David Leonhardt writes about the corporations behind the unprecedented undermining of democracy in Wisconsin, including Walgreens. Walgreens portrays itself as the friendly neighborhood drugstore. It gives flu shots to children, helps communities after storms, donates to charity — and makes feel-good advertisements trumpeting its various good deeds. But Walgreens also has a tougher side, one…
Largest ever group of global investors call for more action to meet Paris targets | Environment | The Guardian
The largest ever group of institutional investors has called on governments around the world to urgently increase their efforts to meet the Paris climate change agreement goals.The 414 global investors – which represent US$31 trillion of assets-under-management – say they are deeply concerned about the “ambition gap” that exists between governments’ commitments and what is…
CII Study on Shareholder Proposal Resubmission Thresholds
CII has responded to questions about whether the current SEC rules on the level of support required to resubmit a shareholder proposal should be raised with a new study. The findings: • The vast majority of shareholder proposals satisfy the current resubmission thresholds of 3%, 6% and 10%. About 95% of proposals are eligible for…
VEA Comment to the SEC on Proxies, Shareholder Proposals, and Proxy Advisory Firms
The full text is linked below. From the introduction and summary: We begin with three key points as context for this comment, all with one theme: the superiority of market tests over regulation whenever possible (unless there is a collective choice problem distorting the market, which is not the case here). 1. The determining issue…
James McRitchie: Proxy Roundtable Comment Letter
Corpgov.net‘s James McRitchie, one of the most knowledgeable and effective individual investors, has submitted an exceptionally thoughtful and well-informed comment to the SEC. Many thanks for his gracious permission to publish it in full. Final comment letter to the SEC on Shareholder Proposals, re File Number 4-725, including 11 recommendations highlighted on bold. Mr. Brent…
Protecting the Shareholder Proposal Process — As You Sow
Rosanna Weaver at As You Sow writes about the shareholder proposal section of last week’s SEC Proxy Roundtable. An excerpt: Looking back over time, the shareholder resolution system works. So why these discussions again? In great part, it is because the system has been effective in raising social and environmental issues to the fore and…
VEA Vice Chair Nell Minow on Motley Fool Money Podcast: Shareholder Rights and Stan Lee
VEA Vice Chair Nell Minow appears on the Motley Fool Money podcast to discuss the SEC’s Proxy Roundtable, Stan Lee as a brand genius, and more.
Brunel’s Stewardship Policy
We recommend Brunel’s excellent stewardship policy as a model for institutional investors everywhere. Stewardship is defined as the job of taking care of something, such as a company or property. As investors, we use the term assets. Brunel is committed to responsible stewardship and seeks to contribute to the ‘care’ of all the assets under…
Sustainability Report | Embracing Sustainability Challenge | Business Roundtable
It is encouraging to see the members of the Business Roundtable challenging each other on sustainability. Business Roundtable CEOs are embracing sustainable practices across their businesses, resulting in stronger communities and a healthier environment. CEOs are leading the way through investments, innovation and strategic decisions, toward a more environmentally and economically sustainable future. Source: Sustainability…
European investors beef up stance over high executive pay | Financial Times
Excessive executive pay is under greater scrutiny in Europe as investors rebuff big pay packets for chief executives and take aim at directors who refuse to tackle concern over bumper bonuses.A report by Georgeson, the shareholder engagement and governance consultancy, said that this year at least one in 10 shareholders opposed pay report resolutions at…
