Episodios

  • Boeing crash, Starbucks discovers people, Texas bans Texas, everyone’s a coward (except Hulk Hogan)

    Boeing crash, Starbucks discovers people, Texas bans Texas, everyone’s a coward (except Hulk Hogan)
    Jun 13 2025
    Story of the Week (DR):Boeing Crash in India Is First Fatal Incident Involving a 787 Jet: Tragedy threatens to throw plane maker’s fragile recovery into question MMBoeing stock slides after Air India 787 Dreamliner crashesAI Overviews hallucinates that Airbus, not Boeing, involved in fatal Air India crash One of the Dreamliners That Gave a Boeing Manager Nightmares Just CrashedWhistleblowers always warned that passengers would pay a price for Boeing’s tyrannical corner-cutting, especially with the planes shipped overseas.Starbucks accelerates new staffing model to all company-owned North American storesStarbucks has launched its biggest hiring spree in history — aimed at finally tackling the number one gripe from frustrated customers. The recruitment blitz— adding as many as 85,000 workers across its 17,000 US locations — is a bold move aimed at slashing long wait times.CEO Brian Niccol, speaking to 14,000 store managers at a Las Vegas event on Wednesday, called it 'the biggest human capital investment in connection in the history of Starbucks.' Five years ago, Starbucks stores averaged 23 employees. Cost-cutting has since trimmed that number down to 18 to 19 — four to five fewer workers per location.Howard Schultz says he ‘did a cartwheel' when Starbucks CEO Niccol coined ‘back to Starbucks' strategyNETFLIX: 78% NO Jay Hoag“In accordance with the Company’s director resignation policy, Mr. Hoag offered his resignation from the Board, conditioned upon Board acceptance. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider Mr. Hoag’s resignation and recommend to the Board regarding whether to accept or reject the resignation or take other action.”Jay Hoag chairs the Nomination CommitteeThe Nominating and Governance Committee met two times in 2024. Each member attended all the Nominating and Governance Committee meetings held in 2024, other than Mr. Hoag who did not attend one meeting.2024: 9% NO; 2023: 23% NO; 2020: 55% NO; 2017: 49% NO; 2014: 49.7% NO; 2011: 9% NOMGMT proposal to declassify the board 99.6% YESMGMT proposal to eliminate supermajority voting provisions 99.6% YESSay on Pay: 2023: 71% NO; 2022: 73% NOSHP Wins (22?)SHP Lobbying Activity Report/Political Disclosures (2 wins): 2022: 60% YES; 2021 80% YESSHP repeal classified board (6 wins): 2017: 63% YES; 2016: 83% YES; 2015: 80% YES; 2014: 82% YES; 2013: 88% YES; 2012: 78% YESSHP simple majority vote (9 wins): 2022: 58% YES; 2021: 90% YES; 2020: 73% YES; 2019: 88% YES; 2018: 84% YES; 2017: 63% YES; 2016: 82% YES; 2015: 80% YES; 2013: 81% YESSHP majority voting policy (4 wins): 2016: 87% YES; ; 2014: 82% YES; 2013: 81% YES; 2011: 72% YESSHP independent board chair: 2013 (1 win): 73% YESNetflix Director Jay C. Hoag sold 31,750 shares of Netflix stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,252.35, for a total value of $39,762,112.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 63,040 shares of the company's stock, valued at $78,948,144.Why Companies with More Female Board Members Have Better Workplace SafetyThat’s the conclusion of “From the Boardroom to the Jobsite: Female Board Representation and Workplace Safety,” written by a pair of Notre Dame professors and a colleague from Villanova University. Examining government and corporate worker safety data from 266 companies between 2002 to 2011, the trio determined that the number of workplace accidents and injuries tended to be lower at businesses that had higher numbers of women on their boards.Goodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Rubrik's CEO let 800 employees sit in on board meetings — and he says it supercharged the companyFor the first seven to eight years of building the company, Rubrik's CEO opened board meetings to all staff.Bipul Sinha said as many as 800 staff members tuned in to these meetings.The data management firm went public in April 2024 and is worth $19 billion.MM: McDonald's downgraded on GLP-1 drug worries: Wall Street's top analyst calls MMAssholiest of the Week (MM):One story, three asshole options:Texas DRTexas Removes BlackRock From Energy Boycott Blacklist2022: Texas bans local, state government entities from doing business with firms that “boycott” fossil fuels““Our review focused on the boycott of energy companies…”Bills That Could Have Hurt Renewable Energy Die in Texas LegislatureTexas finalizes $1.8B to build solar, battery, and gas-powered microgrids2025: Texas Leads U.S. Renewable Energy Generation by a Country Mile - since 2019, renewable energy has nearly doubled to account for 30% of Texas energyBlackrockTexas Removes BlackRock From Energy Boycott Blacklist“BlackRock does not boycott fossil fuels — investing over $100 billion in Texas energy companies on behalf of our clients proves that.Fink letter to clients in 2020: Our role as a fiduciary is the foundation of BlackRock’s culture. The commitments we are making today reflect ...
