Posted by Timothy Ross on November 12, 2023 at 12:31am
One of our ESG initiatives at Natures Energy Water Corporation (NEWC) and Brock Shores Financial is to plant trees. Today NEWC invested in planting an additional 127 trees in Ontario on behalf of our beverage brands Sparkling KiKi Maple Lemon, Cranberry, Blueberry, and Strawberry. These beverages are made from 100% Pure Canadian Maple Sap. I invite you to check out one of the organizations that we have discovered and partnered with to do this for us. Here is a link for a gift to plant a free tree of your own.
Cheers ! Tim Ross , Chief Weekend Warrior NEWC
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." - Chinese Proverb
Posted by Timothy Ross on October 23, 2023 at 8:51am
ESG is Still Important, Responsible Investing has always been important.
The green washing I have seen the last few years was concerning. Here is an interesting article on the matter and how it has been abused, leading to what the author causes it's death.
"The topics within the purview of ESG metrics are incredibly important. They’re legitimate prompts for business operations and will continue to impact performance and future prospects."
Gleaned from my email today from Directors & Boards a great resourse.
When it comes to the title question, you could have a variety of answers. And one of those answers could very well be, “What are you talking about? ESG is very much alive.” But Nir Kossovsky, CEO of Steel City Re and a former Los Angeles County deputy coroner, believes the movement died as a result of what he calls “Toxic Label Syndrome.”
According to Kossovsky, “ESG’s abandonment was preceded by a conflict between ambiguous moral priorities and unambiguous financial priorities, becoming progressively toxic and dysfunctional and precipitating its downfall from the communications lexicon.”
Kossovsky’s piece “What Killed ESG?” is certainly one man’s opinion. What’s yours? Do you agree with Kossovsky that ESG has moved past mere backlash and has now officially flatlined? Or do you believe that rumors of its demise have been greatly exaggerated and that its principles are still a major force in the boardroom? Maybe you think, as we have heard from several directors, that the term ESG has become a trigger term and that its organizing principles could simply use a new name (or no name at all)? We would love to hear your thoughts at bhayes@directorsandboards.com.
Posted by Timothy Ross on November 23, 2022 at 1:10pm
"We are pleased to announce the release of the 2022 Canadian Responsible Investment Trends Report! This year’s report confirms that RI’s recent momentum is giving way to demand for sophistication and more vigilant reporting, signaling a maturing industry.
With its updated methodology, the report affirms that RI is entrenched in Canada, with reported assets under management at $3 trillion, and 94% of respondents using ESG integration as an RI strategy. This marks the emergence of a reliable baseline for RI market share and demonstrates that ESG Integration is a fundamental tool in Canadian investors’ decision-making.
Key Highlights
• The vast majority (94%) of respondents are using ESG Integration, with investors using more RI strategies than ever before. • Respondents' top three reasons for considering ESG factors are: (1) to minimize risk over time, (2) to improve returns over time, and (3) to fulfill fiduciary duty. • Survey respondents consider the top deterrent to growth in RI to be mistrust or concerns about greenwashing. • The three most prominent RI strategies by AUM are: (1) ESG Integration, (2) Corporate engagement & shareholder action, and (3) Negative/exclusionary screening. • Climate change is an overwhelming concern for responsible investors–-who also believe it is the greatest driver for growth over the next two years. "
Posted by Timothy Ross on February 12, 2021 at 8:20am
Check comments for some catch all of these items , over time will update.
Note: I like having these principals in an investment policy, it's not just about the returns, but what is your money's influence? It's good when the two can allign with your core values.
Came across this article in my email box this morning
"Sustainable investing is often misunderstood. Many investors think a sustainable agenda limits a portfolio to a narrow piece of the market. In fact, plenty of stocks can help investors create social benefits while generating strong returns—if you know how to find them."
and I was reminded why I like them ESG and SRI in our client portfolio's .
Responsible investment (RI) refers to the incorporation of environmental, social and governance factors (ESG) into the selection and management of investments.
RI has boomed in recent years as investors have recognized the opportunity for better risk-adjusted returns, while at the same time, contributing to important social and environmental issues.
Posted by Timothy Ross on October 16, 2018 at 5:38am
I discovered this certification this morning when I noticed a presention planned on Ottawa Business Journal, I noticed the BDC logo and it tweeked my interest. I learned that it dovetails nicely with our ESG / SRI philosophy and decided it was worth adding to this blog for sharing.
Locally we have a few business associations that represent our local business communities. Chamber of Commerce and various networking groups. Some like my friend David Annable have taken the certifcation approach to give consumers some additional assurance that the companies they are considering using that they with meet some good standards, have proper licenses, insurance, etc.
I think there is a place for all.
