The team believes that a high-conviction portfolio of stocks that align with the investment philosophy, which looks very different to the benchmark, but is managed with this high awareness of geographic, thematic and liquidity risk, can generate attractive risk-aware returns for our clients.


Sell discipline

Sales will be executed when the long-term investment thesis is impaired, or when corporate responsibility issues emerge and there is no possible resolution from engagement with the company. Additionally, a position will be sold if new information identifies a breach of the strategy’s avoidance criteria.


Engagement and reporting

Company engagement forms an important part of the investment process. We take an active approach to communicating our views to companies and seeking improvements in performance. We participate in various forms of engagement: 

  • Collaborative engagement: coming together with a group of other institutional investors to engage with companies on a range of ESG issues
  • Continuous engagement: working with companies on ESG issues that have long-duration and do not result in immediate outcomes
  • Collective engagement: bringing together ideas and resources from a diverse range of stakeholders from outside the organisation to engage with companies on key issues.

On a quarterly basis we publish our ‘Positive Impact Report’ and our ‘Voting & Engagement Report’. The Positive Impact Report details how the portfolio holdings are having positive environmental or social impact. The Voting & Engagement Report details our corporate engagement and proxy voting activity.

On an annual basis we publish our ‘Annual Sustainability Report’ and our ‘Investment Principles Report’. The Annual Sustainability Report details our portfolio impact measurement. We review the UN SDGs and our positive impact for each SDG. This report also discloses our portfolio Carbon Footprint, measuring scope 1,2 and 3 emissions. The Investment Principles Report details our
investment philosophy, our definition of sustainability, and an in-depth description of our positive impact themes and avoidance criteria.

 

 

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Hamish Chamberlayne co-manages the strategy with Aaron Scully, CFA and is supported by research analyst Suney Hindocha, CFA and portfolio analyst Jigar Pipalia. Hamish is based in Jersey and the rest of the team is based between London (Jigar and Suney) and Denver (Aaron). Hamish and Aaron all have dual analyst and portfolio management responsibilities, and each has an inter-disciplinary skillset comprising both financial and sustainability analysis. Hamish has been managing the strategy since January 2012, after joining the firm in 2011. Aaron Scully joined the team as an assistant portfolio manager in August 2017 and was promoted to co-portfolio manager in May 2019. Jigar joined in 2021 and Suney in 2023. This is a collegiate team, with a strong set of shared values and thoroughly enjoy working together. They are dedicated to the management of the Global Sustainable Equities (GSE) strategy.


The team have a close working relationship with the firm’s Responsibility Team, specifically in relation to the analysis of financially material environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and company engagement. The Responsibility Team is an in-house specialised group focused on ESG data analysis and research, governance, ESG company and thematic engagement, proxy voting and advisory services that serves as a resource for all our investment desks. The team’s mission is to promote ESG integration across the business. They play a leading role internally in working with investment desks to enhance their ESG integration processes and externally leading our active participation in numerous ESG initiatives.


Additionally, the dedicated GSE portfolio management team works closely with the wider Janus Henderson Central Research Team. These analysts provide idea generation, sector domain expertise and deep analytical due diligence on companies and sectors.


Our alignment with sustainable development
The guiding principle of our investment philosophy is: ‘Is the world a better place because of this company?’ and we always consider whether a company’s products contribute beneficially to the environment and society. Ten sustainable development investment themes help us identify long-term business opportunities. These have been informed by both the environmental and social megatrends that are pressuring the global economy, and by the UN’s 1987 Brundtland Report that defined sustainable development. Consequently, there is high alignment between our investment process and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and our portfolio contributes to all 17. Identifying companies that contribute towards the goals is inherent to our investment approach and we measure and report on this.

 

We believe there are a myriad of investment opportunities arising from the migration towards a more sustainable global economy, and that the best investment returns will be generated by companies that are on the right side of these. Looking for these long-term compounding characteristics and staying focused on long-term value not short-term valuation metrics, can generate exciting investment returns. We also believe there are substantial risks to companies and shareholder returns that come from factors such as asset obsolescence, regulatory risk, weak corporate cultures, or damaged franchises that are on the wrong side of ESG. While these risks can appear small in the short term, they also compound over time and can dramatically hurt company fundamentals.


Global Sustainable Equity Team

Name - Job Title

Hamish Chamberlayne, CFA - Head of Global Sustainable Equity | Portfolio Manager
Aaron Scully, CFA - Portfolio Manager
Jigar Pipalia - Portfolio Analyst
Suney Hindocha, CFA - Research Analyst
Steve Weeple - Client Portfolio Manager

Source: Janus Henderson Investors, as at 31 March 2024.


Responsibility Team

Name - Job Title

Michelle Dunstan - Chief Responsibility Officer
Antony Marsden - Global Head of Responsible Investment and Governance
Blake Bennett, PhD - Responsible Investment and Governance Analyst
Ruchi Biyani - Corporate Governance Lead
Olivia Gull - Responsible Investment and Governance Analyst
Charles Devereux, CFA - Responsible Investment and Governance Analyst
Charlotte Nisbet - Responsible Investment and Governance Analyst
Olivia Jones - Responsible Investment and Governance Analyst
Phoebe Lei - Responsible Investment and Governance Analyst
Xiaoyi Luo Tedjani, FRM - Responsible Investment and Governance Analyst
Catherine Boyd - Global Head of ESG Strategy & Operations
Onon Wedum - Responsibility Marketing & Communications Analyst
Jesse Verheijen - Head of ESG Data and Analytics
Evelyn Lin - ESG Data Analyst
Tom Nutton - ESG Data Analyst
Priyanshu Sinha - ESG Data Analyst
Nitin Mehta - Head of ESG Operations & Regulatory Change
Nicole Wong - ESG Risk and Controls Lead
Somya Gupta - Reporting Analyst
Sunniva Droenen - ESG Regulatory Business Analyst
Stewart Gillespie - JHI ESG Brighter Future Fund Equity Specialist
Adrienn Sarandi - Global Head of ESG Solutions and Strategic Initiatives
Henrik Jeppesen, CFA, CAIA, CIPM - ESG Implementation Director
Jonathan Lloyd - ESG Solutions Engineer
Demesha Hill - Head of Diversity & Community Relations
Ferhana Jameel - Diversity & Inclusion Advisor

