Oct. 18, 2018
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission should require corporate managers to be honest with their shareholders about how they are planning for the long term. Shareholders have a right to know if oil executives are trying to buy off politicians to slow progress on addressing climate change. They also have a right to know whether the company is cultivating diversity on its board or moving profits abroad to avoid paying taxes in the U.S. These are just a few examples of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks that the SEC should require public companies to disclose to their shareholders and the public. It is inappropriate for public companies to expect their shareholders to stay oblivious (or just plain blind faith) as to their investments, it is the investors money they are giving to be invested. I want to know how my money is being used and/or invested. If I do not agree with how the company I have invested in, I should have the right to determine whether to continue to invest in this particular company or find another company to invest in that shares my own personal views if I so choose. Thank you for considering my comment. Anita Sutton