16 minute read
ESG for MicroCaps
ESG. What is it, and why is it important?
Action on Environmental, Social and governance (ESg) issues is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s essential if you’re seeking investor capital and social
license to operate. Socialsuite helps micro to medium sized companies to create value through ESG reporting. The initial reason to start ESG reporting is often to respond to demands from stakeholders. However, in building ESG practices across their business, many companies report an easier path to a much wider investor base, risk mitigation, new market opportunities, and long-term sustained value generation.
mISCONCEPTION 1: ESg IS ONLy FOR SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES AND INDUSTRIES.
ESG is about transparent and responsible operation and governance of your business and it’s industryagnostic. ESG helps identify critical business risks, but can also create business value – so it should be central to every decision.
mISCONCEPTION 2: WE NEED TO HAvE ATTAINED ESg PERFECTION BEFORE REPORTINg ON IT.
Society, investors, consumers and employees are expecting companies to grow in a financially sustainable, yet environmentally viable way. ESG is used by institutional and socially conscious investors to screen companies prior to investing. It’s also looked at by consumers and employees when they’re making decisions about what companies to get behind.
What does ESG entail?
E - Environmental - can include things like resource conservation and emissions
S - Social - can cover issues like equal pay, diversity and inclusion, health and safety g -governance - looks at the board composition, and what rules do you play by. Simply starting to report and disclose ESG metrics today demonstrates a commitment to ESG transparency. Perfection is not required and metrics can be improved over time — there’s no reason to wait.
mISCONCEPTION 3: my INvESTORS DON’T CARE.
The days of investors focusing solely on financial statements are long gone. If you want to attract retail investors, institutional investors or fund managers, you’ll need to meet ESG criteria.
Since starting its ESG journey with Socialsuite, minerals exploration company, Latin Resources (OTCQX: LNRDY; ASX: LRS), has raised a transformational A$35 million, anchored by A$15 million from a Canadian ESG fund.
ESg mISCONCEPTIONS OF mICROCAP ExECUTIvES mISCONCEPTION 4: ESg DOES NOT ALIgN WITH OUR CORE PRIORITIES.
Multinationals and large publicly listed companies know that ESG reporting is a must these days. But when it comes to microcaps, a number of common misconceptions still exist. Some executives discount the value of ESG entirely, while some feel the pressure and urgency around ESG but are unsure how to act on it.
As the leading ESG solution for micro to mid caps, Socialsuite speaks daily to executives about the misconceptions surrounding ESG reporting. These include: While you may not think of ESG as a priority, a strong ESG proposition can safeguard a company’s long-term success. ESG is a global priority, so if ESG is not a priority for your business, ask yourself why?
Socialsuite client, Minbos Resources (OTCPK:MNBRF; ASX:MNB) for example, is attracting more capital, better customers and top talent due to its unwavering commitment to zero-carbon projects. It’s no secret that investors are actively seeking to invest in ESG-aligned companies and Minbos’ recent $25
million capital raise and continued set of opportunities has certainly shown that to be true.
gETTINg STARTED WITH ESg: FIvE SImPLE STEPS
Socialsuite’s Chief Impact Officer, Dr. Siegenbeek van Heukelom says the microcaps he works with already have ESG data they publicly disclose – often more than they realize, but they’ve never been collated in one place before. “There could be much you’re already doing. This is about making it visible to the market. Let’s find the quick wins. Then we can talk about how you can progress and improve your ESG credentials over time.”
Many companies start ESG reporting in response to stakeholder demands. But it often turns out to hold far more value. But how do you get started?
1. Set a baseline
ESG frameworks allow companies to measure responsible and sustainable corporate growth and business continuity in a structured and standardized way. Choose a global framework, such as the World Economic Forum (WEF) Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics, and start populating it with the data you already have. Think about the opportunities and risks that matter most to your company and its stakeholders.
2. Embed ESg into structures and processes
Make sure ESG is on your Board’s agenda, and then embed ESG into your everyday decision making and operations. ESG is a continual journey of positive change. Report frequently, stakeholders want to see quarterly updates on your ESG highlights and progress. Think of ESG reporting as a roadmap – and know that your investors, employees, customers and society will use it to hold you to account.
HOW SOCIALSUITE CAN HELP
Socialsuite’s ESG platform is ideal for micro to mid caps who are just starting their ESG journey and looking to report against the globally recognized WEF Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics ESG framework.