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    52 m
  • Zaslav loses, Texas is put on Texas’s ESG ban list, and a Netflix director is busy

    Zaslav loses, Texas is put on Texas’s ESG ban list, and a Netflix director is busy
    Jun 10 2025
    DAMION1In our 'Glass Lewis complained that the gum-based equity should vest after being stuck to the bottom of his chair in 5 years and not 3 while ISS said, "shit, it just feels like it might be a lot of money probably"' headline of the week. Warner Discovery Shareholders Vote Against CEO David Zaslav’s Pay In our 'When 52% is way too wimpy and 54% is a step too far' headline of the week. Cement Industry Pledges 53% Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050In our 'Immature college dropout finally realizes full professional potential' headline of the week. Misogyny in the metaverse: is Mark Zuckerberg’s dream world a no-go area for women? In our 'Has this weird kind of taste, almost as if it came from McDonald's' headline of the week. McDonald's McCrispy Strips receive mixed reviews as analysts question impact on upcoming Snack WrapI just like to point out how stupid and serious headlines like this areIn our 'What do you mean I can't take a 24-gallon container of hand sanitizer in my carry-on bag?' headline of the week. Sorry, you can't use your Costco membership card to get through TSAMATT1In our 'Also known as $45,555 per military personnel deployed in LA.' headline of the week. Taser Boss Tops Ranking of Highest-Paid CEOs, With $165 Million. Here’s the List.The marines have been deployed - there are 76 active director veterans tagged in our database, including 6 admirals and 13 former marines. So far, zero statements yet about using the military to quell protests?In our 'We were 91% in favor of you when you were lead independent director with a 24 year tenure and connections to most of the board, but this year, you missed an important meeting where we asked Reed and Ted what we're supposed to do so we call all agree. This is unacceptable. You're fired.' headline of the week. Netflix Shareholders Vote to Oust Jay Hoag, Its Lead Independent Director, but the Board May Decide to Keep HimIn our 'Waltons reject all proposals, but maybe we can make that headline sound better' headline of the week. Walmart, PayPal shareholders reject DEI overhauls as corporate America continues retreat from social issuesOrganization United for Respect racial equity audit: 6.8%. National Center for Public Policy Research's report investigating delays in reversing DEI: 0.4%. But yes, shareholders reject DEI overhauls.In our 'I'm telling mom! Moooooom!' headline of the week. Trump attacks Musk and questions their future ties amid growing feudIn our 'Get some' headline of the week. Lessons in corporate governance from the Trump-Musk spatDAMION2In our 'Men' headline of the week. Women hold 24% of CEO pipeline roles, but just 8% of promotions. What’s going wrong?In our 'Disney teases summer blockbuster movie starring Zac Efron: "Revenge of the College Dropout"' headline of the week. Inside OpenAI’s Plan to Embed ChatGPT Into College Students’ LivesMeta forming new AI lab helmed by Scale AI CEO Alex Wang: MIT dropoutIn our 'Is this why 66% of Americans think that "society is broken" according to an Ipsos survey released this week?' headline of the week. Just one woman has ever founded and led a Fortune 500 company. Here’s her storyThe only woman ever to run a Fortune 500 company she founded was Marion Sandler. She was the cofounder of mortgage lender Golden West Financial, which she led with her husband and co-CEO Herb Sandler for more than four decades. She was one of the first two women CEOs on the Fortune 500 in 1997 In our 'As long as he's not drinking Dr. Pepper I think he'll be ok' headline of the week. Keurig Dr Pepper’s CEO drinks at least 300 milligrams of caffeine per day. Is that safe?Tim Cofer-17% gender influence gap: 3W total of 11% influence2W of 10 execs (one is HR)In our 'Other candidates considered were Dyle T Lick and Tyle L Dick' headline of the week. BJ’s Restaurant announces Lyle D Tick as new president and CEO MATT2In our 'It ISN'T about the middle school manflake dictator' headline of the week. United Airlines Shuts Down Starlink WiFi Service on Its Planes After the Antennaes Caused Problems With Its Jets' EquipmentIn our 'It IS all about the middle school manflake dictator' headline of the week. United Airlines CEO: ‘We’re probably doing more AI than anyone’Just obviously without the antennasIn our 'Texas's attorney general announces Blackrock is no longer woke, but will remain on the "suspiciously Jewish" list' headline of the week. BlackRock Escapes Texas Oil-Boycott List After ESG RetreatIn our 'Texas's attorney general announces they are replacing Blackrock with Texas on Texas's investment ban list going forward' headline of the week. Texas finalizes $1.8B to build solar, battery, and gas-powered microgridsIn our 'There are none reasons' headline of the week. Why Apple iOS 26 might make you want to make phone calls againTim Cook and Arthur Levinson’s greatest innovation yet: call holding.