I have been a member of RIA Responsible Investment Association for a few years now and it gives me insight of what is happening in the Enviromental Social and Goverence "ESG " world of thought and action. https://www.riacanada.ca/timothy-ross/
Well there is some evaluation compenents to become B certified, will be checking it out and perhaps we will seek this designation for our business in the future.
THE B CORP DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCE
We envision a global economy that uses business as a force for good.
This economy is comprised of a new type of corporation - the B Corporation -
Which is purpose-driven and creates benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
As B Corporations and leaders of this emerging economy, we believe:
That we must be the change we seek in the world.
That all business ought to be conducted as if people and place mattered.
That, through their products, practices, and profits, businesses should aspire to do no harm and benefit all.
To do so requires that we act with the understanding that we are dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations.
I think we could aspire to this declaration. When I started over 30 years ago I made a somewhat similar declaration idea, it is still hanging on the wall, let's see if I can get a picture of it added into this posting.
I certainly like the idea for business's that want to make a difference, like Natures Energy Water, one of the slogans we developed from the trailer business was "Be The Adventure", I liked that the B Corporations have in their slogans "B The Change" … what is important is that you "Be" not just talk about it , there is a promise that you will and are doing , so I encourage us all to embrace necessary change, engage the adventures that are in your life, be the adventure, be the change , let's hear your story !
Let's make a difference
One Step At A Time!
Timothy Ross
CEO, Founder
Brock Shores Financial
Chaga update, he is growing into a nice young cat. Lean and adventurous. Every morning he has a little milk with my cereal and today he must have wanted to go to work as he found a cozy spot amongst the papers in my briefcase. Chaga stands for healing properties that grow on the birch trees , a little inspiration Read more…
Posted by Timothy Ross on October 15, 2018 at 3:13pm
PEAK Disclosure - click for a view
https://improvingfutures.ning.com/blog/peak-dealership-representative-disclosure?context=featured
Please always check out the comment section of my blogs, these are located below, there you will find the rest of the story , additonal research and information, please also add your own comments when you can, or find relevant stories, build, learn, share.
Click on the link for the full report from our Responsible Investing Association
"On June 20, 2018, Bill C-45 – The Cannabis Act – was passed,with the expectation that Canadians will be able to legally consume recreational cannabis without criminal penalties by October 17, 2018. Canadian cannabis stocks surged on the news, with Canopy Growth gaining almost 6% in one day. Year to date,2 Aurora Cannabis Inc. and Canopy Growth Corp. have been the second- and fourth-most active stocks, respectively, on the TSX.3 Over the same period, stock prices for both companies have been volatile — Canopy’s price has ranged from as high as $47.76 to as low as $24.11. All this suggests that investors should exercise caution before jumping onto this bandwagon. But beyond concerns about volatility and returns, should responsible investors climb aboard?
NEI’s ESG Services Team has developed a position on cannabis by examining:
Where cannabis fits under our evaluation process by comparing it to products with some similarities, including tobacco, alcohol and prescription medicine.
The state of the regulatory and market environments.
The environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks that are most material to cannabis companies.
As responsible investors, we seek to generate sustainable value for shareholders and other company stakeholders, as well as for society as a whole. As such, we need to determine whether the cannabis industry has the potential to create sustainable value, which ESG risks are inherent to the industry and whether cannabis companies are adequately positioned to be responsible stewards of their products and services."
There is lots more in the report for consideration, 9 pages of
Material Risks tht cannabis companies will have to prioritize ESG concerns top of mind
Environmental: Growing cannabis requires optimal conditions of temperature, humidity and light intensity; hence the bulk of cannabis is grown indoors (without natural sunlight) or in greenhouses. Both methods are extremely energy intensive, resulting in potentially large carbon footprints; and water intensive, resulting in environmental and social risk from wastewater discharge and drawing excessive groundwater in water scarce regions. Most cannabis companies that acknowledge ESG risk in their MD&A disclosure focus on environmental and climate change risks, which we view positively. Social: Quality control and product safety are the most significant social risks for cannabis producers. Cannabis has to meet certain quality standards — tested and monitored by Health Canada and the FDA — and must not contain pesticides, heavy metals, fungi or bacteria. Product safety has been under greater public scrutiny since medical cannabis provider Organigram (recently acquired by Canopy Growth) had to recall some of its products because of contamination with a banned pesticide.19 The company faces several class-action lawsuits as a result, after patients reported suffering from severe nausea after daily use of the contaminated product.The nature of the product presents a second significant social risk. The Canadian Medical Association has stressed the need for access to substance abuse and mental health services to be expanded. The federal government has committed $62.5 million to cannabis education programs for youth.22 In addition to federal and provincial contributions, cannabis producers will likely be required to contribute to education and addiction treatment programs, in the way that producers of alcoholic beverages participate in and spearhead programs for alcohol addiction and impaired driving education. Thirdly, cannabis companies state that a positive public perception is crucial to achieving the social licence to operate. We agree and, as such, identify responsible marketing and post marketing co-vigilance policies and practices as another key issue for cannabis producers. Governance: As stated earlier, cannabis companies have experienced unprecedented growth over the last year and, as a result, have found it challenging to scale up their corporate governance controls to keep pace with that growth. As the industry will be heavily scrutinized by regulators and may be prone to criticism from the public, cannabis companies need independent and qualified board oversight to provide accountability to stakeholders, including investors. Proper corporate governance controls can assist in bridging the credibility gap in this new industry.