Source: Janus Henderson Investors, as at 31 March 2024.

 

Dialshifter

This fund is helping to ‘shift the dial from brown to green’ by…

Built 30 years ago, the four pillars of our sustainable investment approach remain as pertinent today as they were three decades ago. It is these pillars which have enabled the strategy to remain at the forefront of sustainable investing for so long; as knowledge of sustainability has progressed, our investment approach has blossomed all the while remaining rooted in the strategy’s core beliefs. We consider this to be integral to the strategy’s success.

 

Our organisation is helping to support the Paris Climate Agreement and the Race to Net Zero by…

We have embedded climate change, including many aspects of the NZAMI framework, within our investment processes including the following:

  • Maintaining Janus Henderson Carbon Neutral Status since 2007
  • Founding signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment in 2006.
  • Signatory to the Paris Pledge for Action, announced prior to COP21
  • Member of the Global Impact Investing Network, and the US, UK and European Sustainable Investment Forums
  • Active engagement with portfolio companies on climate issues, including as a participant in Climate Action 100+, a five-year collaborative initiative led by investors to engage with the world’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitters.

 

SDR Labelling:

Sustainability Focus label

Key Performance Indicators:

In order to meet our sustainable objective, every stock in the portfolio must have 50% or more of their revenues tied to one of our ten sustainability themes. This is a non-negotiable and every single stock is mapped to one of our ten themes. This is how we define meeting our sustainability objective. Furthermore we are committed to having a portfolio carbon footprint and portfolio carbon intensity (scope 1 and 2) as being 20% less than that of our index and we have achieved this and report on this as well.

Fund Holdings

Disclaimer

This document is intended solely for the use of professionals, defined as Eligible Counterparties or Professional Clients, and is not for general public distribution. Marketing Communication. Past performance does not predict future returns. The value of an investment and the income from it can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount originally invested. Tax assumptions and reliefs depend upon an investor’s particular circumstances and may change if those circumstances or the law change. If you invest through a third party provider you are advised to consult them directly as charges, performance and terms and conditions may differ materially. Nothing in this document is intended to or should be construed as advice. This document is not a recommendation to sell or purchase any investment. It does not form part of any contract for the sale or purchase of any investment. Any investment application will be made solely on the basis of the information contained in the Prospectus (including all relevant covering documents), which will contain investment restrictions. This document is intended as a summary only and potential investors must read the prospectus, and where relevant, the key investor information document before investing. We may record telephone calls for our mutual protection, to improve customer service and for regulatory record keeping purposes.

Issued by Janus Henderson Investors. Janus Henderson Investors is the name under which investment products and services are provided by Janus Henderson Investors International Limited (reg no. 3594615), Janus Henderson Investors UK Limited (reg. no. 906355), Janus Henderson Fund Management UK Limited (reg. no. 2678531), (each registered in England and Wales at 201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) and Janus Henderson Investors Europe S.A. (reg no. B22848 at 78, Avenue de la Liberté, L-1930 Luxembourg, Luxembourg and regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier).

Janus Henderson is a trademark of Janus Henderson Group plc or one of its subsidiaries. © Janus Henderson Group plc.

Fund Name SRI Style SDR Labelling Product Region Asset Type Launch Date Last Amended

Janus Henderson US Sustainable Equity Fund

Sustainability Tilt Sustainability Focus label OEIC USA Equity 20/09/2022 Nov 2024

Objectives

The Fund aims to provide capital growth over the long term (5 years or more) by investing in US companies whose products and services are considered by the Investment Manager as contributing to positive environmental or social change.

 

Fund Size: £88.05m

(as at: 31/03/2024)

Total Screened Themed SRI Assets: £5448.82m

(as at: 31/03/2024)

Total Responsible Ownership Assets: £234802.64m

(as at: 31/03/2024)

Total Assets Under Management: £279117.97m

(as at: 31/03/2024)

ISIN: GB00BPH3DD08, GB00BPH3DF22, GB00BPH3DG39, GB00BPH3DH46

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Overview

The US Sustainable Equity strategy (‘the strategy’) aims to provide capital growth over the long term (5 years or more) by investing in US companies whose products and services are considered by the investment manager as contributing to positive environmental or social change and thereby have an impact on the development of a sustainable global economy.

We believe that there is a strong link between sustainable development, innovation and long-term compounding growth.

Our investment framework seeks to invest in companies that have a positive impact on the environment and society; and at the same time, it helps us stay on the right side of disruption by avoiding companies we consider to be involved in activities that are harmful to the environment or society.

We believe this approach will provide clients with a persistent return source, deliver future compound growth, and help mitigate downside risk.

Primary fund last amended: Nov 2024

Information received directly from Fund Manager

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Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
Sustainability policy

Funds that have policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See fund information.

