As a specialist Australian equities growth manager, Platypus Asset Management believes that the risk-return offered by the Australian equity market can be improved by utilising active management. Our fundamental belief is that companies should exhibit a track record of earnings and preferably dividend growth to be considered an investment proposition. We believe that share price performance over the medium to long-term is driven by consistent earnings growth: hence this is our primary focus. The Platypus Australian Equities Fund is a high conviction, concentrated growth portfolio. Using a combination of top-down macroeconomic and bottom-up company analysis, we seek to add value by identifying investment opportunities with extended growth prospects at sensible prices. Shorter-term mispricing of stocks also offers valuable opportunities to add value to the Fund. ESG integration and Active Stewardship form the foundations of our approach to Responsible Investment. We have been a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) since 2017. Our view is that integrating Environmental, Social and Governance factors in investment decisions can lead to better investment outcomes. This is because ESG issues can materially impact earnings and valuations in companies and across sectors. We take a holistic approach to active investing where ESG factors are considered alongside financial issues when making investment decisions. This entails considering a broad range of risks and value drivers as part of the investment decision-making process, many of which are intangible. Consideration of material ESG issues therefore contributes towards risk mitigation and buy and sell decisions. Material ESG issues which we view as having the potential to negatively impact earnings or valuations are factored into our investment decision making and form an integral part of our fundamental investment analysis, with an ESG stock assessment carried out before the stock is bought for the portfolio. Likewise, where material ESG issues likely to have an effect on earnings or valuations are identified, these are factored into sell decisions. We note that there is no predetermined view as to the degree to which labour standards or environmental, social or ethical considerations will be taken into account in the selection, retention or realisation of investments relating to fund investments. As active owners and stewards of our clients’ capital, we are committed to advocating for more sustainable practices from the companies we invest in. ESG issues encapsulate the relationships between a company, its employees, the environment, and society. As active owners, we work to improve the performance of companies on ESG issues in areas where we can make a difference. Our stewardship approach includes proxy voting and a robust engagement agenda, informed by critical ESG focus areas for particular investee companies identified. Read more about our Responsible Investment approach on our website.

Suite 4, Level 23, Governor Phillip Tower 1 Farrer Place Sydney NSW 2000, Sydney, NSW, AU, 2000