Communication with Shareholders
Basic Policy
Sojitz maintains a basic policy of engaging in constructive dialogue with shareholders. Sojitz continues to provide shareholders with appropriate and timely information on management policy and initiatives, as well as clear explanations using understandable words and logic to achieve sustained growth and improve corporate value over the medium-to-long term. Shareholders’ opinions are then reported to the upper management and reflected in management decisions.
To ensure fair and appropriate disclosure of information to its stakeholders, including shareholders and investors, in accordance with the Fair Disclosure Rule, Sojitz has established and observed a set of internal regulations including the “Regulations to Prevent Insider Trading” and the “Information Disclosure Regulations” that stipulate fundamental policies for compliance with laws and regulations, transparency, timeliness, fairness, consistency and confidentiality, and ensure strict compliance by executive officers and employees.
Providing Information to Shareholders
Sojitz’s basic policy is to communicate information fairly and equally to all shareholders. Information regarding the Medium-Term Management Plan and financial results is publicized via TDnet or the Sojitz website immediately after resolution by the Board of Directors. In addition, to promote the understanding of its management philosophy, vision, business activities and business models, Sojitz has engaged in active disclosure of information, such as publishing Integrated Reports, holding business activities briefings and Sojitz IR Day, holding briefings for individual shareholders, participating in briefings for individual investors, and distributing videos on the Sojitz website featuring the President & CEO ’s visit to Sojitz’s operating companies.
Systems and Initiatives for Dialogue with Shareholders
Sojitz has established a system where Directors play an active role in dialogue with shareholders, with support from the Investor Relations Office as a dedicated body for this purpose.
Parties | Initiatives |
---|---|
Individual shareholders and individual investors |
Briefings for individual investors are regularly held and archived videos are available. |
Analysts and Institutional investors |
In addition to holding regular briefings on financial results and individual businesses, as well as dialogues through individual interviews, Sojitz IR Day was held in FY2022 with a program of business strategy, DX strategy, and a panel discussion by Outside Directors. |
Overseas investors |
Direct dialogue with overseas investors was conducted through individual meetings (in person or online) with investors in North America, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc., as well as through participation in conferences hosted by securities companies. |
Measures to Vitalize the General Shareholders’ Meeting and Smooth Exercise of Voting Rights
Early notification of the General Shareholders’ Meeting
The Notice of Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting and reference materials are sent out roughly three weeks prior to the date of the meeting.
Scheduling General Shareholders’ Meeting avoiding the peak day
We avoid dates which other companies are likely to choose for their meetings.
Allowing electronic exercise of voting rights
We have made it possible for shareholders to vote over the Internet.
Participation in electronic voting platform
We have adopted the use of Electronic Voting Platform for Foreign and Institutional Investors operated by ICJ, Inc.
Providing convocation notice in English
We prepare an English version of documents, including the Notice of the General Shareholders’ Meeting, which is posted to the Sojitz website roughly four weeks prior to the date of the meeting.
Other
- ・The Notice of the General Shareholders’ Meeting and reference materials are posted on our website in both English and Japanese roughly four weeks prior to the date of the meeting, and these materials are also compatible for viewing on smartphones and tablets.
- ・We offer the shareholders the opportunity to submit questions and opinions in advance of the General Shareholders’ Meeting and some of the most important matters to shareholders are addressed at the meeting.
- ・We provide video clips on business briefings prior to the General Shareholders’ Meeting.
- ・The meeting is live streamed as a virtual event and archived footage is provided.