Sustainability focus

Find funds which substantially focus on sustainability issues

Sustainability theme or focus

Find funds where there is a significant emphasis on (environmental and social) sustainability. Funds with a 'sustainability theme' typically place more emphasis on the area than funds with a 'sustainability policy' - meaning that it is more likely to drive investment selection. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Sustainable transport policy or theme

Find funds that have documented policies or thematic investment approaches relating to investment in more sustainable, greener transport methods. These will typically set out a preference for companies that run, enable or support more sustainable methods of transport. See fund information for further detail.

Encourage more sustainable practices through stewardship

A core element of these funds aim to encourage higher sustainability standards across business practices through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

UN Global Compact linked exclusion policy

Find funds that use the UN Global Compact to inform or help direct where they can or cannot invest and will typically not invest in companies with significant breaches (low standards) - although strategies vary. (The UNGC covers a wide range of issues - search 'UNGC'). See https://unglobalcompact.org/

Transition focus

The delivery of the shift to a sustainable future is a core feature of this fund and its investment strategy. See eg https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/

Report against sustainability objectives

Find funds that publicly report their performance against specifically named sustainability objectives (in addition to reporting their financial performance)

Green / Sustainable property strategy

Fund has a strategy that focuses on sustainability issues in the property sector - they may eg use GRESB / BREEAM scores to inform investment decisions.

Environmental - General
Environmental policy

Funds that have policies which relate to environmental issues. These will typically set out the fund's stance on issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, plastics and/or additional environmental impacts. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Limits exposure to carbon intensive industries

Funds that limit or 'reduce' their exposure to carbon intensive industries (ie sectors which are major contributors to climate change. Funds vary - some funds may be 'underweight' in this area which means they may have some investment in highly carbon intensive areas. Funds of this kind may choose companies they consider to be 'best in sector' and encourage ever higher standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further details.

Environmental damage and pollution policy

Funds that have written policies explaining the approach they take when companies damage the environment or are significant polluters. Funds of this kind may work with companies to encourage higher standards, or exclude companies - sometimes dependent on the situation. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Resource efficiency policy or theme

Find funds that have a policy or theme that relates to managing natural resources more efficiently. Funds with this policy will be likely to favour companies that make (or enable the) more efficient use of resources - and either avoid or encourage change amongst companies with lower standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Favours cleaner, greener companies

Funds that aim to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary - in particular the balance between 'financial' aspects and environmental benefits. Some may invest substantially in solutions or 'positive impact' companies - others may invest in more conventional companies providing certain environmental criteria are met. See fund information for further detail.

Waste management policy or theme

Find funds that have a written policy or theme on waste management - typically a view to encouraging higher levels of recycling and better efficiency / reducing waste.

Plastics policy

Funds that are reviewing or encouraging companies to manage down the overuse of plastics (particularly single use, non-recyclable plastics). These funds will typically aim to encourage the use of alternative materials, but are unlikely to exclude companies purely on the basis of their use of plastics. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Nature & Biodiversity
Nature / biodiversity focus

Fund has a significant focus or emphasis on investment in nature and biodiversity related opportunities

Nature / biodiversity protection policy

Fund has a nature or biodiversity policy which sets out their expectations of investee assets - typically meaning the fund will not invest in assets with poor standards. See fund information.

Deforestation / palm oil policy

Find funds that have policies in place designed to ensure they do not invest in companies that are significantly involved in deforestation. This typically relates to palm oil plantations where biodiversity loss is a major concern (as well as other issues). Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Illegal deforestation exclusion policy

Find funds that have policies in place explaining that they avoid companies involved in illegal and/or unsustainable deforestation. This may relate to palm oil, cattle farming or other concerns. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Sustainable fisheries policy

Fund has a sustainable fisheries policy that will inform where it can and can not invest

Avoids genetically modified seeds/crop production

Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies that produce genetically modified seeds or crops. (This does not typically include avoiding companies such as supermarkets). See fund literature for further information.

Genetic engineering exclusion

Fund avoids assets / companies directly involved in genetic engineering

Climate Change & Energy
Climate change / greenhouse gas emissions policy

Funds that have policies (documented strategies that explain their position on) climate change related issues such as greenhouse gas/carbon emissions, net zero, transitioning to lower carbon. Strategies vary. Read fund details for further information.

Coal, oil & / or gas majors excluded

Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.

Fracking and tar sands excluded

Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Arctic drilling exclusion

Funds that avoid companies that are involved in extracting oil from the Arctic regions. See fund literature for further details.

Fossil fuel reserves exclusion

Funds that avoid investing in companies with coal, oil and gas reserves. See fund information for further details.

Clean / renewable energy theme or focus

Find funds where investment in clean / renewable energy companies an other assets is central to their investment selection strategy. The proportion of the fund that is directly or indirectly invested in renewable energy varies between funds and over time. See fund information for further details.

Encourage transition to low carbon through stewardship activity

A core element of these funds will aim to encourage the transition to lower carbon activities through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

Energy efficiency theme

Fund funds that have an energy efficiency theme - typically meaning that a fund manager is focused on investing in organisations that manage - or help others to manage - energy use more carefully and less wastefully - and so reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Invests in clean energy / renewables

Funds that hold companies in the clean energy and renewable energy sectors (at the time research was supplied). Fund strategies vary, in particular the proportion of investment in these areas may vary significantly. Check fund literature for details.

