Alphabet ties executive bonuses to ESG goals

Praxis co-filed shareholder proposal on the topic

Equity investing |
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In a proxy filing and letter to shareholders, Alphabet chairman John Hennessy announced that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals are core to the company, and that Alphabet will base part of its senior executive bonus program on ESG metrics. The changes are expected to occur in 2022.

Alphabet has come under recent scrutiny for diversity and harassment issues. Hennessy said the board of directors has agreed on a series of principles and improvements to address these and other ESG issues, based in part on input from employees and shareholders.

Praxis joined other investors to co-file a 2021 shareholder proposal at Alphabet connecting executive compensation to ESG issues. The resolution asked Alphabet’s Board Compensation Committee to examine the integration of sustainability metrics into performance measures or vesting conditions for senior executives.

The resolution received 12.2% of the vote at Alphabet’s annual meeting. Considering Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin own 51% of all votes, the total reflects a meaningful percentage of outside shares and lets the company know that its investors are attuned to this subject.

Alphabet is the parent company of Google and one of the largest companies in the world. Praxis holds Alphabet in the Praxis Growth Index Fund and will continue to monitor and engage the company on this topic.

About the Author


Chris Meyer, Stewardship Investing Research and Advocacy Manager | Praxis Mutual Funds
Chris Meyer
Manager of Stewardship Investing Research and Advocacy

Company engagement

At Praxis, our investments generate a competitive financial return and deliver a clear and direct benefit to people and our planet. We believe it is our responsibility to encourage companies toward responsible business behavior.

 

Disclosure

As of Oct. 31, 2023, the Praxis Growth Index Fund has invested 7.16% of its assets in Alphabet. Fund holdings are subject to change. To obtain holdings as of the most previous quarter, visit praxisinvests.com.

You should consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, sales charges and expenses carefully before you invest. The fund’s prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information. Please read them carefully before you invest.

Investment products are not FDIC insured, may lose value, and have no bank guarantee. Praxis Mutual Funds are advised by Praxis Investment Management, Inc. and distributed through Foreside Financial Services, LLC.