BP chair Helge Lund will step down in 2026, following shareholder pressure and a reversal of the company’s net-zero strategy. This decision comes after activist investor Elliott built a large stake in BP, protesting the company’s shift toward green energy. The strategy, spearheaded by former CEO Bernard Looney, was ultimately abandoned in favor of increased fossil fuel production, a move that angered climate activists. Lund’s departure follows a “fundamental reset” of BP’s strategy aimed at improving performance and shareholder value. A search for his successor, led by senior independent director Amanda Blanc, is now underway.
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Shareholders, represented by the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), are pushing UnitedHealth Group to report on the economic consequences of delayed or denied healthcare. This non-binding proposal argues that UnitedHealth Group’s practices create macroeconomic risks impacting investor portfolios due to the company’s immense size and influence on the US healthcare system. UnitedHealth Group is contesting the proposal on grounds of vagueness, despite the proposal’s focus on transparency regarding the “externalities” of its operations. The proposal’s novelty highlights a growing concern over the broader economic impact of healthcare access limitations.
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Shareholders are urging UnitedHealth to conduct a thorough analysis of the impact of its healthcare denials. This demand comes amidst growing public outcry and negative press surrounding the company’s practices, which many perceive as prioritizing profits over patient well-being. The shareholders clearly understand that this negative publicity is directly impacting the company’s bottom line, potentially affecting stock prices and investor confidence.
The urgency behind this request is palpable. The sheer volume of complaints suggests a systemic issue. One individual recounts a deeply personal experience where their wife’s epilepsy medication was denied, despite having refills remaining, resulting in a significant out-of-pocket expense.… Continue reading
Costco’s board of directors unanimously rejected a shareholder proposal from the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) aimed at ending the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The NCPPR, alleging potential discrimination, sought a financial risk assessment of Costco’s DEI programs. Costco countered that its DEI efforts enhance its “treasure hunt” shopping experience by fostering a diverse workforce and improving member satisfaction. The company views the NCPPR’s proposal as a thinly veiled attempt to dismantle DEI initiatives rather than a genuine concern about financial risk. Costco maintains that its DEI programs are legal and beneficial to the company and its members.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood