What Is A Well Governed Company
What Is A Well Governed Company
Re x C. Drilo n II
President, Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) Trustee &Fellow, Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) Consultant & Former COO, Ortigas & Company 6 May 2011
Outline
Introduction How the outside world rates PH in corporate governance How Philippines Inc. is faring using ICDs CG Scorecard So, What is a Well-Governed Company Conclusion
Rex C. Drilon II
Director and C-level executive since 1978 (FMMC Group, Philippine Fuji Xerox, J ardine Sugar, Ayala Land, Ortigas & Co., Priority Management) Recently retired Chief Operating Officer of Ortigas & Company, Limited Partnership President, Trustee, Faculty & Fellow, ICD Trustee, Fellow & Faculty, ISA Member: MAP, ILEDF Product of UP, UE and UA&P Author, Patriots on the Street [email protected] Cellno (917) 841-5570
Unfair competitive advantage for big players Exploitation of smaller but more numerous stakeholders Funding not sustainable WB-IMF Recommendations: Philippine business has to re fo rm itself The key: Co rpo rate Go ve rnanc e
Marke t Cate g o ry S c o re s
S o urc e : As ian Co rpo rate Go ve rnanc e As s o c iatio n
Rank Marke t 2010
CG Rule s & Enfo rc e Prac tic e s me nt Po litic al & IGAAP Re g ulato ry CG Culture
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
67 65 57 55 55 52 49 49 45
65 59 45 50 56 49 46 47 43
60 63 53 47 42 38 36 36 28
69 67 62 56 54 60 54 56 44
88 80 75 78 73 80 63 75 78
53 54 53 46 49 32 43 30 33
Enforcement
Regulators enforcement of rules Some firms ignoring SEC/PSE TRO against SEC in enforcing rule reducing brokers to only 20% of PSE Board PCGG Inaction
What we say
5-year trends
No . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Self Evaluation
Crite ria Sound business strategy Well-structured, functioning Board Robust internal control system Enterprise risk management Integrity of financial reports Shareholder rights protection, especially minority or non-controlling group Global standard disclosure and transparency Respect and protection of other stakeholders rights (employees, community, environment etc Does not engage in abusive Related Party Transactions and insider trading Culture of ethics, compliance and enforcement
Curre nt Re ality
Can Be
SQ
100 Scale
Distinguished Excellent Very Good Adequate Marginal 100 90 80 70 60 Inefficient Inadequate Ineffective Inept In Reverse 50 40 30 20 10
Shareholder return is optimized through a sound and well-executed strategy Best practice recommendations
Clearly defined vision, mission and core values Well developed business strategy A strategy execution process that facilitates effective performance management and is attuned to the companys business environment, management style and culture Board continually engaged in discussions of strategic business issues
Score
A well-functioning board creates value for the enterprise. Best practice recommendations
Board composed of directors of proven competence and integrity Chairman ensures that the board functions in an effective and collegial manner Have at least 3 or 30%, whichever is higher, of its directors as independent directors Written board policy manuals and guidelines Have audit, risk, nomination and governance committees
Score
Score
# Ensures the integrity of its financial 5. reports and external auditing function
Financial reports must represent a fair and true condition of the company. Best practice recommendations.
Board audit committee approve all non-audit services conducted by the external auditor. The Committee should ensure that the non-audit fees don not outweigh the fees earned from the external audit. Ensure that the external audit is credible, competent, and should have the ability to understand complex related party transactions, its counterparties, and valuations of such transactions. Ensure that the external auditor has adequate quality control procedures.
# Ensures the integrity of its financial 5. reports and external auditing function
Best practice recommendations contd
Disclose relevant information on the external auditors. Ensures that the external audit firm is selected on the basis of a fair and transparent tender process. Audit Committee to conduct regular meetings and dialogues with the external audit team without anyone from management present. Financial reports attested to by the CEO and CFO. A policy of rotating the lead audit partner every five years.
