Latest news with #BowyerResearch
Axios
7 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Walmart's annual meeting faces 7 charged shareholder proposals
Walmart's annual Associates Week kicked off Monday in Northwest Arkansas and its annual shareholders' meeting is Thursday morning at 8:30. Why it matters: Employing 2.1 million people and being the world's largest company by revenue, Walmart holds the leverage to influence global supply chain as well as human rights and environmental issues. The big picture: A few years ago, consumers, shareholders and employees increasingly expected companies to take stances on social issues as part of their corporate strategy. But even as some companies dig in on commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), many others have lifted their foot off the pedal as backlash over DEI and environmental, social and governance issues become more politically charged. This week's gathering may be a peek at how Walmart will navigate this evolving environment. State of play: The company's 2025 proxy statement outlines 11 proposals for shareholder voting today. Seven were submitted by outside investors to which the company suggests votes of no. The company explains its rationale for each in its proxy statement. Loosely categorized, the external proposals break down into three groups of equity, environmental and governance: Equity — Organization United for Respect calls for a third-party audit to analyze impact on and make recommendations for the company's racial equity impact. A proposal from Bowyer Research asks for a report evaluating how Walmart "oversees risks related to discrimination against ad buyers and sellers based on their political or religious status or views." The National Center for Public Policy Research, on the other hand, wants a report "explaining why it apparently took an external threat of public exposure of Walmart's policies and practices for Walmart to revise its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives." The company said it would phase out the term and some related programs in November. What they're saying:"We'd already moved to the term of 'belonging' over a year ago, and moved away from DEI," corporate affairs EVP Dan Bartlett told Axios in January. "We aspire to be a place where, regardless of your politics or regardless of your views on cultural issues, you still feel like you're welcome and seen at Walmart." Environmental — Green Century Capital Management calls for the company to report how it can "can increase the scale, pace and rigor of its sustainable packaging efforts." The National Legal and Policy Center wants the company's board to examine Walmart's plastic production and packaging policies through the lens of non-biased research. Governance — Oxfam America seeks a report on the steps the company's taken since 2019 to "monitor and manage human rights risks related to workplace health and safety." A group on behalf of the AFL-CIO requests that Walmart commission a third-party study of its policies for "law enforcement information requests relating to the use of medications" by employees and customers, and disclose the results. Between the lines: The request follows a growing patchwork of state laws governing the sale and distribution of certain medications — notably for contraception, abortion and gender-affirming treatments. The four internal proposals related to the board of directors, its executive compensation program, ratification of its accounting firm and approval of its stock incentive plan.
Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
TBG Dividend Focus ETF (NYSE: TBG) Hires Bowyer Research to Advise on Proxy Voting
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The TBG Dividend Focus ETF (NYSE: TBG), an exchange-traded fund managed by The Bahnsen Group, a wealth management firm with over $7 billion in assets, today announced the hiring of Bowyer Research to advise the ETF on proxy voting. The ETF will rely on Bowyer Research's Bowyer Research Proxy Voting Guidelines, a framework that focuses on shareholder capitalism and aims to depoliticize corporate governance. Bowyer's guidelines exist to support value creation, free enterprise, market competitiveness, meritocracy, and opposes corporate governance proposals that focus on controversial political and cultural issues. 'The TBG Dividend Focus ETF wanted a proxy advisor aligned with its goal of maximizing shareholder value,' said David Bahnsen, founder, managing partner, and chief investment officer of The Bahnsen Group, and portfolio manager of the TBG Dividend Focus ETF. 'In recent years, shareholder activism has interfered with the fiduciary duty of companies to create shareholder value. Our ETF's alignment with the Bowyer Research guidelines helps to ensure that the companies we invest in are focused on maximizing shareholder value instead of weighing in on distracting hot button political matters.' The TBG Dividend Focus ETF was launched in November 2023 to implement the dividend growth philosophy of The Bahnsen Group. The actively managed ETF focuses on individual equities across the market-capitalization spectrum that offer attractive dividend yield that is both sustainable and growing. The ETF currently has $125 million in assets. The Bahnsen Group manages in excess of $7 billion. Disclaimers: The Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. This and other important information is contained in the prospectus, which may be obtained by following the links to Prospectus and Summary Prospectus or by calling +1.215.882.9983. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investments involve risk. Principal loss is possible. TBG Dividend Focus ETF is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bowyer Research Opposes Special Meeting Proposal at US Foods Holding (NYSE:USFD)
US Foods Holding experienced significant investor activity when Bowyer Research filed a statement with the SEC opposing a proposal for new stockholder meeting thresholds. Over the past month, US Foods' stock price increased by 18%, a move bolstered by strong Q1 2025 earnings where both sales and net income rose notably. Additionally, the company announced a substantial share buyback program, enhancing investor confidence. This positive momentum within US Foods paralleled broader market growth of nearly 4% over the same period, suggesting the company's developments added weight to the upward market trend. Be aware that US Foods Holding is showing 1 weakness in our investment analysis. AI is about to change healthcare. These 23 stocks are working on everything from early diagnostics to drug discovery. The best part - they are all under $10b in market cap - there's still time to get in early. The recent developments surrounding US Foods Holding, particularly the opposition to the proposal for new stockholder meeting thresholds and the company's enhanced momentum due to the strong Q1 2025 earnings, could potentially influence its narrative and strategic outlook. The substantial share buyback program may bolster investor confidence, while reinforcing the company's focus on delivering shareholder value. These actions are likely to reflect positively in the revenue and earnings forecasts, particularly as the company leverages its investments in e-commerce and strategic acquisitions like Pronto and Jake's Finer Foods to broaden its market presence. Over a longer-term period of five years, US Foods has delivered a total return of 302.40%. This stark contrast to the past year's 4.2% earnings growth highlights the company's extensive value creation during this time frame. Over the last year, US Foods has outperformed the US Market, which returned 11.6%, further solidifying its position in the industry. The company's share performance compared to the broader market suggests that investors have responded favorably to its ongoing initiatives and strategic plans. With the share price currently at US$67.04, presenting a 15.3% discount to the consensus analyst price target of US$79.16, there appears to be room for growth if the company's projected revenue and earnings improvements are realized. If US Foods continues on its current trajectory, focusing on enhancing customer engagement and optimizing operations, it may narrow the gap between its current market value and the analysts' target in the foreseeable future, while fostering sustained investor interest. Click here to discover the nuances of US Foods Holding with our detailed analytical financial health report. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:USFD. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
