About Calvert Investments
A leader in Sustainable and Responsible Investments (SRI), Calvert Investments offers investors among the widest choice of SRI strategies of any investment management company in the United States. Each SRI strategy employs one of three proprietary approaches. Calvert SignatureTM Strategies integrate two distinct research frameworks: a rigorous review of financial performance plus a thorough assessment of environmental, social, and governance performance. Only when a company meets Calvert standards for both frameworks will we consider investing. Calvert SolutionTM Strategies selectively invest in companies that produce products and services designed to solve some of today's most pressing sustainability challenges. Calvert SAGETM Strategies emphasize strategic engagement to advance environmental, social, and governance performance in companies that may not meet Calvert standards today, but have the potential to improve. More information on Calvert SRI strategies is available at www.Calvert.com/SRI.
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39 Supporters
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Sort this list by the number of votes Calvert Investments' Active Ballots
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APPLE INC.
Voting has ended.Investors increasingly seek disclosure of companies’ social and environmental practices in the belief that they impact shareholder value. Many investors believe companies that are good employers, environmental stewards, and corporate citizens are more likely to generate stronger financial returns, better respond to emerging issues, and enjoy long-term business success.
Mainstream financial companies are also increasingly recognizing the links between sustainability performance and shareholder value. Information from corporations on their greenhouse gas emissions is essential to investors as they assess the strengths of corporate securities in the context of climate change.
Globally, over 2,700 companies issued reports on sustainability issues in 2007 (www.corporateregister.com). Among our industry peers, Dell, IBM, and Hewlett-Packard have taken leadership roles in these areas through publication of comprehensive sustainability reports that address their company’s impacts with regards to issues such as greenhouse gas emissions reduction, toxics, and supply chain working conditions. These companies have provided detailed assessments of greenhouse gas emission exposure and made reduction commitments. Apple, however, lags behind global industry peers on sustainability reporting. It has released some product specific information on greenhouse gas emissions but its usefulness is limited as nearly all other companies use aggregate emission estimates. Apple has not made public greenhouse gas reduction commitments.
The information and communication technologies sector is estimated to contribute between 2-3% of total greenhouse gas emissions. As the industry continues to develop globally, this is set to increase further. Given the industry’s large social and environmental footprint, we feel it is imperative that Apple develop clear policies and programs that address the impacts of its operations on the environment and on society. -
WOODWARD GOVERNOR COMPANY
Voting has ended.Management of a company must be accountable to the board of directors; the board must be accountable to the company’s shareowners; and the board and management together must be accountable to the stakeholders. Some governance structures by their very nature weaken accountability, including corporations that are too insulated from possible takeovers. Calvert’s proxy voting guidelines support structures that create and reinforce accountability, and oppose those that do not. On a classified (or staggered) board, directors are divided into separate classes with directors in each class elected to overlapping three-year terms. Companies argue that such boards offer continuity in strategic direction, which promotes long-term planning. However, in some instances these structures may deter legitimate efforts to elect new directors or takeover attempts that may benefit shareowners. Therefore, Calvert encourages shareholder to vote FOR the proposal below that calls for the elimination of the classification of terms of the Board Directors to require that all Directors stand for election annually.
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Financial Federal Corp.
Voting has ended.A critical component of good governance is diversity. Well-governed companies benefit from a wide diversity of perspective and background on their boards. To bring such diversity to the board, directors should be chosen to reflect diversity of experience, perspective, expertise, gender, race, culture and geography. Calvert’s goal in addressing board diversity is to assure that boards of directors fairly represent the concerns of both shareholders and stakeholders. Stakeholders include employees, communities, vendors, and customers, and as such, include people of color and racial minorities who have historically faced discrimination or denial of opportunities solely on account of their race. Even well governed corporations may risk perpetuating this historic injustice if boards of directors are not inclusive and diverse. Calvert will oppose slates of directors that result in a board that does not include both women and people of color.
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ScanSource, Inc.
Voting has ended.A critical component of good governance is diversity. Well-governed companies benefit from a wide diversity of perspective and background on their boards. To bring such diversity to the board, directors should be chosen to reflect diversity of experience, perspective, expertise, gender, race, culture and geography. Calvert’s goal in addressing board diversity is to assure that boards of directors fairly represent the concerns of both shareholders and stakeholders. Stakeholders include employees, communities, vendors, and customers, and as such, include people of color and racial minorities who have historically faced discrimination or denial of opportunities solely on account of their race. Even well governed corporations may risk perpetuating this historic injustice if boards of directors are not inclusive and diverse. Calvert will oppose slates of directors that result in a board that does not include both women and people of color.