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    28 m
  • BlackRock back in Texas, pride out everywhere, Zevra’s proxy battle, “reverse discrimination”, and Taser billions

    BlackRock back in Texas, pride out everywhere, Zevra’s proxy battle, “reverse discrimination”, and Taser billions
    Jun 6 2025
    Story of the Week (DR):The Baby Billionaire Bromance is Over: Savannah Guthrie Says Elon Musk and Donald Trump Are 'Giving 7th Grade Girl' as President Says Tesla CEO 'Has Lost His Mind'"It's so confusing isn't it? So much going wrong, so much to say, and all of it happening so quickly. The pace of oppression outstrips our ability to understand it. And that is the real trick of the Imperial thought machine.”BlackRock removed from Texas boycott list after quitting climate groupsIn a notable reversal, Texas removed BlackRock from its investment blacklistThis decision followed BlackRock's withdrawal from several climate-focused initiatives, including the Net Zero Asset Managers alliance and Climate Action 100+Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar cited these actions, along with BlackRock's support for the new Texas Stock Exchange, as reasons for the delisting.“More than $4 billion in Texas funds are invested with BlackRock,” the rep said.The Larry Fink-led company had $11.55 trillion in assets under management at the end of the fourth quarter in 2024.0.0346% Is that possible?Larry Fink; $31M; $11M bonus: “These amounts represent the discretionary annual cash Bonuses … The amount of incentive compensation awarded … was based on subjective criteria”“Lead in a changing world: Completed the creation of a more modern and unified Corporate Affairs function and leveraged the function to refresh the firm's corporate narrative and strengthen its brand.”“Corporate sustainability: Achieved BlackRock’s 100% renewable electricity match goal and enhanced the Company’s approach to procuring market solutions.”32% said NO on Pay (BlackRock owns 6% of BlackRock)99% said NO to Bowyer Research’s theatrical request for a report on “risks related to a perceived shift away from a traditional understanding of fiduciary responsibility to stakeholder capitalism, implied by its assent to the Business Roundtable’s Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation, as well as a high-profile embrace of ESG and DEI.”BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has some words of wisdom for leaders navigating the age of populism and social media: Watch what you say: "You have to be a lot more guarded. I can't say everything I really want to say to all of you right now. The reality is you have to be a lot more systematic in what you say and how you say it internally or externally. I mean, we live in a terrarium today. We live in a glass bottle."Big brands are pulling back on Pride merchandise and events this year MMCorporate America Pulls Back from PRIDE in 2025, No Rainbow Logos from Big Brands as June StartsUnitedHealth Group AGM:94% average director support93% Stephen HemsleyHemsley is stepping forward to acknowledge the fallout and chart a new course, promising a comprehensive review of some of the company's most controversial practices.The Wall Street Journal noted in its report on the company's annual shareholder meeting on Monday that Hemsley apologized for UnitedHealth's recent performance and cited a need to rethink many internal processes.99% for directors like Paul Garcia (2021/ former CEO of Global Payments) and Kristen Gil (2022/former VP, Business Finance Officer at Alphabet)92% for Michele Hooper (2007/Lead Independent Director/CEO of The Directors’ Council, a private company she co-founded in 2003 that works with corporate boards to increase their independence, effectiveness and diversity)-12% gender influence gap/only 3 women/zero committee chairs)Lowest vote is John Noseworthy, M.D. (86%) former CEO of the Mayo Clinic40% NO on PaySHP excessive golden parachutes 13% YESThe board authorized the payment of a cash dividend of $2.21 per share, up from the prior dividend of $2.10, to be paid June 24 to common stock shareholders of record as of the close of business June 16Hemsley: as of the proxy date: $2.8M (as of 5/16: $3.8M)The previous dividend was $2.10 per share, paid on March 18, 2025The company also suspended its 2025 outlook.Goodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: The Trump EPA tried to bury some good newsA climate report acquired by a Freedom of Information Act request shows that U.S. climate pollution declined in 2023.The EPA report documents that in 2023, U.S. climate pollution fell by 2.3%. That’s about 147 million metric tons, or MMT, of reduced carbon dioxide-equivalent greenhouse gases.2023 was the first full year after President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, the Democrats’ signature climate law that committed hundreds of billions of dollars to reducing climate pollution.DR: How a Peruvian farmer’s legal defeat raised new risks for companies DRPeruvian farmer Saúl Luciano Lliuya filed a lawsuit against German energy company RWE, asserting that the company's greenhouse gas emissions contributed to the melting of glaciers near his hometown of Huaraz, Peru.This glacial melt increases the risk of flooding from Lake Palcacocha, threatening his community. Lliuya sought approximately $17,500 from RWE, ...
