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Overview
The Martin Currie Australia Sustainable Income strategy invests in a diversified benchmark-unaware portfolio of high-quality companies that we have screened for client-driven ethical values, and which have been assessed using a proprietary approach for understanding sustainability and financial attributes.
The Martin Currie Australia Sustainable Income strategy invests in companies that have first passed our client-driven ethical screens and have then been assessed using Martin Currie Australia’s proprietary Active Ownership approach and ratings framework to have more favourable Sustainability assessments for “Sustainability Risk”, “Net Benefits” & “Sustainability Pathway”, and “Shadow Carbon Cost”. This approach is premised on our philosophy that companies with these characteristics should prove to be more successful financially over time.
Furthermore, we have found that stocks that ‘pass the grade’ for traditional equity accumulation or Sustainability-focussed funds may not always be suitable for income portfolios. We focus on the high-quality companies that have solid earnings can sustain dividends, match rises in the cost of living and are likely to be less volatile than the wider equity market. These are attributes are key to providing what we like to call a ‘sufficient income for life’.
The development of the Sustainable Income strategy was a natural extension of Martin Currie Australia’s investment philosophy. Sustainability inputs and assessments have been embedded directly into our investment process since 2009, the year we became signatories to the PRI. We also have over 10 years of experience in managing income-focussed strategies for retirees, charities, foundations and not-for-profit organisations.
Portfolio construction for the Martin Currie Australia Sustainable Income strategy combines:
- our unique Valuation, Quality, Direction and Sustainable Dividend multi-lensed proprietary research,
- a tilt towards companies that have more favourable proprietary Sustainability assessments;
- proprietary Shadow Carbon Cost assessments;
- negative screens based on client-specific ethical values; and,
- bottom-up methodologies to maximise a Sufficient Income for Life.
This has resulted in a benchmark-unaware Australian equity portfolio that is constructed in a very different way to traditional equities, Sustainability-focused strategies and other income-focused approaches. We have also specifically designed the strategy to aim to extract the full benefit of franking credits and maximise after tax income for 0% tax payers.
We believe that there are few peer strategies available in the market that address both income and the assessment of sustainability attributes in the way that the Martin Currie Australia Sustainable Income strategy can.
Key Information
To provide an after-tax yield above the S&P/ASX 200 Index yield and to provide income stream growth above inflation
Portfolio characteristics | Australia Sustainable Income |
---|---|
Objective | Income |
Asset Class | Equities |
Style | Income/Quality |
Investable Universe | Australian listed securities |
Benchmark | Benchmark unaware |
Market capitalisation | All cap |
Country limit | N/A |
Sector limit | Absolute 25% |
Security limit | Absolute 6% |
Number of stocks | Typically 40 |
Portfolio turnover | Typically 25% p.a. |
Forecast tracking error | We do not target tracking error but total risk outcome is typically 90% of the market. |
Inception | 8 December 2015 |
Why Invest in Australia Sustainable Income
Not all equities are created equal for income
We have put both the ‘sufficient income for life’ needs and ESG & ethical values of clients at the heart of the product design for the Martin Currie Australia Sustainable Income strategy
Focus on a growing income stream
Our benchmark unaware portfolio construction helps to avoids income shocks, hedge against rising inflation, and improve capital growth without the use of costly derivatives
More appropriate risk profile for income investors
Maximising income and reducing the concentration in Australian equities is much more important than benchmark relative alpha and tracking-error risk measures
Investment Strategy
The strategy aims to deliver a growing income stream through:
- No binary choice between sustainability & client values, and returns – Unique investment process that reflects sustainability and client ethical values, without compromising income objective of providing a ‘sufficient income for life’
- Income-focused return profile – Favouring high quality, highly franked dividend payers to reduce income shocks and grow income
- Benchmark unaware portfolio construction – Combining proprietary multi-lensed research, Shadow Carbon Cost & Sustainability assessments and negative ethical screens with income-focused construction methodologies
- Fundamental active ownership - Purposeful engagement with companies and client advocacy through proxy voting – influencing companies to make positive change
- Experienced stock pickers with long term track record - Deep industry experience generating ‘active insights’
Read more about how the Martin Currie Australia Sustainable Income strategy seeks to provide a ‘sufficient income for life’, without making investors choose between income returns, their values and Sustainability in the Strategy Guide.