With this fit-for-purpose approach, smaller listed or private companies no longer need large ESG teams to provide robust and transparent ESG reporting. They can share ongoing progress through quarterly updates, publish investor relations reports, access comprehensive ESG resources and make incremental progress with the support of a dedicated ESG coach.
Socialsuite’s cost-effective, action-oriented platform is so simple you could build a baseline report within an hour – and start reporting publicly in just 30 days.
When getting started with Socialsuite, Neil Young, the CEO of coal seam gas explorer Elixir Energy (OTC:ELXPF; ASX:EXR), said “Working with Socialsuite enabled us to quickly and easily identify where there are gaps in our ESG strategy and how we can improve our position. We also have a clear roadmap for achieving ESG goals that will take more time.”
Chief Impact Officer Dr. Tim Siegenbeek van Heukelom
Tim is Chief Impact Officer at Socialsuite. He is a Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) specialist passionate about aligning organisations’ overall purpose with delivering day-to-day social good while on the path to profit. With global experience supporting small to large-cap companies, Tim has focused on closing the gap between corporate prosperity and sustainable development outcomes through identifying shared value opportunities.
He sees a corporate commitment to building robust ESG credentials as only the beginning; the real magic happens (and shared value is created) when companies begin to see how corporate success can simultaneously deliver social progress.
He has worked on ESG strategies and programs with organisations from public, private, and social sectors in Europe, Africa, and Oceania. Tim holds two law degrees (LLB and LLM), a degree in peace and conflict studies (MA), and a doctorate in food security (PhD).
Tim is an impatient optimist. He takes a mission-driven approach to social development. By designing comprehensive ways to think through potential ESG problems, he helps find viable solutions that have material and measurable plans with quantifiable business outcomes and positive societal impacts.
3. Seek an external view
Working with expert partners can help you stay accountable, build knowledge, help validate your findings and identify opportunities for improvement.
4. Amplify your message
Once you have a regular reporting cycle of disclosures, you can spread those messages to investors and other stakeholders. Make sure your reports are clear – avoid technical ESG jargon, and visualize the data.
5. maintain the momentum
Q&a WiTh CEO aND DiRECTOR, JENNiFER TWiNER McCaRRON
RK: LET’S START WITH A qUICK OvERvIEW OF THE BUSINESS.
jTm: Thunderbird is a global content creation studio that focuses on creating premium, award-winning content with a focus on diversity and inclusivity, headquartered in Vancouver, with studios in LA, Ottawa and Toronto. Thunderbird is uniquely positioned to meet the ever-changing demands of the content creation industry with thriving footholds in both animation (Atomic Cartoons), unscripted (Great Pacific Media) and scripted (Thunderbird Productions) content. The Company currently employs over 1,400 team members across North America.
Thunderbird’s mission is to create content that contributes to the world, makes people happy and provides a much-needed escape. A great example of Thunderbird’s mission and style of content is Molly of Denali, a show the team developed with PBS. It is the first nationally distributed animated series in the USA to feature a Native American lead and involved Indigenous crew members in Alaska in all aspects of the production. Since its debut, this particular series has been recognized with multiple awards that celebrate its authentic representation and commitment to diversity, including a 2020 TCA Award, a Kidscreen Award for Best Inclusivity, and a prestigious Peabody Award (2020), which is renowned for honoring powerful, enlightening, and invigorating stories.
RK: HOW WOULD yOU DESCRIBE THE COmPANy’S PERFORmANCE TO THIS POINT (BEgINNINg OF SEPTEmBER 2022) IN THE yEAR? mILESTONES AND gOALS?
jTm: We are incredibly pleased with our performance and progress to date - and there is so much to be proud about. Since we became a public company, we have added a new studio in Ottawa and LA, and launched a division dedicated to consumer products and global distribution. The consumer products division offers additional revenue streams, and the ability to capitalize on our intellectual property (“IP”). We have also attracted key industry talent to our Company, and grown our teams to more than 1400 people. Add to this, our growing production slate has expanded too. As of Q3 2022, the Company had 26 shows in production, 12 of which are IP-owned or partner managed.
We are focused on mindfully growing the business in stages, and our numbers reflect steady gradual growth YOY. We are selective about the projects we take on, and we always prioritize our company culture and people. We firmly believe that our people-first culture is not only a differentiator but is also key to attracting and retaining top talent to create premium quality content. Creating an accepting,
safe work culture attracts some of the most talented artists in the industry - we have employees who have come to us from Pixar, Disney, DreamWorks and other major studios. Our working culture also plays a key role in employee retention, which is well-above the industry average.