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    59 m
  • FTC advertiser war, defense is ESG at Allianz, yoga climate goals, Musk v. Trump, and immortal (rich) humans

    FTC advertiser war, defense is ESG at Allianz, yoga climate goals, Musk v. Trump, and immortal (rich) humans
    Jun 3 2025
    Securities body considers rollback of DEI and ESG goalsInternational Securities Services Association debates changes as political climate shifts under Trump 2.0.In the UK, both the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority have scrapped mandatory DEI rules in the financial sector, citing costs and the additional regulatory burden.F.T.C. Investigates Ad Groups and Watchdogs, Alleging Boycott CollusionThe Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether roughly a dozen prominent advertising and advocacy groups violated antitrust law by coordinating boycotts among advertisers that did not want their brands to appear alongside hateful online contentClimate Startups Are Pausing Operations, Cutting Staff and Entering Bankruptcy as Trump Policies BiteEnergy Department announced $3.7 billion worth of funding cuts for clean-energy and climate projects on Friday—in latest blow to green sectorAllianzGI Says First ESG Defense Allocations Likely This YearAllianz Global Investors expects some of its ESG funds to start adding defense holdings in the coming months, as the money manager updates prospectuses to match the political mood in Europe.EU to propose more flexible climate goal in JulyThe European Commission will propose a new EU climate target in July that includes flexibilities for how countries meet it, as Brussels attempts to fend off mounting criticism of Europe's environmental aimsThe proposal will set an EU goal to cut net greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2040, compared with 1990 levels.However, the EU executive plans to add flexibilities to that target, which could reduce what it demands from domestic industriesThe flexibilities include setting an emissions-cutting target for domestic industries that is lower than 90% and letting countries buy international carbon credits to make up the rest, to reach 90%.Meta wants to replace its human workers with AI to review privacy and societal risksIt’s been revealed that Meta plans to replace its human staffers with AI in reviewing the platform’s privacy and societal risks.According to the company’s internal documents obtained by NPR, the algorithm could automate up to 90% of all risk assessments previously done by people. This means that essential updates to Meta’s safety features, programming, and content-sharing capabilities will be mainly optimized by AI‘Something is awry in Delaware’: New study reveals lawyers in the smallest U.S. state are winning fee ‘multipliers’ from major companies up to 66 times their normal hourly rateA new study shows attorneys in corporate cases in Delaware are earning as much as 66 times their hourly rateThat has prompted venture capitalists to increase calls for their businesses to incorporate elsewhere or move their corporation out of the stateElon Musk Reportedly Owes Donald Trump a Colossal Sum of MoneyMusk reportedly still owes president Donald Trump an eye-watering $100M out of the $300M he committed to get the reality TV star elected.Secret OpenAI Memo Describes Plans to Make Users Rely on "Entity"As The Verge reports, the Justice Department's ongoing attempts to break up Google's alleged monopoly garnered an OpenAI memo detailing the latter company's plans to build out ChatGPT an integral part of users' lives — acting as an "entity" that would "understand" them and be their "interface to the internet."Humans will live forever by 2050 thanks to android bodies and AI minds'the rich will use advanced tech to upload their brain to computers or android bodiesFuturologist Dr Ian Pearson believes advances in computing, genetic engineering, and robotics will let people become immortal: “By 2050, it will only really be for the rich and famous” SPEED ROUNDCEO pay rose nearly 10% in 2024, Associated Press analysis findsAlaska Will Lose 69% of Its Glacier Mass Under Current Climate Change PledgesWomen run 11% of Fortune 500 companies in 2025—but progress is still slowDollar General posts record sales as bargain stores attract more people anxious about the economyJamie Dimon for president? Why the banking CEO would be a welcome alternative for many voters
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    36 m
  • Musk is a fake, Boeing’s sweet deal, Tesla investors like fraud, UHG’s vote, and penguin poop

    Musk is a fake, Boeing’s sweet deal, Tesla investors like fraud, UHG’s vote, and penguin poop
    May 30 2025