Investment Strategy
The strategy aims to deliver a growing income stream through:
- No binary choice between sustainability & client values, and returns – Unique investment process that reflects sustainability and client ethical values, without compromising income objective of providing a ‘sufficient income for life’
- Income-focused return profile – Favouring high quality, highly franked dividend payers to reduce income shocks and grow income
- Benchmark unaware portfolio construction – Combining proprietary multi-lensed research, Shadow Carbon Cost & Sustainability assessments and negative ethical screens with income-focused construction methodologies
- Fundamental active ownership - Purposeful engagement with companies and client advocacy through proxy voting – influencing companies to make positive change
- Experienced stock pickers with long term track record - Deep industry experience generating ‘active insights’
Investment Team
The Sustainable Income strategy is co-managed by Reece Birtles and Will Baylis.
The strategy benefits from the close collaboration and deep industry expertise of wider Martin Currie Australia investment team and the broader Martin Currie global investment floor.
Reece Birtles, CFA
- Job title
- Chief Investment Officer, Australia
Will Baylis
- Job title
- Portfolio Manager
Our capabilities
Martin Currie operates as an independent specialist investment manager within the Franklin Templeton group. This means that we retain all the competitive advantages of a boutique investment firm.
Franklin Templeton is responsible for the sales and client service of our funds for financial advisers and individual investors.
Click the image to open the fund page on the Franklin Templeton website.
Our capabilities
Please visit our contact page or speak to a member of our sales team, to discuss the most appropriate investment to meet your requirements.
Our capabilities
Please visit our contact page or speak to a member of our sales team, to discuss the most appropriate investment to meet your requirements.
We offer access to the strategy via segregated accounts and separately managed accounts.
Please contact us or speak to a member of our sales team, to discuss the most appropriate investment to meet your requirements and for more information on our investment capabilities.
Our capabilities
Please visit our contact page or speak to a member of our sales team, to discuss the most appropriate investment to meet your requirements.
Our capabilities
Please visit our contact page or speak to a member of our sales team, to discuss the most appropriate investment to meet your requirements.
Our capabilities
We offer access to the strategy via segregated accounts and separately managed accounts. Please contact us or speak to a member of our sales team, to discuss the most appropriate investment to meet your requirements.
Our capabilities
Please visit our contact page or speak to a member of our sales team, to discuss the most appropriate investment to meet your requirements.
Our capabilities
Please visit our contact page or speak to a member of our sales team, to discuss the most appropriate investment to meet your requirements.
Center Heading Latest insights
Latest insights
-
Martin Currie Australia awarded Equity Income mandate
Martin Currie Australia has been selected to manage an Equity Income mandate available on the Colonial First State FirstChoice platform.
- Date published
- 25 Jun 2024
- Tag
- Cross-Strategy Australia
-
Martin Currie crowned Australia’s Best Specialist ESG Fund for 2022
Martin Currie Australia is proud to be announced winner of Australia’s “Best Specialist ESG Fund” at the Hedge Funds Rock + Australian Alternative Investment Awards for the Sustainable Equity Fund distributed through Franklin Templeton Australia.
- Date published
- 5 Oct 2022
- Tag
- Cross-Strategy Australia
Important information
This information is issued and approved by Martin Currie Investment Management Limited (‘MCIM’), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It does not constitute investment advice. Market and currency movements may cause the capital value of shares, and the income from them, to fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invested.
The information contained in this document has been compiled with considerable care to ensure its accuracy. However, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made to its accuracy or completeness. Martin Currie has procured any research or analysis contained in this document for its own use. It is provided to you only incidentally and any opinions expressed are subject to change without notice.
