Alibaba case study
We have engaged with Alibaba on corporate governance since 2015 and ESG strategy and reporting since 2017. With respect to the former, we first raised concerns about lack of shareholder communications in 2015 and insufficient board and committee independence in 2016, which the company acknowledged. Between the years 2018 to 2021, we engaged with the […]
Delta Electronics case study
We first engaged with Delta Electronics in 2020 when it was yet to commit to a longer-term net-zero target. It also had a significant proportion of migrant workers from Southeast Asian countries working in Taiwan and we were concerned about the human rights issue in the foreign migrant workers’ recruitment process. The company also had […]
LandMark Optoelectronics case study
LandMark Optoelectronics engages in the research, design, manufacture, and sale of laser epitaxial wafers and optoelectronics wafers. It specialises in the manufacture of wired communications machinery and equipment, and electronic components. We started our engagement with LandMark Optoelectronics on climate data disclosure and target-setting in 2018 by regularly meeting with the CFO. We requested the […]
Public declaration of voting recommendations
The ability to vote at company meetings is a fundamental shareholder right available to investors in most jurisdictions and is a key pillar of stewardship, enabling shareholders to hold companies to account and protect their long-term interests. EOS at Federated Hermes1 provides stewardship services to clients, including engagement and voting recommendations. Occasionally, EOS publicises certain voting […]
Why cheap palm oil is a price the planet can’t pay
Palm oil is used in 70% of cosmetic and personal hygiene products, including soap bars, toothpaste and face creams. It is also a key ingredient in staple foods such as bread and margarine, as well as treats such as chocolate, ice cream and biscuits. Its natural preservative qualities help to extend the shelf life of […]
Paying a fair share
Public services are under immense strain in many countries in the wake of the pandemic, with soaring inflation adding to the pressure. Against this backdrop, it is vital that tax burdens are distributed proportionately, rather than falling on the most vulnerable segments of the population. However, some multinational companies employ aggressive tax practices to minimise […]
Public Engagement Report Q3 2022
Fast Reading Why palm oil’s popularity is a planet-sized problem How regulators are cracking down on aggressive corporate tax practices Climate-related shareholder resolutions in Japan receive strong support Palm oil’s usefulness means that it is found in everything from food to soap. Strong demand and high yields make it an attractive crop for growers, but […]
Animal farming and ESG: a sector where some are more equal than others
The animal farming industry entered the pandemic widely regarded as an ESG laggard: a sector noted for its high greenhouse gas emissions, unethical treatment of livestock, and intensive land and water use, and a leading global cause of deforestation. The Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return (FAIRR) initiative found the industry has done ‘too little […]
Social issues rise up voting season agenda
This year we saw record numbers of shareholder proposals at major US companies, including many on social issues, against a backdrop of soaring inflation and a tumultuous political environment. These covered topics such as paid sick leave, employee representation on boards, reproductive rights risks, unionisation, and animal welfare, some of which were supported by high-profile […]
The spoils of the pandemic: in this together?
The annual publication of the Forbes rich list has become a much-followed media ritual, however, in 2022, the unveiling of the list served as a stark reminder – for those who cared to see it – of the asymmetrical impact of the pandemic. The world’s 10 richest men more than doubled their fortunes during the […]
