Insight

Turning caterpillars into butterflies: Five years of Engagement Equities

It blended a long history in active ownership with a high conviction asset management approach, with the simple aim of making an impact on corporate sustainability. Robeco’s ground-breaking Global Engagement Equities strategy has now celebrated its fifth anniversary with a higher conviction than ever that companies in transition make better long-term investments.

Authors

    Head of Active Ownership
    Portfolio Manager

The strategy is unique at Robeco in that it engages with all its investee companies – a total of 33 at the end of July 2026 – differing from other portfolios which will only engage with some of its participants as required. And it’s the only Robeco strategy where equity research, portfolio construction and engagement activities are fully integrated into one portfolio management team.

So, five years after its launch in August 2021, how has it done? In this special feature, we look at the engagement philosophy that lies behind it, why it has such a high conviction approach, how it has performed, and some examples of how it has turned some corporate caterpillars into butterflies.

Get the latest insights

Subscribe to our newsletter for investment updates and expert analysis.

Don’t miss out

Important information

THIS WEBSITE IS SOLELY INTENDED FOR PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS, WHICH HAS THE MEANING ASCRIBED TO IT IN THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES ORDINANCE (CAP. 571 OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG) AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION. Investment involves risks. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. The information contained in this website is provided for reference only and does not constitute investment advice or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell in any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Investors should not base their investment decisions solely on the information provided on this website and are advised to seek independent advice (including advice on tax implications) before making any investment decisions. Investors should ensure they fully understand the risks associated with the investment products and should also consider their own investment objectives and risk tolerance level. The investment decision is yours. You should not invest unless the intermediary who sells you the investment products has advised you that it is suitable for you and has explained how it is consistent with your investment objectives. Please refer to the relevant offering documents or other legal documents for further details including the risk factors. This website is published by Robeco Hong Kong Limited which is regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (“SFC”) (CE No. APU851). This website has not been reviewed by the SFC. No assurance can be given that the investment objective of any investment products will be achieved. No representation or promise as to the performance of any investment products or the return on an investment is made. The value of investments may fluctuate. Past performance, projections, or forecasts included in this website should not be regarded as guarantees or indications of future performance, and no express or implied warranty is provided. The contents of this website are based on sources believed to be reliable, but due to the nature of information delivery technology and the necessity of using multiple data sources, including third party content, their accuracy is not guaranteed. The opinions expressed are as of the date shown above and may change as market conditions evolve, and are subject to change without notice. These opinions may differ from those of other Robeco investment professionals. Robeco accepts no liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss arising from the use of this material or any comments, opinions, or estimates contained herein. Robeco has no duty to update this website or any website content. Materials on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, or published without prior written permission from Robeco. Unless otherwise specified, Source: Robeco.

Warning – Fraudulent use of Robeco on websites and social media Read more