The document does not form the basis of, nor should it be relied upon in connection with, any subsequent contract or agreement. It does not constitute, and may not be used for the purpose of, an offer or invitation to subscribe for or otherwise acquire shares in any of the products mentioned.
Past performance is not a guide to future returns.
The distribution of specific products is restricted in certain jurisdictions, investors should be aware of these restrictions before requesting further specific information.
The views expressed are opinions of the portfolio managers as of the date of this document and are subject to change based on market and other conditions and may differ from other portfolio managers or of the firm as a whole. These opinions are not intended to be a forecast of future events, research, a guarantee of future results or investment advice.
The analysis of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors forms an important part of the investment process and helps inform investment decisions. The strategy/ies do not necessarily target particular sustainability outcomes.
Risk warnings – Investors should also be aware of the following risk factors which may be applicable to the strategy shown in this document.
- Investing in foreign markets introduces a risk where adverse movements in currency exchange rates could result in a decrease in the value of your investment.
- This strategy may hold a limited number of investments. If one of these investments falls in value this can have a greater impact on the strategy’s value than if it held a larger number of investments.
- Smaller companies may be riskier and their shares may be less liquid than larger companies, meaning that their share price may be more volatile.
- Income strategy charges are deducted from capital. Because of this, the level of income may be higher but the growth potential of the capital value of the investment may be reduced.
For professional investors in Canada.
This material is intended for residents in, or incorporated in, Canada and are a Permitted Client for the purposes of MI 31-103. The information on this section of the website is not intended for use by any other person, including members of the public.
Martin Currie Inc, incorporated in New York with its registered office at 280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 and having a UK branch registered in Scotland (no SF000300), Head office, 5 Morrison Street, 2nd floor, Edinburgh, EH3 8BH, Tel: +44 (0) 131 229 5252 Fax: +44 (0) 131 222 2532 www.martincurrie.com, operates under the International Adviser Exemption with the Ontario Securities Commission (‘OSC’) and is therefore currently not required to be registered as a portfolio manager for the purposes of MI 31-103. Martin Currie Inc. is also authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.
For the avoidance of doubt, nothing excludes, limits or restricts our obligations to you under the UK Financial Services and Market Act 2000, National Instruments or any other applicable law or regulation.
The opinions and views in this website do not take into account your individual circumstances, objectives, or needs and are not intended to be recommendations of particular financial instruments or strategies to you. This website does not identify all the risks (direct or indirect) or other considerations which might be material to you when entering any financial transaction. You should consult with your professional advisers before undertaking any investment activity. The information provided on this website should not be treated as advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any particular security or other investment. The information on this website has not been reviewed by any competent regulatory authority.
Important information
This information is issued and approved by Martin Currie Investment Management Limited (‘MCIM’), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It does not constitute investment advice. Market and currency movements may cause the capital value of shares, and the income from them, to fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invested.
The information contained in this document has been compiled with considerable care to ensure its accuracy. However, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made to its accuracy or completeness. Martin Currie has procured any research or analysis contained in this document for its own use. It is provided to you only incidentally and any opinions expressed are subject to change without notice.
The document does not form the basis of, nor should it be relied upon in connection with, any subsequent contract or agreement. It does not constitute, and may not be used for the purpose of, an offer or invitation to subscribe for or otherwise acquire shares in any of the products mentioned.
Past performance is not a guide to future returns.
The distribution of specific products is restricted in certain jurisdictions, investors should be aware of these restrictions before requesting further specific information.
The views expressed are opinions of the portfolio managers as of the date of this document and are subject to change based on market and other conditions and may differ from other portfolio managers or of the firm as a whole. These opinions are not intended to be a forecast of future events, research, a guarantee of future results or investment advice.
The analysis of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors forms an important part of the investment process and helps inform investment decisions. The strategy/ies do not necessarily target particular sustainability outcomes.
Risk warnings – Investors should also be aware of the following risk factors which may be applicable to the strategy shown in this document.
- Investing in foreign markets introduces a risk where adverse movements in currency exchange rates could result in a decrease in the value of your investment.