I came across another commentary that wasn't focusing on the ESG aspects but the "new industry component" from Gaurdian that was recently put out, it's an interesting read ......https://www.guardiancapital.com/media/61435/gca-q3-2018-commentary.pdf
"By now every reader will likely be aware that Canada is about to legalize the recreational consumption of cannabis in October, becoming one of just a handful of nations to have done so. A level of buzz (pun intended) surrounds the industry, currently with 118 licensed medical cannabis producers, of which several dozen are publicly-traded in Canada. The largest of these have posted spectacular returns, rising between 200% and 500% over the past year alone. One, by virtue of uniquely gaining a NASDAQ listing south of the border during the quarter, rose more than tenfold in its initial two months of trading. At its heights, the company, yet to turn a profit, had a market valuation greater than household Canadian names such as Loblaw, Fortis, Husky Energy and Canadian Tire. To a degree, the euphoria is understandable: it is uncommon to witness the birth of an entirely new industry. There are, however, periodic historical reference points, such as the rise of the automobile at the start of the 1900’s and the dot. com euphoria near the end of that century, and like all other precedents, the legalization of recreational cannabis shows potential. It is also worth revisiting how these prior episodes all played out, with an initial period of excitement that results in sharply rising stock prices, and a growing list of participant companies able to fairly easily attract investors into newly listed shares. Almost invariably, a level of industry overbuilding results, with too much capacity added from this initial group. From there, an interval of re-sorting takes place, as stock prices subside, weaker competitors exit or merge, and a much smaller collection of survivors move forward. For example, in the early 1900’s, during the initial days of transition from horse to car, there were an estimated 2,000 automobile manufacturers in America, but the list had been winnowed to essentially three over the next twenty years. Another example might be, the estimated 90 million miles of fiber-optic cable installed across America during 1999, in anticipation of a coming internet boom. The boom eventually did materialize, but for the first three years, 95% of this network lay “dark” and unused, and the major players backing its installation had ceased to exist. At this point, valuing these recreational cannabis producers requires making some assumptions on end market demand, wholesale pricing, and production costs. Beyond this, factors such as consumption growth, regulatory regime and international factors – both in terms of possible demand, and new competition – must be weighed. Finally, once all of this is considered, a view on valuation is required. Given the list of risks at the current stage, an ample margin for error should be demanded before moving forward with an investment. Simply basing an investment on an optimistic industry view alone can backfire, even picking the eventual winners is no guarantee of short-term profits. Consider those who bought shares in technology hardware company Cisco, commonly considered a provider of the “plumbing of the internet”, in the late 1990’s. These investors were correct in their estimation that the company would go on to prosper from rapidly growing data consumption: company revenues, at just over $12 billion in fiscal 1999, had risen to over $49 billion in the most recent annual set of results. However, a lack of discretion on valuation means these buyers near the peak are still looking to recoup their initial investment, over fifteen years later.
At Guardian, we look to invest in companies with sustainable competitive advantages, strong management teams, and a proven record of superior financial performance. These are necessary ingredients when attempting to value securities for consideration. By definition, this makes it difficult to commit to investments in brand new industries where there is an absence of reference points regarding pricing, costs, end market demand, to say nothing of regulatory constraints. Until these materialize, it is certainly possible that a chosen cohort of stocks continues to levitate, supported by faith and a lack of data to refute speculation. This therefore, is the essential difference: pot stocks – like cars and tech companies – represent a speculative bet rather than an investment. There will be winners and losers in this space; companies that learn how to operate publicly, stay onside with regulations, balance growth and stability, will be the winners. Which constituents of this new subset of healthcare companies will operate profitably and sustainably is unknown today. We want our clients investments to go up, just not “Up in Smoke”.
Reading all this, I know a few people who have done very well speculating on their own in our community, so far. It reminds me of this song from Rascal Flatt's , it could be a two edged sword, out too late or staying too long. Courting pot stocks has a lot of ..... these days
