Global Proxy Research

Manifest delivers high quality, conflict free research enabling shareholders to make informed ownership and voting decisions. We provide global “assured coverage” across at least 80 markets.

Beyond Exception Reporting

Manifest’s analysts take corporate governance research beyond ‘box-ticking’ to ensure that each company is analysed in a consistent, thorough and impartial way. The specialised knowledge and on-going professional development of our team means that you can be confident of being briefed on issues of concern and relevance.

At the heart of the Research Service is our annual company analysis which blends governance ratings and benchmarking with resolution analysis. Unlike annual reports and proxy statements, Manifest’s reports follow a consistent format addressing the major ESG themes:

  • Meeting Agenda: Full Resolution Narrative, Informed Commentary, Best Practice Voting Guidelines.

  • Governance Overview: Best Practice Compliance, Risk Controls, Auditor Independence, Board Changes.

  • Financial Profile: Key Financial Indicators, Capital Structure, Post-balance Sheets Events, Related Party Transactions, Litigation, Acquisition/Disposals.

  • Board Governance: Director Profiles, Director Independence, Committee Structure.

  • Say on Pay – Remuneration Profile: Salary & Bonus, Performance Pay, Shareholdings & Dealings, Pensions, Policy, Service Contracts.

  • Stakeholder Reporting: Environment, Social Responsibility, Donations: Charitable & Political.

Assured Portfolio Coverage

Manifest’s approach to monitoring is to ensure portfolio holdings are covered. The following are therefore representative of our scope.

Global

EAFE World Index

Other Major Markets (not included elsewhere): Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore

Continental Europe

All major country indices

UK

FTSE100
FTSE250
FTSE Small Cap
FTSE Fledgling
FTSE AIM All-Share

US

S&P 500

Integrity

Consistency and integrity of analysis matters. That’s why all of our research is undertaken in-house by a team of highly qualified Research Analysts. They are supported in turn by a team of Data Analysts whose job is to ensure that we have a complete set of accurate data items for each company. This may involve detailed discussion with the company in question or their advisors, as well as using primary resources such as annual reports, meeting notices or articles of association.

Easy of Use

The format of annual reports and meeting notices is inconsistent making it difficult to locate the information you need and make valid comparisons. On the other hand, the layout of Manifest’s report has been designed to help readers focus directly on the key issues by following a clear, consistent layout for every report. This means that you will be able to form a view quickly and easily and meet the pressure of deadlines with time to spare.

Basis for Dialogue

Research reports are an excellent starting point for monitoring you investments but there may be times when you need a sounding board for ideas or questions. Perhaps you want to make a sector or peer group comparison and are not sure where to start? Our analysts are just a call away. Alternatively, you may prefer to send an e-mail with a more detailed question. Whichever is your preferred route you will find a helpful and knowledge team ready and able to give you the advice you need.

Quality Driven

The sheer volume of raw data combined with the complexity of proxy voting issues requires a unique blend of careful data processing, leading edge computer systems as well as detailed knowledge of governance issues. This combination of skills and knowledge is a speciality that Manifest has made its own since its inception in December 1995.

Manifest’s technology has been recognised as Award Winning beyond the confies of our own market place and supports our ISO9001-compliant systems and processes to give you the assurance you need.

The benefits to our customers are considerable – clearly defined responsibilities and procedures ensuring high service levels; customer-focused development delivering quantifiable savings of time, effort, opportunity and development costs. You also have the added comfort of knowing that we are committed to providing a service, which meets your needs to implement and monitor your governance policy.