The group has an ongoing programme of meetings between its senior executives, institutional shareholders, analysts and brokers. These meetings, which are governed by procedures designed to ensure that price-sensitive information is not divulged, are wide ranging and are designed to facilitate a two-way dialogue based upon the mutual understanding of objectives.
In addition, the Chairman attends the announcement of both half-yearly and preliminary final results, to which major shareholders are invited, and where they have the opportunity to question and discuss any issue pertaining to the business. Outside of these occasions major shareholders can meet with the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director on request. In addition, major shareholders are invited to meet newly appointed non-executive directors.
The board is kept appraised of the views of shareholders and the market in general through the feedback from the meetings’ programme and results presentations. Analysts’ reports on the company are also circulated to the board members on a regular basis. Finally, the group periodically commissions independent sample surveys of shareholders and stockbroker analysts to ascertain market perceptions of the group and any issues arising. The results of these surveys are provided to the board.
The annual report is designed, through the Chairman’s Statement and the Business Review, in addition to the detailed financial information contained in the report, to present a balanced and understandable assessment of the group’s position and prospects. The group uses its internet website (www.irishlifepermanent.ie) to provide information and access to investors. The investor relations section of the website is updated with the company’s stock exchange releases and formal presentations to analysts and investors as they are made.
The directors comply with the Code as it relates to the disclosure of proxy votes, the separation of resolutions and the attendance of Committee Chairmen at the Annual General Meeting.
Please note this content represents the Company’s current Corporate Governance, to find out more about the Corporate Governance for the 2009-2010 financial year please access this PDF