- This strategy may hold a limited number of investments. If one of these investments falls in value this can have a greater impact on the strategy’s value than if it held a larger number of investments.
- Smaller companies may be riskier and their shares may be less liquid than larger companies, meaning that their share price may be more volatile.
- Income strategy charges are deducted from capital. Because of this, the level of income may be higher but the growth potential of the capital value of the investment may be reduced.
Important information
This information is issued and approved by Martin Currie Investment Management Limited (‘MCIM’), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It does not constitute investment advice. Market and currency movements may cause the capital value of shares, and the income from them, to fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invested.
The information contained in this document has been compiled with considerable care to ensure its accuracy. However, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made to its accuracy or completeness. Martin Currie has procured any research or analysis contained in this document for its own use. It is provided to you only incidentally and any opinions expressed are subject to change without notice.
The document does not form the basis of, nor should it be relied upon in connection with, any subsequent contract or agreement. It does not constitute, and may not be used for the purpose of, an offer or invitation to subscribe for or otherwise acquire shares in any of the products mentioned.
Past performance is not a guide to future returns.
The distribution of specific products is restricted in certain jurisdictions, investors should be aware of these restrictions before requesting further specific information.
The views expressed are opinions of the portfolio managers as of the date of this document and are subject to change based on market and other conditions and may differ from other portfolio managers or of the firm as a whole. These opinions are not intended to be a forecast of future events, research, a guarantee of future results or investment advice.
The analysis of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors forms an important part of the investment process and helps inform investment decisions. The strategy/ies do not necessarily target particular sustainability outcomes.
Risk warnings – Investors should also be aware of the following risk factors which may be applicable to the strategy shown in this document.
- Investing in foreign markets introduces a risk where adverse movements in currency exchange rates could result in a decrease in the value of your investment.
- Investing in foreign markets introduces a risk where adverse movements in currency exchange rates could result in a decrease in the value of your investment.
- This strategy may hold a limited number of investments. If one of these investments falls in value this can have a greater impact on the strategy’s value than if it held a larger number of investments.
- Smaller companies may be riskier and their shares may be less liquid than larger companies, meaning that their share price may be more volatile.
- Income strategy charges are deducted from capital. Because of this, the level of income may be higher but the growth potential of the capital value of the investment may be reduced.
For professional investors.
In Hong Kong:
The contents of this document have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in Hong Kong. You are advised to exercise caution in relation to the offer. If you are in any doubt about any of the contents of this document, you should obtain independent professional advice.
In Singapore:
This document is provided by Templeton Asset Management Limited
(Registration Number (UEN): 199205211E) which is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and whose business address is at 7 Temasek Boulevard, #38-03, Suntec Tower One, Singapore, 038987. Templeton Asset Management Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. This document is for information only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any units in any fund. This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Martin Currie is not registered with or regulated by any regulatory authorities in Singapore.
This material is provided on the basis that you are a wholesale client within the definition of ASIC Class Order 03/1099. MCIM is authorised and regulated by the FCA under UK laws, which differ from Australian laws.
In Korea:
This document is for information purposes only. It is prepared and presented to provide an introduction to the business of MCIM and its related companies(collectively known as ‘Martin Currie’). This document does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to invest in any security, fund or other vehicle managed or advised by Martin Currie.
None of the security(ies), fund(s) or vehicle(s) managed by or advised by Martin Currie are registered in South Korea under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea and accordingly, none of these instruments nor any interest therein may be offered, sold or delivered, or offered or sold to any person for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in South Korea or to any resident of South Korea except pursuant to applicable laws and regulations of South Korea. Martin Currie is not registered with or regulated by any regulatory authorities in South Korea.
In China:
This document does not constitute a public offer of the strategy, whether by sale or subscription, in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”). These strategies are not being offered or sold directly or indirectly in the PRC to or for the benefit of, legal or natural persons of the PRC. Further, no legal or natural persons of the PRC may directly or indirectly purchase any of the strategy or any beneficial interest therein without obtaining all prior PRC’s governmental approvals that are required, whether statutorily or otherwise. Persons who come into possession of this document are required by the issuer and its representatives to observe these restrictions.