Nuclear exclusion policy

Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Supply chain decarbonisation policy

Fund has a supply chain decarbonisation policy which sets out its position on the need to reduce carbon emissions throughout the investment chain. This will inform where the manager can and can not invest.

Fossil fuel exploration exclusion - direct involvement

The fund manager excludes companies with direct involvement in fossil fuel exploration (eg coal, oil and gas companies)

Fossil fuel exploration exclusion – indirect involvement

The fund manager excludes companies with indirect involvement in fossil fuel exploration. For example they would be expected to exclude banks and insurance companies that are effectively enabling new coal, oil and or gas reserves to be discovered and in due course extracted through the provision of necessary finance or services.

Require net zero action plan from all/most companies

Find funds that require all, or almost all, of the companies it invests in to have a ‘net zero action plan’ - meaning that the companies they invest in have worked out how they will, over time, reduce their total carbon (and other greenhouse gas) emissions to nil.

TCFD reporting requirement (Becoming IFRS)

Will only invest in companies that report greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies in line with the framework set out the by the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosure, which is increasingly becoming mandatory. See https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/ https ://www.ifrs.org/sustainability/tcfd/

Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Tobacco and related product manufacturers excluded

Companies are excluded if they are involved in any aspect of the production chain for tobacco products, including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Tobacco and related products - avoid where revenue > 5%

Companies are excluded if they make more than 5% of their revenue from the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Armaments manufacturers avoided

Find funds that avoid companies that manufacture products intended specifically for military use. Fund strategies vary - particularly with regard to non-strategic military products. See fund literature for fund specific details.

Civilian firearms production exclusion

Find funds with a written civilian firearms exclusion policy - meaning that they will not invest in companies that make (or perhaps also sell) handguns made for non-military users.

Alcohol production excluded

Find funds that avoid investment in companies involved in the production of alcohol. Strategies vary; some funds allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund literature for further information.

Gambling avoidance policy

Find funds that avoid companies with significant involvement in the gambling industry. Some funds may allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund policy for further details.

Pornography avoidance policy

Find funds that avoid companies that derive significant income from pornography and related areas. Strategies vary. See fund details for further information.

Animal welfare policy

Find funds with policies that require specific animal welfare standards to be met. These may reference well-known welfare standards (3Rs - Replace, Reduce, Refine) or certification schemes. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Animal testing - excluded except if for medical purposes

Find funds that avoid companies that test their products on animals for purposes other than medical benefit (e.g. for cosmetics). Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Water / sanitation policy or theme

Find funds that have policies or themes that set out their position on investment in the water sector and/or sanitation. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Demographic / ageing population theme

Find funds with a thematic investment approach focusing on the ‘silver economy’ - in particular (typically) the issues and opportunities presented by changing demographics. This could include finance, healthcare and medicines and/ or longevity science to extend lifespans. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Healthcare / medical theme

Healthcare and or medical theme or area of investment - the fund may have a single theme or many themes

Gilts & Sovereigns
Does not invest in sovereigns

Find funds that do not invest in / exclude 'sovereigns' - debt issued by governments. See eg https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sovereign-debt.asp

Banking & Financials
Invests in banks

Find funds that include banks as part of their holdings / portfolio.

Invests in insurers

Funds that do or may invest in insurance companies.

Governance & Management
Governance policy

Find fund options that have policies that relate to corporate governance issues such as board structure, executive remuneration, bribery and/or corporate corruption. These funds will typically avoid companies with poor practices. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Avoids companies with poor governance

Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards. See fund literature for further information.

UN sanctions exclusion

Exclude companies that are subject to United Nations sanctions. See eg https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/un-sc-consolidated-list

Anti-bribery and corruption policy

Find funds that have policies explaining how managers will respond to assets / companies that do not comply with relevant anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards or laws. Strategies vary; options include stewardship/ engagement and divestment - or a combination. See fund literature for further information.

Encourage board diversity e.g. gender

Fund managers encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)

Encourage TCFD alignment for banks & insurance companies

Find fund managers that encourage the banks and insurance companies they invest in to publish climate change related financial information - as set out by the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (with the aim of helping investors measure and respond to climate risk).

Encourage higher ESG standards through stewardship activity

A core element of these funds will aim to encourage higher ESG standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement /voting activity

Require investee companies to report climate risk in R&A

The fund manager requires the companies they invest in to report on climate risks that are relevant to their business in their report and accounts

Targeted Positive Investments
Invests >25% of fund in environmental/social solutions companies

Find funds that invest >25% of their capital towards companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.

Invests >50% of fund in environmental/social solutions companies

Find funds that invest >50% of their capital in companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.

EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy holdings 5-25% of fund assets

Find funds that have calculated the proportion of fund asset that meet the new EU Taxonomy requirements and that they total 5-25% of assets. This will typically require adding up the proportion of each individual company's activity that is regarded as 'green' so that the fund manager can produce an overall total for the whole fund / portfolio.

EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy holdings >25% of fund assets

Find funds that have calculated the proportion of fund asset that meet the new EU Taxonomy requirements and that they total over 25% of fund assets. This will typically require adding up the proportion of each individual company's activity that is regarded as 'green' so that the fund manager can produce an overall total for the whole fund / portfolio.

Impact Methodologies
Aims to generate positive impacts (or 'outcomes')

Funds that aim to help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies they regard as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Positive environmental impact theme

Find funds that specifically set out to help deliver positive environmental impacts, benefits or 'real world' outcomes.

Positive social impact theme

Find funds that specifically state that they aim to deliver positive social (i.e. people related) impacts and/or outcomes.

