Paramount Faces Golden Parachute Clash as CEO Steps Down

Departing Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish’s exit package is estimated to top $50 million, highlighting a stockholder proposal up for a vote this spring that, if adopted, would require shareholder approval of golden parachutes. Shareholders are targeting nearly two dozen Russell 3000 companies with similar proposals this proxy season, and observers said investors’ focus on… Continue reading Paramount Faces Golden Parachute Clash as CEO Steps Down

Climate Resolutions See Sustained Support, Despite ESG Backlash

This year investors are emphasizing climate risk as part of their push to get companies to address global warming, while treading more carefully around issues related to pay linked to sustainability goals, according to market watcher. …This year so far, investors have filed 19 climate change-related resolutions that mention climate risk at S&P 500 companies… Continue reading Climate Resolutions See Sustained Support, Despite ESG Backlash

Political Proposals Pile Onto Proxies

A number of boards are facing votes related to their companies’ political activities this year as the temperature surrounding companies in the political sphere keeps heating up. Already this year, shareholders have voted on two proposals as big companies — Hewlett Packard Enterprise and The Walt Disney Company — related to political activity, which garnered… Continue reading Political Proposals Pile Onto Proxies

Labor Issues Poised to Trigger More Oversight Lawsuits

Shareholder proposals aimed at labor-related issues have more than tripled over the last year, bringing with them additional risks for boards and companies. The growing spotlight on labor could bring battles that unfold on proxies or in court — and a recent Delaware Chancery Court case could further the trend. In 2022, shareholders across all… Continue reading Labor Issues Poised to Trigger More Oversight Lawsuits

Shareholders Ratchet Up Pressure on Labor-Related Proposals

Labor-related shareholder proposals are on the rise with initiatives aimed at working conditions more than tripling last year. These resolutions have received a high average rate of support, and investors are maintaining pressure on the subject. Therefore, sources say, directors should view these measures with prudence. …Shareholders filed at least 29 proposals in 2022 related… Continue reading Shareholders Ratchet Up Pressure on Labor-Related Proposals

Companies Under Fire Over Plastic Use

Plastic use and the risks associated with it are garnering more heat from stakeholder groups, including shareholders, the federal government, the United Nations and ESG accounting standard setters, which have targeted single-use plastics. Boards should ensure that appropriate internal stakeholders are prepared for increased focus on the issue, which has generated popular shareholder proposals this… Continue reading Companies Under Fire Over Plastic Use

Special Meeting Proposals Almost Doubled in 2022

The number of shareholder proposals requesting the ability to call a special meeting appears to have almost doubled this proxy season, according to new data from shareholder services provider Georgeson. The spike in proposals related to special meetings reflects continued efforts by shareholders to make it easier to have more of a say on certain… Continue reading Special Meeting Proposals Almost Doubled in 2022

Many New Climate Proposals Flew Too Close to the Sun

The climate-change related shareholder proposals popping up in 2022 proxies are far more prescriptive or “constraining” than the ones BlackRock supported last year, the asset manager said in a report earlier this month, noting they “may not promote long-term shareholder value.” Sources say that’s a key reason many climate proposals have struggled to get the… Continue reading Many New Climate Proposals Flew Too Close to the Sun