BNP Paribas Investment Partners enhances SRI fund range
BNP Paribas Investment Partners enhances SRI fund range with new “Responsible Dividend” Equity strategy
BNP Paribas Investment Partners (BNPP IP) continues to expand its range of Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) funds by introducing an innovative concept called “Responsible Dividend”. This new strategy capitalises on the growing theme of high-dividend-yield equities, while selecting companies on the basis of financial and non-financial criteria.
With more than 3 billion euros in assets under management invested in high yielding equities, BNPP IP is a recognised player in this asset class, which is achieving steady and sustained growth, driven mainly by a low-interest-rate environment. By implementing environmental, social and governance (ESG) filters and financial and non-financial analysis criteria into its high-dividend strategy for European equities, stock selection will focus on opportunities that generate a yield that is both high and sustainable.
Selected stocks must meet the following criteria:
- Controlling exposure to controversial ESG issues: Compliance with sector policies on controversial activities (controversial weapons, palm oil, nuclear power, etc.) and with the United Nations Global Compact;
- Compliance with ESG criteria through the exclusion of the bottom decile of companies with the lowest-rated ESG practices within each sector;
- A dividend payout policy that does not undermine the company’s ability to invest, through the exclusion of companies that fund their dividends with debt or reserves;
- A “balanced” split in company earnings, by gradually integrating factors covering the allocation of income between shareholders, employees and reserves.
Parvest Sustainable Equity High Dividend Europe, with AuM of almost 800 million euros, already includes this new approach in its investment strategy. This fund is designed for all international investors with access to the Parvest range of funds, which is distributed in more than 30 countries.
Gaëtan Obert, Head of Sustainable Thematic Equities at BNP Paribas Investment Partners said, “Through the growing area of high-dividend equities, BNPP IP continues to extend its long-standing expertise in managing SRI themes. This innovative “Responsible Dividend” approach marks a new stage in our strategy of offering our clients first class SRI management.”
For more information : factsheet (FR) : http://www.bnpparibas-ip.be/investisseur-prive-particulier/fundsheet/actions/parvest-sustainable-equity-high-dividend-europe-classic-c-lu0111491469/
PRESS CONTACT
BNP Paribas Investment Partners
Sarah Marteleur
+32 (0)477 74 74 28
sarah.marteleur@bnpparibas.com
About BNP Paribas Investment Partners
BNP Paribas Investment Partners is the BNP Paribas Group’s asset management specialist. BNP Paribas Investment Partners offers the full range of asset management services to both institutional and private investors around the world. BNP Paribas Investment Partners has more than 3,000 employees in 35 countries, including more than 600 investment professionals, and manages assets totalling EUR 521 billion (source: BNP Paribas Investment Partners, as at 31 March 2016, assets under management and advisory).
For more information, please see www.bnpparibas-ip.com