Additionally, we are pleased to be celebrating many highly-anticipated upcoming premieres this Fall, including Strays on CBC on September 13th, Deadman’s Curse on History Canada on September 11th, and Reginald the Vampire for SYFY on October 5th. A two-part documentary, After the Storm, produced by GPM, will also debut on Discovery Channel. We also shared news for some of our animation productions, such as Princess Power and Oddballs on Netflix.
RK: ARE THERE ANy INDUSTRy TAILWINDS TO PUSH FORWARD SOmE OF THE COmPANy’S gOALS AND OBjECTIvES?
jTm: While streamers and broadcasters are adapting to the current landscape to better serve their audiences and maintain their businesses, Thunderbird remains a top content provider with a demonstrated ability to provide premium content and meet deadlines. We have developed long-standing, trusted relationships with all of the major providers, who lean heavily on us for quality content - and will continue to do so as premium content is needed to retain subscribers in a highly competitive market.
The industry is also poised for consolidation, and we expect strategic M&A to play a part in growing our Company in the future. We have grown and are building our Company with this in mind, and have the systems and infrastructure in place to nimbly act on the right M&A when it arises. Our Company’s strong and prudent fiscal management - which is highlighted by zero corporate debt - will allow us to take advantage of great opportunities when they present themselves.
RK: 2022 HAS BEEN A vOLATILE yEAR FOR mICROCAPS AND A NUmBER OF mACRO TRENDS THAT yOU HAvE TO PAy ATTENTION TO AS WELL (WAR IN UKRAINE, SUPPLy CHAIN, INFLATION, ETC…). WHAT HAS BEEN yOUR STRATEgy TO NAvIgATE THROUgH THESE CHALLENgES?
jTm: At Thunderbird, we have always valued the importance of a long-term business strategy that can withstand challenges that occur and are out of our control. We recognize the importance of having a fluid and adaptable business plan, and have made adjustments where necessary to accommodate the impacts of current events.
However, we avoid overreacting to macro trends, which can hurt the Company long term, and do our best to remain focused on strategic opportunities that support sustainable growth while increasing shareholder value. For example, to offset inflationary pressures, we are looking at ways to increase our prices to a point where both the Company and the client still benefit.
One constant remains while navigating through new situations; we will never sacrifice on creating premium quality content. How? By putting people first. Our people and our company culture are a top priority. Ultimately, a happy workforce with motivated team members is what helps us deliver the premium content we are known for industry-wide - and it’s a value we will never waver from.
RK: WHAT ARE SOmE OF THE COmPANy’S vALUE CATALySTS FOR THE REST OF 2022, gOINg INTO 2023?
jTm: Heading into 2023, one key focus is to maintain our profitability. Our lowered share price provides a unique opportunity for value investors to buy the stock at a lower multiple, no debt, good cash position.
Thunderbird is uniquely positioned within the industry to meet the changing needs of streamers, and demands of viewers, through the Company’s thriving animated (Atomic Cartoons) and unscripted (GPM) divisions. These two types of content continue to be cornerstones of major streamers’ strategies to continue gluing subscribers (and the key co-viewing audience). We will also continue leveraging our global distribution and consumer products division in LA to commercialize our own IP while also acting as a third-party distributor for other companies’ IP to increase revenues.
Above all, we remain committed to creating premium quality content for our partners around the world and pursuing the right M&A opportunity when it arises. As such, investors can expect to see continued and sustainable growth in the years to come.
For more information about Thunderbird Entertainment, please visit: www.thunderbird.tv
DISCLAImER AND FORWARD-LOOKINg STATEmENTS NOTICE: This article is provided as a service of SNN inc. or an affiliate thereof (collectively “SNN”), and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only, is not investment advice, and should not be relied upon for any investment decisions. We are not recommending any securities, nor is this an offer or sale of any security. Neither SNN nor its representatives are licensed brokers, broker-dealers, market makers, investment bankers, investment advisers, analysts, or underwriters registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or with any state securities regulatory authority. SNN provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented, including information regarding any specific company’s plans, or its ability to effectuate any plan, and possess no actual knowledge of any specific company’s operations, capabilities, intent, resources, or experience. any opinions expressed in this article are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of SNN. information contained in this presentation may contain “forward-looking statements” as defined under Section 27a of the Securities act of 1933 and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are based upon expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events to differ materially from those anticipated. Therefore, readers are cautioned against placing any undue reliance upon any forward-looking statement that may be found in this article. SNN does not engage in providing advice, making recommendations, issuing reports, or furnishing analyses on any of the companies, securities, strategies, or information presented in this article. SNN recommends you consult a licensed investment adviser, broker, or legal counsel before purchasing or selling any securities referenced in this article. Furthermore, it is encouraged that you invest carefully and consult investment related information available on the websites of the SEC at http://www.sec.gov and the Financial industry Regulatory authority (FiNRa) at http://finra.org.