# Respects and protects the rights of 6. its shareholders, particularly those that belong to the minority
The exercise of shareholders basic political, economic and governance rights should be facilitated in an equitable and timely manner. Best practice recommendations
Adopt the principle of one share, one vote. Ensure that all shareholder voting mechanisms such as supermajority or majority of minority requirements to protect minority shareholders against actions of controlling shareholders
# Respects and protects the rights of 6. its shareholders, particularly those that belong to the minority
Best practice recommendations
Provide all shareholders with the notice and agenda of the annual general meeting (AGM) at least thirty (30) days before a regular meeting and twenty (20) days before a special meeting. Allow shareholders to call a special shareholders meeting, submit a proposal for consideration at the AGM or the special meeting, and ensure the attendance of the external auditor and other relevant individuals to answer shareholder questions in such meetings.
Score
Disclose annual and quarterly consolidated reports, cash flow statements and special audit revisions. Consolidated financial statements shall be published within ninety (90) days from the end of the financial years, while interim reports shall be published within fortyfive (45) days from the end of the reporting period. Disclose to shareholders and the Exchange any changes to its corporate governance manual and practices, and the extent to which such practices conform to the SEC and PSE CG Guidelines. Publish and/or deliver to its shareholders in a timely fashion all information and materials relevant to corporate actions that require shareholder approval. Disclose the trading of the corporations shares by directors, officers (or persons performing similar functions) and controlling shareholders. This shall also include the disclosure of the companys purchase of its shares from the market (e.g. share buy-back program). Disclose in its annual report the principal risks to minority shareholders associated with the identity of the companys controlling shareholders; the degree of ownership concentration; cross-holdings among company affiliates; and any imbalances between the controlling shareholders voting power and overall equity position in the company
# Respects and protects the rights and 8. interests of its employees, community, environment, and other stakeholders
Corporations should manage the social, environmental and governance aspects of its operations. Best practice recommendations
Establish and disclose a clear policy statement that articulates the companys recognition and protection of the rights and interests of key stakeholders specifically its employees, suppliers and customers, creditors, as well as the community, environment and other key stakeholder groups. Have in place a merit-based performance incentive mechanism such as an employee stock option plan (ESOP) or any such scheme that awards and incentivizes employees, at the same time aligns their interests with those of the shareholders.
# Respects and protects the rights and 8. interests of its employees, community, environment, and other stakeholders
Best practice recommendations, contd
Have in place a workplace development program. Have in place a community involvement program. Have in place an environment-related program. Have clear policies that guide the company in its dealing with its suppliers, customers, creditors, analysts, market intermediaries and other market participants.
Score
# Does not engage in abusive related-party 9. transactions (RPT) and insider trading
Abusive related party transactions and insider trading undermine the trust and confidence on the company as well as prejudices non-controlling shareholders interests. Best Practice recommendations
Develop and disclose a policy governing the companys transactions with related parties. Clearly define the thresholds for disclosure and approval for RPTs and categorize such transactions according to those that are considered de minimis or transactions that need to be reported or announced , those that need to be disclosed, and those that need prior shareholder approval. The aggregate amount of RPT within any twelve (12) month period should be considered for purposes of applying the thresholds for disclosure and approval.
# Does not engage in abusive related-party 9. transactions (RPT) and insider trading
Best Practice recommendations, contd
Establish a voting system whereby a majority of non-related party shareholders approve specific types of related party transactions in shareholders meeting. Have its independent directors or audit committee play an important role in reviewing significant RPTs. Be transparent and consistent in reporting its RPTs. A summary of such transactions shall be published in the companys annual report. Have a clear policy in dealing with material non-public information by company insiders. Have a clear policy and practice of full and timely disclosure to shareholders of all material transactions with affiliates of the controlling shareholders, directors or management.
Score
Score
Conclusion
Philippines, Inc. has made positive gains in CG More and better-governed companies There are outstanding governance warriors But more work ahead, e.g.
Identified areas for improvement Governance reptiles to reform themselves Country above self GOCCs and GFIs are key, particularly GSIS and SSS Role of the SEC Maharlika Board PSE as model in Corporate Governance