News

Leaders and Laggards

We praise the companies that engage well with their individual investors, and call out those that do not.

What it is

Recognising good and bad behaviour

Our Leaders and Laggards posts highlight companies principally for how they treat individual investors. Leaders make it easy for private shareholders to engage, vote and stay informed. Laggards do the opposite.

We form our views using recommendations from members alongside publicly available information, so the verdict reflects the real experience of individual investors.

How we judge

Leaders versus laggards

Hallmarks of a leader

  • Welcomes private shareholders at meetings and events
  • Makes voting straightforward, including for nominee holders
  • Communicates clearly and treats all shareholders equally
  • Engages openly with questions from individual investors

Warning signs of a laggard

  • Obstructs or ignores private shareholders
  • Makes it hard to attend meetings or to vote
  • Discloses selectively or favours institutions
  • Dismisses legitimate questions from individual investors
Get involved

Nominate a company

Seen a company that treats individual investors especially well, or especially badly? Members’ recommendations help shape our Leaders and Laggards.