CSE:myR Canadian Junior exploring in Australia
HIgHLIgHTS:
• Exploring for world class polymetallic mining projects in Australia
• Mt Turner, Queensland,
Copper-Moly Porphyry and Gold drill ready targets
• Drill testing large, flat-lying copper/moly porphyry targets 100 meters from surface
• Program designed to generate an early discovery.
• Current market capitalization CND $ 2.8 million
Website: meryllionres.com
Contact Info: Richard Revelins CEO/Director rrevelins@peregrinecorporate.com +1-310-405-4475
IR Individual: Graham Farrell Harbor Access Graham.farrell@harbor-access.com +1-647-530-1430
BRIEF RESOURCE DETAILS:
Mapped by QLD Government Geological Survey early 1970s, drilled by QLD Government in 1974. Ore grade MO not followed up. Listed by USGS as significant Cu-Mo Target in 2009. In 1975 Esso Exploration reported 9km long U3O8 mineralized structure and Pre-NI 43 101 resource of 344,500t @ 1.55% U3O8. Held by Mega Uranium from 2000 to 2020 until staked by Essex Minerals in 2020. Recently completed extensive IP Survey and surface sampling overlain over digitized historical exploration has generated classic copper/moly porphyry targets available for immediate drilling. High expectation of significant new discovery following initial drilling program.
OvERvIEW OF BUSINESS
Meryllion is a CSE listed company exploring for “world class” polymetallic mining projects in Queensland and Western Australia. The Company has a highly experienced management team and board with a strong record of discovery, success, and company growth. The Company’s flagship project is the Mt Turner Copper/ Moly and Gold Project located in the Georgetown District approx. 380kms west of Cairns, northern Queensland. The region contains over 1,000 mines, prospects and mineral occurrences, including the Kidston Gold Mine, one of Australia’s largest ever gold mines (5.1m ozs Au mined from 1985 to 2001).
The area has received extensive historical exploration and some drilling. Much of this activity was undertaken in the 1970s to 2000 with a predominant focus on uranium exploration.
Essex Minerals (Meryllion’s Farm-In partner) compiled and digitized the vast amount of historical data and devised an exploration strategy which included soil sampling and an IP Survey. Meryllion recently completed this program at a cost of $450,000 and the results far exceeded the company’s expectations, generating multiple high resistivity copper/moly porphyry drilling targets for immediate drilling.
DISCLAImER AND FORWARD-LOOKINg STATEmENTS NOTICE: This article is provided as a service of SNN inc. or an affiliate thereof (collectively “SNN”), and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only, is not investment advice, and should not be relied upon for any investment decisions. We are not recommending any securities, nor is this an offer or sale of any security. Neither SNN nor its representatives are licensed brokers, broker-dealers, market makers, investment bankers, investment advisers, analysts, or underwriters registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or with any state securities regulatory authority. SNN provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented, including information regarding any specific company’s plans, or its ability to effectuate any plan, and possess no actual knowledge of any specific company’s operations, capabilities, intent, resources, or experience. any opinions expressed in this article are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of SNN. information contained in this presentation may contain “forward-looking statements” as defined under Section 27a of the Securities act of 1933 and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are based upon expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events to differ materially from those anticipated. Therefore, readers are cautioned against placing any undue reliance upon any forward-looking statement that may be found in this article. SNN does not engage in providing advice, making recommendations, issuing reports, or furnishing analyses on any of the companies, securities, strategies, or information presented in this article. SNN recommends you consult a licensed investment adviser, broker, or legal counsel before purchasing or selling any securities referenced in this article. Furthermore, it is encouraged that you invest carefully and consult investment related information available on the websites of the SEC at http://www.sec.gov and the Financial industry Regulatory authority (FiNRa) at http://finra.org.
