TheCorporateCounsel.net

What will 2020 hold for BlackRock? Last year at this time, environmental activists were pegged as the pranksters behind a phony annual letter from BlackRock’s Larry Fink. Maybe we’ll see more of that “creativity” again this year (in the last few months, the asset manager has also faced protests as well as scrutiny from Al Gore). But for now – despite some reports that BlackRock’s shareholders have been appeased by its increased disclosure about engagements – a couple of proponents are revisiting the more traditional type of pressure for “walking the talk” on E&S issues. This Reuters article suggests that BlackRock may press companies harder this year as a result.

First, Mercy Investment Services (the asset management arm for the 9000 nuns of “Sisters of Mercy of the Americas”) filed this resolution:

Proposal requesting that the Board of Directors initiate a review assessing BlackRock’s 2019 proxy voting record and evaluate the company’s proxy voting policies and guiding criteria related to climate change, including any recommended future changes. A summary report on this review and its findings shall be made available to shareholders and be prepared at reasonable cost, omitting proprietary information.

This Guardian article provides some details on the supporting statement – e.g. BlackRock supported only 6 of 52 climate-related resolutions last year, according to the nuns. Meanwhile, As You Sow is questioning BlackRock’s commitment to “stakeholders” – with this resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED: Shareholders request our Board prepare a report based on a review of the BRT Statement of the Purpose of a Corporation signed by our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and provide the boards perspective regarding how our Companys governance and management systems should be altered to fully implement the Statement of Purpose.

According to this Cooley blog, the proponent takes issue with BlackRock’s tendency to support management and vote against E&S shareholder proposals. The blog summarizes the “stakeholder” pressures that other companies are also facing – including calls for a reduced gap between CEO and worker pay.

Critical Audit Matters: What’s Your Auditor’s Average?

If you’re looking for “CAM” stats to share with your audit committee, check out the “CAM Counts by Auditor” available in this Audit Analytics blog (as well as the data from this earlier blog).

Right now, KPMG leads the way in terms of count – with 52 CAMs disclosed within the audit reports of 22 companies – averaging 2.4 CAMs per opinion. This is one area where being “below average” could provide some reassurance to directors.

A Fond Farewell To Broc

Many of us are still coming to terms with the fact that Tuesday was Broc’s last day as an Editor here at TheCorporateCounsel.net. Words aren’t adequate to express how much I’ve learned from him and how grateful I am for his mentorship. Here’s what I posted on LinkedIn last month (and also check out this well-stated DealLawyers.com blog from John):

Over the last 17 years, Broc has worked around the clock to make securities law & corporate governance accessible – and even entertaining! – to *everyone* in our community. Truth be told, I was star struck when I first met the human behind the guidance that I relied on every day, and was thrilled to be invited to the first “Women’s 100” Conference seven years ago. And although I loved private practice, when Broc suggested that I join him, John and the rest of the team here – and train to be his eventual successor – I couldn’t believe my luck.

Thank you, Broc, for giving me the opportunity and for teaching me so much over my career – especially during these last few years. Not just about the law, but about valuing people, embracing creativity and being unafraid to jump into new adventures. I’ll miss your daily presence but look forward to carrying on what you’ve been building.

For more details about what things will look like around here in the coming months and years, see our press release. Like Broc, I’m always open to suggestions, so feel free to email me any time at liz@thecorporatecounsel.net. I appreciate everyone who’s reached out so far!

– Liz Dunshee