    Story of the Week (DR):Boeing strikes $1.1 billion deal with Justice Department over deadly 737 Max crashes—and must pay $445 million to victims’ familiesBoeing will avoid a felony conviction by agreeing to pay over $1.1 billion, which includes a $243.6 million fine, $444.5 million to victims' families, and more than $455 million to enhance compliance, safety, and quality systems.The families were informed nearly a week after the DOJ said it had struck a tentative deal with Boeing that allows the company to avoid criminal prosecution for allegedly misleading regulators about the company’s 737 Max plane before two crashes that killed 346 people.Market Basket CEO Arthur T Demoulas placed on administrative leave by board of directorsDemoulas has been placed on paid administrative leave by the company's board of directors, along with two of his children and several other executives.The board initiated an internal investigation into Demoulas' conduct, citing concerns over transparency and succession planning. Specifically, the board expressed frustration over limited access to critical company information, including budgets and plans for leadership succession, and alleged that Demoulas was planning a work stoppage. Demoulas has responded through a spokesperson, claiming he was "ousted" in what he describes as a "farcical cover for a hostile takeover." This situation echoes a similar family dispute in 2014, which led to widespread employee protests and customer boycotts in support of Demoulas. The current conflict raises questions about the company's leadership and future direction amid ongoing supermarket industry consolidationIn June 2014, CEO Arthur T. Demoulas was ousted by a board controlled by his cousin, Arthur S. Demoulas, amidst longstanding family disputes over company control.Customer: “If the employees think another walkout makes sense, then I'd support them. Basket ‘til the casket.Market Basket, a regional supermarket chain in New England, generates an estimated $7.3 billion in revenue. The company employs approximately 25,000 people. The revenue projection is roughly double what it was in 2014.Market Basket director: CEO Demoulas took company 'hostage'The Fake Elon government exit: A Disillusioned Musk, Distanced From Trump, Says He’s Exiting Washington MMPer 18 U.S.C. § 202 (a), a Special Government Employees (SGE) is “an officer or employee . . . who is appointed to perform temporary duties, with or without compensation, for a period not to exceed 130 days during any period of 365 consecutive days.”Elon Musk says he doesn't "entirely agree" with Trump administration, explains why he feels "stuck in a bind""But it's difficult for me to bring that up in an interview because then it creates a bone of contention," he said. "I'm a little stuck in a bind, where I'm like, well, I don't wanna, you know, speak up against the administration, but I … also don't wanna take responsibility for everything the administration's doing. So I'm, like, kinda stuck, you know?"Deepfake ElonFalse StartAugust 2006: “[Our] long term plan is to build a wide range of models, including affordably priced family cars … When someone buys the Tesla Roadster,” he added, “they are actually helping pay for development of the low-cost family car.”2016: Musk reiterated that, even though Tesla had not yet delivered on the 2006 promise, it still planned to build an “affordable, high-volume car.”January 2025: Musk said that—finally—Tesla would start producing the affordable model in the second half of 2025.April 2025: Reuters reported that Tesla had scrapped plans for the cheap family car. Musk posted on X that “Reuters is lying (again),” eliciting the Reuters response that “[Musk] did not identify any specific inaccuracies.” A Tesla source told Reuters that instead of the long-promised cheap family car, “Elon’s directive is to go all in on robotaxi.”Hyperloop HypeAugust 2013: “A new open source form of transportation that could revolutionize travel.”The Hyperloop was shuttered in 2023—but even as late as 2022, Musk was still promising that Hyperloop could go from Boston to New York City “in less than half an hour.”Driverless PioneeringSeptember 2013: “We should be able to do 90 percent of miles driven [autonomously] within three years.”Full Autonomous DrivingOctober 2015: “Tesla will have a car that can do full autonomy in about three years.”December 2015: “We’re going to end up with complete autonomy … and I think we will have complete autonomy in approximately two years.”January 2016: “I think that within two years you’ll be able to summon your car from across the country.”.June 2016: “I consider autonomous driving to be a basically solved problem … We’re less than two years away from complete autonomy.”November 2018: “I think we’ll get to full self-driving next year.”Autonomous ChargingOctober 2016: “we’ll be able to do a ...
