Everyone's Activism
June 6, 2021 (Sunday) Cloudy
・People’s Activism: In the ESG Era, “Self-interest and altruism” in changes for shareholders
World investors are intensifying their engagement with listed companies.
The keyword is “all-encompassing, vocal shareholders.”
Overseas, a movement that can be called “ESG activism” is gaining traction.
In Japan, shareholder proposals have stronger leverage on companies, and compared to the United States, the approval rate for such proposals tends not to rise as easily.
Nevertheless, market insiders knowledgeable about activist trends say, “Japanese companies are no longer detached from ESG activism.”
・People’s Activism: Dozens of proposals, a global perspective.
If there were a dictionary for the market, the definition of the “vocal shareholder (activist)” is due for rewriting.
“Investors who raise profits by increasing stock prices through corporate restructuring and shareholder returns” can no longer be the sole category.
Hundreds of proposals surrounding ESG (environment, society, governance) such as decarbonization and women’s advancement are emerging, pushing companies to adopt new responses.
・People’s Activism: Dozens of proposals, a global perspective. June general meeting, ESG as the theme
E (Environment): Accelerating decarbonization, disclosure of targets required.
S (Social): Promoting women’s empowerment, focusing on human rights
G (Governance): Role of the board, from execution to supervision
・People’s Activism
Highlights of the March–May meetings
Company proposals see lower approval rates; anti-takeover measures and director appointments… heightened scrutiny
Japanese corporate shareholder meetings are becoming “a serious contest.”
Investors are examining proposal contents in more detail than ever before.
・People’s Activism
ESG activism, led by overseas
Asset managers and pension funds actively vote in favor of shareholder proposals
Overseas, ESG activism, which presses companies strongly on decarbonization and diversity, is beginning to gain prominence.
ESG activism is gradually seeping into Japan as well.
・Hitachi <6501> [Closing price 6,063 yen] stock hits a 20-year high
× ![]()
