Socially responsible investing

Clients of Delaware Investments can invest capital in a manner that reflects ethical and social concerns that may be either personal or organizational.

The Delaware Investments approach

With more than 13 years of experience managing separate accounts that incorporate social screens, Delaware Investments has excelled at facilitating the elimination of investments in specific types of companies. Organizations that want their investments to reflect their values have entrusted nearly $3 billion to our socially screened portfolios.

We maintain a dedicated investment and client service team to help clients achieve their socially responsible investment goals.

Delaware Investments professionals have long been active in such groups as the:

• Social Investments Forum
• National Association for Treasurers of Religious Institutes
• New York Society of Securities Analysts

Socially responsible equity portfolio investment process

• Begins with a universe of 1,000 companies
• Delaware Investments works with each client to tailor a set of investment guidelines corresponding to their values
• Any combination of several social screens are then applied to narrow the universe. Typical screens include:
  • Tobacco
  • Gambling
  • Alcohol
  • Labor
  • Animal welfare
  • Weapons
  • Environment
  • Human rights
  • Birth control and abortion

Social screens are defined by external consulting firms who research and monitor the business practices of many companies.

Because of the increased success that SRI has enjoyed, socially responsible investors now include:

• Universities
• Public retirement plans
• Nonprofit organizations
• Religious organizations
• Endowments
• Insurance companies
• Defined contribution plans
• Foundations
• Hospitals