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    54 m
  • Blame game: Tesla’s EU sales plunge, Pepsi climate rollback, Ball CFO leaves, Meta’s renewable buy

    Blame game: Tesla’s EU sales plunge, Pepsi climate rollback, Ball CFO leaves, Meta’s renewable buy
    May 27 2025
    DAMIONLet’s start with a softball: Tesla's Europe sales plunge 49% on brand damage, rising competition. Who Do You Blame?ElonLiberals Who Hate ElonTrump 2.0The Tesla board (I’m looking at you Robyn and Kimbal)Apathetic Tesla investorsNobody. Share price is king. MMISS backs Dynavax directors in board fight with Deep Track CapitalDeep Track Capital, which is Dynavax's second largest shareholder with a nearly 15% stake, is pushing on with a proxy fight and wants new directors to prioritize development of the company's hepatitis B vaccine instead of pursuing new acquisitions."Vote for all four management nominees," ISS wrote in a note to clients that was seen by Reuters. "The dissident has failed to present a compelling case that change is necessary at this meeting."Despit that "There has been a stall in momentum" and that "the market has in no way rebuked the company's strategy" even though Dynavax's stock price has fallen 18% over the last 12 months.Who Do you Blame?ISS, for an inability to articulate big ideas with data.Dynavax’s current board knowledge profile: while pretty balance overall with science-y stuff like Medicine and Dentistry (14%); Biology (15%) along with a reasonable amount og Economics and Acounting (12%), the board notably lacks Sales and Marketing (0%).Deep Track Capital nominee probably fits that bill: an experienced drug development and commercialization professional most as interim CEO/COO at Lykos Therapeutics, including overseeing the commercialization of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine and marketing and sales at Sanofi PasteurISS, again, for ignoring the presence of 15-year director and Nominating Committee chair Daniel Kisner. Why is this guy allowed to maintain dominance over the selection of new directors?Especially consider the presence of fellow long-tenured director Francis Cano on the committee who is 80 and has served for 16 yearsCano had 29% votes against in 2018, but then only 4% in 2021 and 8% in 2024 The board’s atrocious lack of annual elections. While the company celebrities the appointments of two new directors in early 2025, one of them, Emilio Emini, will not be up for shareholder review until the 2027 AGMCan I blame DeepTrack (14%), BlackRock (17%), Vanguard (7%), and State Street (6%) = 44%PepsiCo Is Pushing Back its Climate Goals. The Company Wants to Talk About ItPepsiCo said Thursday it pushed back by a decade its goal to achieve net-zero emissions from 2040 to 2050, as well as a handful of delays on plastic packaging goals, to name a few of the shiftsJim Andrew, chief sustainability officer, said PepsiCo’s ability to make progress at the rate it would like to “is very very dependent on the systems around us changing.” He added the “world was a very different place” when it was working on these goals in 2020 amid a completely different political and regulatory landscape.Who Do You Blame?Pepsi’s very large board of 15 directorsmost governance experts and research converge around an ideal range of 7 to 11 directors. Which really means 9?Beyond 11, boards often suffer from slower decision-making and diluted accountability.Pepsi’s completely protected class of directorsAccording to MSCI data: no current director has received more than 9% votes against since the 2015 AGM. Average support is over 97%Despite hitting .400 overall (peers hit .581): .396 carbon (vs. 473) and .180 on controversies (vs. 774)The fact that the company is named Pepsico and not Pepsi which is kinda irritatingPepsi’s Gender Influence Gap of -11%In fact, of the top 7 most influential directors, 6 are men with 68% aggregate influenceThe woman is Dina Dublon (11%), the former CFO at JPMorgan Chase, who has been on the board for two decades. I guess her experience as a director on the Westchester Land Trust is not enough to sway the gentlemen.The Land Trust is chaired by Wyndham Hotels director Bruce Churchill, whose experience at DirectTV must really be crucial in the protection of the natural resources of Westchester CountyWhat Makes a Great Board Director? It’s Hard to Define, but It Has Rarely Been More Crucial. Who Do you Blame?The WSJ for still failing to define it appropriately despite being the effing WSJ!Proxy advisory firms, for not having the data that could better inform shareholdersThe SEC/listing exchanges for not requiring data that could better inform shareholdersEvery person in the world who does not use Free Float Analytics data2025 U.S. Proxy Season: Midseason Review Finds Sharp Drop in Shareholder Resolutions on BallotTrump 2.0Darren Woods and ExxonThe anti-ESG shareholder proponents for depressing us with their political theaterApathetic investorsMATTBall CFO to depart after less than 2 years in roleHoward Yu: The departure is not related to any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to its accounting practices, financial statements, internal controls, or operations.Because everyone leaves in less than 2 years when they’re happy? ...