Invests in environmental solutions companies

Find funds that direct investment towards companies where a major part of their business is about solving environmental challenges. e.g. companies helping to address climate change.

Invests in social solutions companies

Find funds that invest in companies where a major part of their business is specifically aimed at helping to address social challenges. e.g. companies helping to address poverty.

Invests in sustainability / ESG disruptors

Find funds that specifically set out to invest in companies that are regarded as 'disrupting' existing business practices - typically through the development of innovative (sustainability aware) products and/or practices.

Aim to deliver positive impacts through engagement

Fund aims to deliver positive environmental and or social impacts (real world benefits) through its engagement with investee assets

Over 50% in assets providing environmental or social ‘solutions’

50% of fund assets are regarded by the fund manager as being significantly focused on providing solutions to environmental or social challenges. Strategies vary.

How The Fund Works
Positive selection bias

Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.

Significant harm exclusion

Aims to avoid companies that do significant harm. This originates from the EU’s sustainable finance ‘DNSH’ (do no significant harm) work, which is not necessarily used by UK investors.

Assets mapped to SDGs

Find funds that have 'mapped' (reviewed) their investment selection and management strategies to identify which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the fund is helping to address.

Combines norms based exclusions with other SRI criteria

Find funds that make significant use of internationally agreed 'norms' (e.g. United Nations Global Compact - UNGC - or the UN Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs) as part of their investment selection process alongside additional SRI criteria such as positive or negative stock selection policies and/or stewardship strategies.

Combines ESG strategy with other SRI criteria

Find funds that have an ESG strategy (which is typically focused on avoiding companies that pose environmental, social or governance related risks) with additional criteria such as positive and/or negative screens, themes and stewardship strategies.

SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website

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Unscreened Assets & Cash
Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 70 - 79%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 80 – 89%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives > 90%

The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets

All assets (except cash) meet published sustainability criteria

All assets held in the fund - except cash - meet the sustainability criteria published in fund documentation.

Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for investors interested in sustainability

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Available via an ISA (OEIC only)

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Labels & Accreditations
SDR Labelled

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Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Responsible ownership / stewardship policy or strategy (AFM company wide)

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ESG / SRI engagement (AFM company wide)

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Vote all* shares at AGMs / EGMs (AFM company wide)

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Responsible ownership / ESG a key differentiator (AFM company wide)

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Responsible ownership policy for non SRI funds (AFM company wide)

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Integrates ESG factors into all / most (AFM) fund research

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In-house diversity improvement programme (AFM company wide)

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Invests in newly listed companies (AFM company wide)

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Offer structured intermediary training on sustainable investment

Fund management entity offers unstructured intermediary training on sustainable investment (ie for financial advisers and wealth managers)

Offer unstructured intermediary sustainable investment training

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Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory

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UKSIF member

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Fund EcoMarket partner

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TNFD forum member (AFM company wide)

A member of the Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosures group which aims to aid risk management and shift money towards nature-positive outcomes.

Investment Association (IA) member

Fund management entity is a member of the Investment Association https://www.theia.org/

Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise

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Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers

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Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

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Accreditations
UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)

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Engagement Approach
Encourage responsible corporate taxation (AFM company wide)

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Engaging on climate change issues

Fund manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.

Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change

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Engaging to reduce plastics pollution / waste

Asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy with involves encouraging investee asset to reduce plastic waste and pollution.

Engaging to encourage responsible mining practices

Asset manager has a stewardship / responsible ownership policy that means they are working to encourage more responsible mining practices - where environmental and social issues are properly dealt with by the companies they invest in.

Engaging on biodiversity / nature issues

The asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy that focuses on biodiversity and nature issues relating to the assets they invest the aim of which will be to reduce harm and or deliver improvement. Strategies vary. https://tnfd.global

Engaging on human rights issues

Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place which aims to address human rights issues in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers) with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on labour / employment issues

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Engaging on diversity, equality and / or inclusion issues

Asset management company has a stewardship strategy in place which involves working to raise diversity, equality and inclusion standards across investee assets

Engaging to stop modern slavery

working with the assets they hold to help stamp out modern slavery - where direct or indirect company employees are exploited for business benefits.

Engaging on governance issues

Fund managers have stewardship strategies in place that focus on improving governance standards across investee assets

Engaging on responsible supply chain issues

Has a stewardship / responsible ownership strategy that encourages responsible supply chain - ie the managers will discuss environmental, social and governance issues with investee companies with the aim of raising standards

Company Wide Exclusions
Controversial weapons avoidance policy (AFM company wide)

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Review(ing) carbon / fossil fuel exposure for all funds (AFM company wide)

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Climate & Net Zero Transition
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Carbon offsetting - offset carbon as part of our net zero plan (AFM company wide)

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In-house carbon / GHG reduction policy (AFM company wide)

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Committed to SBTi / Science Based Targets Initiative

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Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM company wide)

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Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website

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Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information available on request

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Publish full voting record (AFM company wide)

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Dialshifter statement

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Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

Janus Henderson has been involved in managing Sustainability portfolios for almost 30 years and the US Sustainable Equity strategy was launched in 2021. At the heart of the approach is the belief that the best investment returns will be generated by companies which are providing solutions to environmental and social challenges. These companies should have attractive financial attributes such as persistent revenue growth and durable cash flows.

The Global Sustainable Equity (GSE) Team (the ‘team’) aims to outperform the market over the long term through creating a differentiated global equity portfolio of the best sustainability ideas. The team’s investment approach is explicitly low carbon and by incorporating environmental, social, and governance factors into their analysis they seek to construct a portfolio with a favourable risk profile.

