Consistent with our mandate to maximize investment returns without undue risk of loss, and our belief that good corporate governance enhances long-term shareholder value, PeakAxis incorporates governance factors as key considerations in our investment decision-making processes. We actively engage with boards and executive management teams to promote the adoption of improved governance practices in the companies where we invest.

One of the most effective ways to fulfill our stewardship responsibilities as shareholders and communicate our perspectives to boards of directors and management of public companies is by voting our proxies at annual and special meetings of shareholders. As investors, we expect boards to address material business risks and opportunities, including sustainability issues, when developing and implementing strategy. Where we believe this is not being adequately addressed, we retain and, where appropriate, exercise the right to withhold support for directors through our proxy voting rights. We vote our proxies in alignment with our publicly available Proxy Voting Principles and Guidelines (PVPGs). Our PVPGs, reviewed annually, serve two key purposes: (i) to provide directors and officers of companies in which we hold shares with guidance on how PeakAxis is likely to vote on matters presented to shareholders, and (ii) to communicate our views on other critical matters that boards address in their regular course of business. Our PVPGs are designed for global applicability, taking into consideration local laws and governance practices. They serve as guidelines, not rigid rules, allowing us to evaluate specific matters on a company-by-company basis.