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    58 m
  • Harvard directors on boards, Verizon trades DEI for Frontier, and Blackrock’s new “Whatever” fund prediction

    Harvard directors on boards, Verizon trades DEI for Frontier, and Blackrock’s new “Whatever” fund prediction
    May 23 2025
    Story of the Week (DR):Right wing faux populism:Josh Hawley blasts Allstate CEO for making $26M last year — while company can’t ‘afford’ to pay out claimsTrump Attacks Walmart, Tells Retailer to ‘Eat the Tariffs’ Instead of Raising PricesTesla CFO earns staggering $139M compensation packageVaibhav Taneja: Approximately 80% of Mr. Taneja’s equity award was granted as stock options and 20% of the award was granted as restricted stock units. Robyn Denholm member of Pay CommitteeIn 2024, Tesla experienced its first annual sales decline in nearly a decade, with a 1.1% drop in global deliveries. In April 2025, Chinese automaker BYD surpassed Tesla in European electric vehicle sales for the first time, registering 7,231 units compared to Tesla's 7,165. This shift is attributed to BYD's competitively priced and technologically advanced lineup. Tesla's sales in California, its largest American market, declined in all four quarters of 2024, with Model 3 sales plunging 36% for the year. In 2024, Tesla led all automakers in the U.S. with over 5 million vehicles recalled across 16 separate campaignsIn 2025, Tesla dropped to 95th place out of 100 in the Axios Harris Poll, down from 8th place in 2021In a hidden 10K/A from 4/30/25“Staggering” is from Fox: even more fake anti-capitalist rhetoricScared bro dictatorships: Duolingo deletes its TikTok and Instagram posts amid AI backlashCEO Luis von Ahn, posted a memo on LinkedIn last month describing plans to make the company "AI-first." He said the company would "gradually stop using contractors to do work that AI can handle" and "headcount will only be given if a team cannot automate more of their work."The backlash was harsh. Tweets, TikToks, and Reddit posts exploded in outrage. As of Tuesday, Duolingo's social accounts had been wiped — no posts, no icon. Duolingo did not respond to a request for comment.And the one statement that was released by a Duolingo spokesperson, after the account went dark, did not shade much light on the situation (pun intended): “Let’s just say we’re experimenting with silence. Sometimes, the best way to make noise is to disappear first.”Duolingo CEO says there may still be schools in our AI future, but mostly just for childcareBro dictatorship (76% combined voting power)Co-founder CEO Luis von Ahn (43%); co-founder CTO Severin Hacker (40%)Classified board: why?Each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote, and each share of Class B common stock is entitled to 20 votesThe worst kind of suck-ups: Verizon ends DEI programs, diversity goals as it seeks approval for Frontier acquisition MMVerizon dumped DEI. Then regulators cleared its $20 billion Frontier deal4/1/25: T-Mobile announces DEI changes in pursuit of LumosA day after T-Mobile said it would end some diversity, equity and inclusion practices, the FCC gave a green light to T-Mobile's deal with EQT for fiber operator Lumos.5/22/25: AT&T CEO on potential Trump DEI pressure for $5.75B deal: 'We don't have to roll back anything'AT&T CEO John Stankey isn't showing his hand yet on whether he plans to dial back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to gain approval for a big new fiber deal from the Trump administration.AT&T said late Wednesday it would acquire all of Lumen Technologies' (LUMN) fiber business for $5.75 billion, above the already pricey $5.5 billion that deal watchers estimated a few weeks ago.Goodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Most US executives want to remove at least one director, PwC survey says93% said they wanted at least one director to be replaced, an all-time high for the five years this survey has been conducted78% said two or more should be replaced56% worried about directors' performance being diminished by their advanced age47% worried members served on too many boardsOnly 32% believe their boards have the right skills and expertiseMM: BYD overtakes Tesla in Europe for the first time. That's more bad news for Elon Musk. MMI’m now rooting for China… and I’m not alone: Jamie Dimon says he is a 'red-blooded American patriot capitalist,' but he sees how China's hustle is paying offAssholiest of the Week (MM):Shareholders lamenting the rise of virtual meetingsShareholders lament the rise of virtual annual meetingsThey miss the time they could meet directors face to face before voting 97% in favor?Shareholders afraid to vote against directors93% of U.S. Executives Desire Board Member Replacements, Survey Finds - News and Statistics49% of directors think one other director should get the axe too according to PwCGrant them their wish!! Just YOU choose instead of them!I’ll do it for you:If I look at directors actively on 2+ boards, who have served on at least 3 boards in the last 7 years…Filter them by performance - below average earnings, TSR, AND controversies…There are 66 options to choose from!Including… Stephen Girsky, CEO of fraudulent company Nikola!Randy Weisenburger at Valero Energy and ...