 

Key Distinctions

  • Investing with positive impact: environmental and social considerations are integral to the investment philosophy and process, from universe definition and idea generation through to fundamental analysis, engagement and portfolio management. A dedicated sustainability professional within the team enables deep integration of sustainability issues into investment process and enhances our ability to analyse issues from multiple angles.
  • Deep investment resource: the dedicated GSE portfolio management team works in collaboration with Janus Henderson’s global equity research platform and draws upon the deep knowledge and domain expertise of the sector and regional teams.
  • 30 years of Sustainability thought leadership: we have a long and successful track record in the consistent application of our sustainability framework – the GSE strategy was launched in 1991 and Hamish Chamberlayne, CFA has been managing the strategy since January 2012. We have been thought leaders on sustainability issues since the inception of the strategy and were founding signatories of the UNPRI in 2006.
  • Explicitly low carbon: we consider 5 levels in our approach to low carbon investing. We believe this approach will be a significant source of alpha as the transition to the low carbon economy continues over the next decade and beyond.
    Hamish Chamberlayne, CFA has had training in climate change and has written a paper on the investment implications. The team have many years of experience in analysing, understanding and managing both climate risk and transition risk within portfolios (the GSE strategy has had this low carbon approach since inception in 1991).
  • Continuous improvement: we have a philosophy of continuous improvement that applies both to ourselves and the companies we invest in. We are always looking to enhance our understanding of evolving sustainability issues and how to incorporate them into our investment process. Our portfolio management is driven by this philosophy.

 

Our Alignment with Sustainable Development

The guiding principle of our investment philosophy is: ‘Is the world a better place because of this company?’ and we always consider whether a company’s products contribute beneficially to the environment and society. Ten sustainable development investment themes help us identify long-term business opportunities. These have been informed by both the environmental and social megatrends that are pressuring the global economy, and by the UN’s 1987 Brundtland Report that defined sustainable development. Consequently, there is high alignment between our investment process and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and our portfolio contributes to all 17. Identifying companies that contribute towards the goals is inherent to our investment approach and we measure and report on this.

We believe there are a myriad of investment opportunities arising from the migration towards a more sustainable global economy, and that the best investment returns will be generated by companies that are on the right side of these. Looking for these long-term compounding characteristics and staying focused on long-term value not short-term valuation metrics, can generate exciting investment returns. We also believe there are substantial risks to companies and shareholder returns that come from factors such as asset obsolescence, regulatory risk, weak corporate cultures, or damaged franchises that are on the wrong side of ESG. While these risks can appear small in the short term, they also compound over time and can dramatically hurt company fundamentals.

Please refer to the Fund’s Investment Principles for further details.

Process:

Investment approach

There are four pillars to our sustainable investment process which incorporates both positive and negative selection criteria and includes both product and operational impact analysis. It is through this rigorous and repeatable stock-selection process that we believe we add value to our clients.

  • Positive impact: Ten sustainable development themes guide idea generation and identify long-term investment opportunities.
  • 'Do no harm’: Strict avoidance criteria are adopted. We will not invest in activities that contribute to environmental and social harm. This also helps us avoid investing in industries most likely to be disrupted.
  • Triple bottom-line framework: Fundamental research evaluates how companies focus on profits, people and the planet in equal measure.
  • Active management and engagement: We construct a differentiated portfolio with typically high active share (>90%). Collaborative, continuous and collective engagement is a key aspect of our process.


Thematic framework

The positive selection criteria lead the team to invest in businesses that have a positive impact on society and the environment by virtue of the products or services they sell, and by the way in which they manage their operations, thereby supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015.


Idea generation

Idea generation is derived from four ‘core’ megatrends that are pressuring the global economy: population growth, ageing populations, resource constrains and climate change.

The team believes that the defining investment issue of our time will be transitioning to a low-carbon and sustainable economy, while maintaining the levels of productivity necessary to deliver the goods and services that an ageing and growing population requires. Derived from these four megatrends, we identify ten environmental and social sustainable development themes. For every investment, the team must be able to identify at least one theme operating as a value driver to the business.

Investing with positive impact is inherent in our approach and integral to all investment decisions. All investments must demonstrate positive impact and we measure and report on this. We do this by measuring the proportion of portfolio revenues that are aligned with each of our ten positive sustainable development themes; by mapping our portfolio holdings against the United Nations Social Development Goals (SDGs); by reporting our carbon footprint, and by measuring our portfolio against a set of ESG KPIs that are informed by the Global Impact Investing Network’s IRIS metrics.


Do no harm, avoidance criteria

The negative impact on global prosperity from the cost of economic externalities is becoming increasingly recognised. The team seeks to avoid businesses involved in activities contrary to the development of a sustainable economy, believing these types of business to be at a higher risk from government regulation or disruption.

All holdings are compliant with the UN Global Compact, whose Ten Principles cover human rights, the International Labour Organisation’s declaration on workers’ rights, corruption and environmental pollution. Additional oversight is provided by Janus Henderson’s ESG Oversight Committee, an independent committee comprising senior figures from across Janus Henderson,
responsible for ensuring the strategy’s adherence to its exclusion criteria.


Fundamental and valuation analysis

The team is ultimately trying to identify businesses with long-term compounding characteristics, and with optionality upside, which are trading at discounts to their intrinsic value. Typically, the team is looking for companies with the ability to generate and compound long-term free cash flows, where the equity market is currently under-valuing those. There is a specific focus to the
financial analysis that the team do to identify intrinsic value.

