The Blog

Empowering Gen Z Investors: Lessons from Exxon Mobil’s Shareholder Legal Battle

In the whirlwind of corporate drama, Exxon Mobil has found itself entangled in a legal tussle with its shareholders. But what’s all the fuss about, and why should other investors care? Let’s delve into the story.

Activist Investors: Stirring the Pot

Imagine a group of investors, driven by their passion for the planet and a thirst for change, attempting to hold Exxon Mobil accountable for its climate policies and corporate governance. 

These aren’t your average investors quietly observing from the sidelines; they’re wielding their power as shareholders to demand action. And guess what? They’ve succeeded in making waves, grabbing global media attention along the way.

Yet, sadly, this isn’t a tale of triumph just yet. Instead of engaging with the activists and working toward a solution, Exxon chose to take a different route by suing the activist investors to block their petition from going to a vote. 

Understandably, faced with the daunting might of one of the world’s largest oil companies, the activists made the tough decision to withdraw their resolution. 

And, while this should be the end of the saga, Exxon have continued to pursue the lawsuit – leading to the activists calling out their ‘bullying’ behaviour and accusing them of attacking shareholder rights. You can dive deeper into the story here.

The Dual Message: Challenges and Opportunities

On one hand, this legal battle underscores a critical point: when investors unite and raise their voices, even the largest corporations are compelled to take notice. The attention garnered by this case serves as a powerful reminder of the impact shareholders can have when they stand together for a cause.

However, it also shines a light on the frightening challenges faced by individual investors when holding corporate giants to account. 

Despite the setback in this case, it’s crucial that we continue pushing for a larger movement where investors wield their collective power and demand more from the businesses they invest in.

Why Engagement Matters: Amplifying Our Voices

So, what’s the bottom line for Gen Z investors and the companies we support? It’s all about communication. Companies need to step up their game in listening to and addressing concerns seriously. For companies, this openness to feedback, especially from those passionate about sustainability and transparency, can lead to significant positive changes.

And for investors? It’s time to recognize the power you possess. You must remain vocal and engaged, even in the face of adversity. Whether it’s advocating for climate action, social justice, or any other cause close to your hearts. Your voices hold weight and can drive meaningful change.

Building a Better Future: Together

As we navigate the complex intersection of investing and activism, let’s remember one thing: together, we wield immense potential. Despite the concerning Exxon case, we must persevere. Continue banding together, amplifying your voices, and incrementally pushing big corporations to do better.

So, let’s keep the dialogue alive. Let’s demand more from the companies we invest in, holding them accountable for their actions. And above all, let’s never underestimate the power we possess to shape the future – one shareholder proposal at a time.