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  • Executives hate their boards, Musk out donations, Walmart eating tariffs, and W is for Woke

    Executives hate their boards, Musk out donations, Walmart eating tariffs, and W is for Woke
    May 20 2025
    The 5:5:5 Good Game of Stupid Edition: Normal/Trump/Funny (to me)Normal93% of U.S. Executives Desire Board Member ReplacementsIn a recent survey conducted by PwC and The Conference Board, a substantial majority of senior executives in the U.S. expressed a desire for changes within their company's board of directors.The study revealed that 93% of the 520 top managers surveyed want at least one board member replaced, marking a record high in the survey's five-year history.The findings highlight growing tensions between management and boards, as 32% of executives reported board members interfering in day-to-day operations, a significant increase from 16% the previous year.Concerns were also raised about directors' performance being hindered by age and overcommitment, with 56% and 47% of respondents citing these issues, respectively.Tejon shareholders vote in activist investor, remove longtime directorAndrew Dakos received 19,785,261 proxy votes in favor to 17,338,888 against, which allowed him to unseat 24-year director Michael Winer, who received 821,536 in favor and 2,974,871 againstNew Jersey activist group Bulldog InvestorsPhillip Goldstein (19,757,851/17,342,618); Chair (2015-) and Director (1998-) Norman Metcalfe (81) somehow reelected (19,807,311/3,547,606) Shell Faces Fresh Legal Challenge Over Development of New Oil and Gas FieldsDutch environmental group Milieudefensie said by developing new fields, the oil and gas giant is in breach of legal duties to cut carbon emissionsStarbucks doubles down on baristas, not AI, to fix its customer crunchElon Musk says he will spend ‘a lot less’ on future campaign donationsElon Musk commits to leading Tesla for next five yearsTrumpTrump tells Walmart to 'eat the tariffs' instead of raising pricesLA Port shipments fell 30% in early May after Trump tariffsMeet the New York Times CEO: She’s outmaneuvering tech, Trump, and an industry in crisisMeredith Kopit Levien: the youngest person and second woman to lead the institution in its 173-year history.Business owners with unfortunately named companies face fallout thanks to Trump's war on wokeDavid Markley called his business DEI. which stands for Design Engineering Inc., long before the Trump backlash took off.Another business named DEI is the restaurant supply company owned by Ricardo Gomez.Trump signs bipartisan Take It Down Act to fight ‘revenge porn’ and deepfakesTrump said that under the law, “anyone who intentionally distributes explicit images without the subject’s consent will face up to three years of prison.In addition, this law establishes new civil liabilities for online platforms that refuse to take these images down promptly upon request. We will not tolerate online sexual exploitation.”Funny (to me)Engineers Reveal Robot That Takes Care of Old People So You Don’t Have toNetflix Faces Backlash From Conservatives After Picking Up Sesame Street: 'W Is for Woke'UBS deploys AI analyst clones UBS has started using artificial intelligence to turn its analysts into avatars, sending videos of the simulated bankers to clients in a move the lender said would free up staff to focus on more productive tasks.JPMorgan CEO Dimon Still Intends to Step Down in Next Few Years. ‘It’s Up to the Board.’ Henry Schein Appoints Dan Daniel to Board of DirectorsFirst name is actually Williamformer EVP of Danaher Corporation
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