The team looks for:

  • The potential for multi-year revenue compounding
  • A culture of innovation, that in turn drives that upside optionality
  • Durable business models
  • Greater predictability of revenues
  • Consistency of margins and cash flows
  • Strong balance sheets


The team also believes there are substantial risks to companies and shareholder returns from factors such as asset obsolescence, regulatory risk, the loss of key talent arising from weak corporate culture, or the loss of customers given the perception that a company operates on the wrong side of ESG. While these risks can appear small in the short term, they also compound over time
and can dramatically hurt company fundamentals.

We believe that the equity market often fails to see both the long-term value being created by some companies and underappreciates the long-term risks to others. We consider all of these factors as we think about a business’ fair value and stay focused on the potential for long-term value creation rather than on shorter-term valuation metrics.


Active portfolio construction and risk management

Every stock selected for the portfolio must fit at least one theme; but for the purposes of portfolio construction, there is no forced distribution of themes. Portfolio construction is driven by stock selection, with each stock assessed within the disciplined analytical framework.

The portfolio is constructed with the aim of generating attractive excess returns, but with a good level of overall risk diversification. The intention is to construct a high-conviction portfolio with high active share against the benchmark. There are some key principles to this.

  • Portfolio construction is driven by stock selection, with each stock being assessed within the disciplined analytical framework. There are 3 levels of position size:
    • Substantial positions, of over 3% portfolio weight, are stocks with a superior combination of predictable revenue growth, financial strength and valuation upside. These positions typically account for 30-40% of the total portfolio.
    • Standard positions, of 2 to 3%, are the initial sizes for investments that meet all our portfolio entry requirements and have good liquidity
    • Small positions, of less than 1%, are less liquid investments which tend to be earlier in their life cycle, but where we see significant upside. These positions typically account for less than 5% of the total portfolio.
  • The portfolio will be regionally balanced to avoid unintended country and currency risk. Emerging market investments will be limited to a maximum of 3% of the portfolio.
  • The portfolio will comprise 30 – 50 equity investments. Every investment is selected on its own fundamental stock attributes but must contribute to overall portfolio fit and risk diversification.


The team believes that a high-conviction portfolio of stocks that align with the investment philosophy, which looks very different to the benchmark, but is managed with this high awareness of geographic, thematic and liquidity risk, can generate attractive risk-aware returns for our clients.


Sell discipline

Sales will be executed when the long-term investment thesis is impaired, or when corporate responsibility issues emerge and there is no possible resolution from engagement with the company. Additionally, a position will be sold if new information identifies a breach of the strategy’s avoidance criteria.


Engagement and reporting

Company engagement forms an important part of the investment process. We take an active approach to communicating our views to companies and seeking improvements in performance. We participate in various forms of engagement: 

  • Collaborative engagement: coming together with a group of other institutional investors to engage with companies on a range of ESG issues
  • Continuous engagement: working with companies on ESG issues that have long-duration and do not result in immediate outcomes
  • Collective engagement: bringing together ideas and resources from a diverse range of stakeholders from outside the organisation to engage with companies on key issues.

On a quarterly basis we publish our ‘Positive Impact Report’ and our ‘Voting & Engagement Report’. The Positive Impact Report details how the portfolio holdings are having positive environmental or social impact. The Voting & Engagement Report details our corporate engagement and proxy voting activity.

On an annual basis we publish our ‘Annual Sustainability Report’ and our ‘Investment Principles Report’. The Annual Sustainability Report details our portfolio impact measurement. We review the UN SDGs and our positive impact for each SDG. This report also discloses our portfolio Carbon Footprint, measuring scope 1,2 and 3 emissions. The Investment Principles Report details our
investment philosophy, our definition of sustainability, and an in-depth description of our positive impact themes and avoidance criteria.

 

 

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Hamish Chamberlayne co-manages the strategy with Aaron Scully, CFA and is supported by research analyst Suney Hindocha, CFA and portfolio analyst Jigar Pipalia. Hamish is based in Jersey and the rest of the team is based between London (Jigar and Suney) and Denver (Aaron). Hamish and Aaron all have dual analyst and portfolio management responsibilities, and each has an inter-disciplinary skillset comprising both financial and sustainability analysis. Hamish has been managing the strategy since January 2012, after joining the firm in 2011. Aaron Scully joined the team as an assistant portfolio manager in August 2017 and was promoted to co-portfolio manager in May 2019. Jigar joined in 2021 and Suney in 2023. This is a collegiate team, with a strong set of shared values and thoroughly enjoy working together. They are dedicated to the management of the Global Sustainable Equities (GSE) strategy.


The team have a close working relationship with the firm’s Responsibility Team, specifically in relation to the analysis of financially material environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and company engagement. The Responsibility Team is an in-house specialised group focused on ESG data analysis and research, governance, ESG company and thematic engagement, proxy voting and advisory services that serves as a resource for all our investment desks. The team’s mission is to promote ESG integration across the business. They play a leading role internally in working with investment desks to enhance their ESG integration processes and externally leading our active participation in numerous ESG initiatives.


Additionally, the dedicated GSE portfolio management team works closely with the wider Janus Henderson Central Research Team. These analysts provide idea generation, sector domain expertise and deep analytical due diligence on companies and sectors.


