Praxis Investment Management has released its annual impact report, titled 'Real Impact 2024', which outlines the firm's dedication to stewardship investing and its measurable effects on societal and environmental advancements. The report delves into seven key impact strategies under the Praxis ImpactX framework, illustrating how investment aligned with values can foster substantial change. These strategies encompass values and risk screening, proxy voting, sustainability integration, positive impact bonds, company engagement, advocacy and education, and community development investing.
Among the report's notable findings, Praxis's screening processes have excluded 5-23% of companies in stock indices, and the firm participated in over 16,500 shareholder proposal votes in 2024. Furthermore, 34.3% of the holdings in its Impact Bond Fund were allocated to socially or environmentally targeted impact bonds as of December 2024. Mark Regier, Vice President of Stewardship Investing, highlighted the firm's focus on ensuring investments reflect client values, showcasing a broad strategy for impact that ranges from community development investing to avoiding companies with negative societal impacts.
The report also details Praxis's direct engagement with more than 20 companies on pressing issues like human rights, child labor, and environmental preservation. The firm has backed three significant initiatives focused on tax transparency, the climate crisis, and methane emissions. A standout area of investment has been in community development, with Praxis channeling over $25.6 million into essential community infrastructure and services, in collaboration with Community Investments (CI) and Community Investment Partners (CIP).
Chad Horning, President of Praxis, emphasized that the 'Real Impact 2024' report offers tangible proof of the positive changes achievable through values-driven investing. This document not only reflects Praxis's achievements but also serves as a testament to the broader potential of stewardship investing to contribute to meaningful societal and environmental progress.