Important information
This information is issued and approved by Martin Currie Investment Management Limited (‘MCIM’), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It does not constitute investment advice. Market and currency movements may cause the capital value of shares, and the income from them, to fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invested.
The information contained in this document has been compiled with considerable care to ensure its accuracy. However, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made to its accuracy or completeness. Martin Currie has procured any research or analysis contained in this document for its own use. It is provided to you only incidentally and any opinions expressed are subject to change without notice.
The document does not form the basis of, nor should it be relied upon in connection with, any subsequent contract or agreement. It does not constitute, and may not be used for the purpose of, an offer or invitation to subscribe for or otherwise acquire shares in any of the products mentioned.
Past performance is not a guide to future returns.
The distribution of specific products is restricted in certain jurisdictions, investors should be aware of these restrictions before requesting further specific information.
The views expressed are opinions of the portfolio managers as of the date of this document and are subject to change based on market and other conditions and may differ from other portfolio managers or of the firm as a whole. These opinions are not intended to be a forecast of future events, research, a guarantee of future results or investment advice.
The analysis of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors forms an important part of the investment process and helps inform investment decisions. The strategy/ies do not necessarily target particular sustainability outcomes.
Risk warnings – Investors should also be aware of the following risk factors which may be applicable to the strategy shown in this document.
- Investing in foreign markets introduces a risk where adverse movements in currency exchange rates could result in a decrease in the value of your investment.
- This strategy may hold a limited number of investments. If one of these investments falls in value this can have a greater impact on the strategy’s value than if it held a larger number of investments.
- Smaller companies may be riskier and their shares may be less liquid than larger companies, meaning that their share price may be more volatile.
- Income strategy charges are deducted from capital. Because of this, the level of income may be higher but the growth potential of the capital value of the investment may be reduced.
For wholesale investors in Australia.
Any distribution of this material in Australia is by Martin Currie Australia (‘MCA’). Martin Currie Australia is a division of Franklin Templeton Australia Limited (ABN 76 004 835 849). Franklin Templeton Australia Limited is part of Franklin Resources, Inc., and holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL No. AFSL240827) issued pursuant to the Corporations Act 2001.
Important information
This information is issued and approved by Martin Currie Investment Management Limited (‘MCIM’), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It does not constitute investment advice. Market and currency movements may cause the capital value of shares, and the income from them, to fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invested.
The information contained in this document has been compiled with considerable care to ensure its accuracy. However, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made to its accuracy or completeness. Martin Currie has procured any research or analysis contained in this document for its own use. It is provided to you only incidentally and any opinions expressed are subject to change without notice.
The document does not form the basis of, nor should it be relied upon in connection with, any subsequent contract or agreement. It does not constitute, and may not be used for the purpose of, an offer or invitation to subscribe for or otherwise acquire shares in any of the products mentioned.
Past performance is not a guide to future returns.
The distribution of specific products is restricted in certain jurisdictions, investors should be aware of these restrictions before requesting further specific information.
The views expressed are opinions of the portfolio managers as of the date of this document and are subject to change based on market and other conditions and may differ from other portfolio managers or of the firm as a whole. These opinions are not intended to be a forecast of future events, research, a guarantee of future results or investment advice.
The analysis of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors forms an important part of the investment process and helps inform investment decisions. The strategy/ies do not necessarily target particular sustainability outcomes.
Risk warnings – Investors should also be aware of the following risk factors which may be applicable to the strategy shown in this document.
- Investing in foreign markets introduces a risk where adverse movements in currency exchange rates could result in a decrease in the value of your investment.
- This strategy may hold a limited number of investments. If one of these investments falls in value this can have a greater impact on the strategy’s value than if it held a larger number of investments.
- Smaller companies may be riskier and their shares may be less liquid than larger companies, meaning that their share price may be more volatile.
- Income strategy charges are deducted from capital. Because of this, the level of income may be higher but the growth potential of the capital value of the investment may be reduced.