Our alignment with sustainable development
The guiding principle of our investment philosophy is: ‘Is the world a better place because of this company?’ and we always consider whether a company’s products contribute beneficially to the environment and society. Ten sustainable development investment themes help us identify long-term business opportunities. These have been informed by both the environmental and social megatrends that are pressuring the global economy, and by the UN’s 1987 Brundtland Report that defined sustainable development. Consequently, there is high alignment between our investment process and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and our portfolio contributes to all 17. Identifying companies that contribute towards the goals is inherent to our investment approach and we measure and report on this.

 

We believe there are a myriad of investment opportunities arising from the migration towards a more sustainable global economy, and that the best investment returns will be generated by companies that are on the right side of these. Looking for these long-term compounding characteristics and staying focused on long-term value not short-term valuation metrics, can generate exciting investment returns. We also believe there are substantial risks to companies and shareholder returns that come from factors such as asset obsolescence, regulatory risk, weak corporate cultures, or damaged franchises that are on the wrong side of ESG. While these risks can appear small in the short term, they also compound over time and can dramatically hurt company fundamentals.


Global Sustainable Equity Team

Name - Job Title

Hamish Chamberlayne, CFA - Head of Global Sustainable Equity | Portfolio Manager
Aaron Scully, CFA - Portfolio Manager
Jigar Pipalia - Portfolio Analyst
Suney Hindocha, CFA - Research Analyst
Steve Weeple - Client Portfolio Manager

Source: Janus Henderson Investors, as at 31 March 2024.


Responsibility Team

Name - Job Title

Michelle Dunstan - Chief Responsibility Officer
Antony Marsden - Global Head of Responsible Investment and Governance
Blake Bennett, PhD - Responsible Investment and Governance Analyst
Ruchi Biyani - Corporate Governance Lead
Olivia Gull - Responsible Investment and Governance Analyst
Charles Devereux, CFA - Responsible Investment and Governance Analyst
Charlotte Nisbet - Responsible Investment and Governance Analyst
Olivia Jones - Responsible Investment and Governance Analyst
Phoebe Lei - Responsible Investment and Governance Analyst
Xiaoyi Luo Tedjani, FRM - Responsible Investment and Governance Analyst
Catherine Boyd - Global Head of ESG Strategy & Operations
Onon Wedum - Responsibility Marketing & Communications Analyst
Jesse Verheijen - Head of ESG Data and Analytics
Evelyn Lin - ESG Data Analyst
Tom Nutton - ESG Data Analyst
Priyanshu Sinha - ESG Data Analyst
Nitin Mehta - Head of ESG Operations & Regulatory Change
Nicole Wong - ESG Risk and Controls Lead
Somya Gupta - Reporting Analyst
Sunniva Droenen - ESG Regulatory Business Analyst
Stewart Gillespie - JHI ESG Brighter Future Fund Equity Specialist
Adrienn Sarandi - Global Head of ESG Solutions and Strategic Initiatives
Henrik Jeppesen, CFA, CAIA, CIPM - ESG Implementation Director
Jonathan Lloyd - ESG Solutions Engineer
Demesha Hill - Head of Diversity & Community Relations
Ferhana Jameel - Diversity & Inclusion Advisor

Source: Janus Henderson Investors, as at 31 March 2024.

 

Dialshifter

This fund is helping to ‘shift the dial from brown to green’ by…

Built 30 years ago, the four pillars of our sustainable investment approach remain as pertinent today as they were three decades ago. It is these pillars which have enabled the strategy to remain at the forefront of sustainable investing for so long; as knowledge of sustainability has progressed, our investment approach has blossomed all the while remaining rooted in the strategy’s core beliefs. We consider this to be integral to the strategy’s success.

 

Our organisation is helping to support the Paris Climate Agreement and the Race to Net Zero by…

We have embedded climate change, including many aspects of the NZAMI framework, within our investment processes including the following:

  • Maintaining Janus Henderson Carbon Neutral Status since 2007
  • Founding signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment in 2006.
  • Signatory to the Paris Pledge for Action, announced prior to COP21
  • Member of the Global Impact Investing Network, and the US, UK and European Sustainable Investment Forums
  • Active engagement with portfolio companies on climate issues, including as a participant in Climate Action 100+, a five-year collaborative initiative led by investors to engage with the world’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitters.

 

SDR Labelling:

Sustainability Focus label

Key Performance Indicators:

In order to meet our sustainable objective, every stock in the portfolio must have 50% or more of their revenues tied to one of our ten sustainability themes. This is a non-negotiable and every single stock is mapped to one of our ten themes. This is how we define meeting our sustainability objective. Furthermore we are committed to having a portfolio carbon footprint and portfolio carbon intensity (scope 1 and 2) as being 20% less than that of our index and we have achieved this and report on this as well.

Fund Holdings

Disclaimer

This document is intended solely for the use of professionals, defined as Eligible Counterparties or Professional Clients, and is not for general public distribution. Marketing Communication. Past performance does not predict future returns. The value of an investment and the income from it can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount originally invested. Tax assumptions and reliefs depend upon an investor’s particular circumstances and may change if those circumstances or the law change. If you invest through a third party provider you are advised to consult them directly as charges, performance and terms and conditions may differ materially. Nothing in this document is intended to or should be construed as advice. This document is not a recommendation to sell or purchase any investment. It does not form part of any contract for the sale or purchase of any investment. Any investment application will be made solely on the basis of the information contained in the Prospectus (including all relevant covering documents), which will contain investment restrictions. This document is intended as a summary only and potential investors must read the prospectus, and where relevant, the key investor information document before investing. We may record telephone calls for our mutual protection, to improve customer service and for regulatory record keeping purposes.

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