Harvard Case - Engine No.1: An Impact Investing Firm Engages with ExxonMobil
"Engine No.1: An Impact Investing Firm Engages with ExxonMobil" Harvard business case study is written by Mark R. Kramer, Shawn Cole, Vikram Gandhi, T. Robert Zochowski. It deals with the challenges in the field of Finance. The case study is 30 page(s) long and it was first published on : Oct 8, 2021
At Fern Fort University, we recommend that Engine No. 1, an impact investing firm, continue its engagement with ExxonMobil, focusing on a multi-pronged approach that combines shareholder activism with collaborative dialogue. This strategy aims to achieve positive change within ExxonMobil, aligning its operations with environmental sustainability goals while maximizing shareholder value.
2. Background
This case study focuses on Engine No. 1's campaign to influence ExxonMobil's board of directors and its environmental sustainability strategy. Engine No. 1, a relatively new firm, aimed to replace several ExxonMobil board members with individuals committed to transitioning the company towards a low-carbon future. This campaign gained significant attention, highlighting the growing pressure on large corporations to address climate change concerns.
The main protagonists are:
- Engine No. 1: An impact investing firm focused on promoting environmental sustainability within corporations.
- ExxonMobil: A global energy giant with a significant stake in fossil fuels.
- ExxonMobil Shareholders: A diverse group with varying interests, including those concerned about environmental sustainability and those focused on maximizing short-term financial returns.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
This case study can be analyzed through the lens of Corporate Governance, Environmental Sustainability, and Financial Strategy.
Corporate Governance: Engine No. 1's campaign highlights the evolving role of shareholders in influencing corporate strategy. The firm leveraged its ownership stake to advocate for change, demonstrating the power of shareholder activism in driving corporate responsibility.
Environmental Sustainability: The case study underscores the increasing importance of environmental sustainability in corporate decision-making. ExxonMobil's response to Engine No. 1's campaign reflects the growing pressure on energy companies to transition towards a low-carbon future.
Financial Strategy: Engine No. 1's campaign also presents a financial strategy perspective. The firm argued that investing in renewable energy and transitioning away from fossil fuels would ultimately lead to long-term shareholder value creation. This argument challenges the traditional focus on short-term profits within the energy sector.
4. Recommendations
Engine No. 1 should:
- Continue shareholder activism: Maintain pressure on ExxonMobil's board of directors to implement a more robust environmental sustainability strategy. This can involve continued engagement with other shareholders, proposing resolutions, and participating in shareholder meetings.
- Engage in collaborative dialogue: Seek constructive dialogue with ExxonMobil's management team to understand their perspectives and explore potential areas of collaboration. This approach could involve sharing best practices, exploring joint ventures, and developing a roadmap for a gradual transition towards a low-carbon future.
- Focus on long-term shareholder value: Emphasize the financial benefits of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, highlighting the potential for new markets, technological advancements, and reduced risk associated with climate change.
- Build a coalition of investors: Collaborate with other investors, including institutional investors and asset managers, to amplify the message of environmental sustainability and shareholder value creation.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on the following considerations:
- Core competencies and consistency with mission: Engine No. 1's core competency lies in impact investing, aligning with its mission to promote environmental sustainability. This strategy aligns with its core values and expertise.
- External customers and internal clients: This approach addresses the concerns of both external stakeholders, including environmental groups and the broader public, and internal clients, including shareholders seeking long-term value creation.
- Competitors: By advocating for a transition towards a low-carbon future, Engine No. 1 positions itself as a leader in the evolving landscape of impact investing, potentially attracting investors seeking a more sustainable investment approach.
- Attractiveness ' quantitative measures: The transition to a low-carbon economy presents a significant opportunity for long-term growth and profitability, offering a strong return on investment (ROI) potential. While short-term financial impacts may be challenging to quantify, the long-term benefits of a sustainable future are substantial.
6. Conclusion
By combining shareholder activism with collaborative dialogue, Engine No. 1 can effectively engage with ExxonMobil and drive positive change within the company. This approach balances the need for accountability with the potential for constructive collaboration, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for both ExxonMobil and its shareholders.
7. Discussion
Alternative strategies include:
- Divesting from ExxonMobil: This option would remove Engine No. 1's influence within the company but could be seen as a less effective approach to driving change.
- Legal action: Engine No. 1 could pursue legal action against ExxonMobil, alleging negligence or misleading investors about climate change risks. This option could be costly and time-consuming, with uncertain outcomes.
The key assumptions of this approach include:
- ExxonMobil's willingness to engage: The success of this strategy depends on ExxonMobil's willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and consider a transition towards a low-carbon future.
- Shareholder support: Engine No. 1 needs to maintain strong support from other shareholders to exert sufficient pressure on ExxonMobil's board of directors.
- Government policies: The success of this strategy is also influenced by government policies and regulations related to climate change and the energy sector.
8. Next Steps
- Develop a detailed engagement plan: Outline specific actions, timelines, and communication strategies for both shareholder activism and collaborative dialogue.
- Build a coalition of investors: Engage with other investors to build a strong coalition advocating for environmental sustainability within ExxonMobil.
- Monitor progress and adapt: Regularly assess the impact of these actions and adjust the strategy as needed, considering the evolving landscape of environmental regulations and investor sentiment.
By implementing these recommendations, Engine No. 1 can leverage its influence to drive positive change within ExxonMobil, contributing to a more sustainable future for the company, its shareholders, and the planet.
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Case Description
ExxonMobil, the world's fifth largest source of carbon emissions, remained committed to aggressively expanding its oil & gas business despite global warming. During the COVID pandemic this strategy resulted in massive losses as the price and demand for oil declined. In the summer of 2021, a start-up impact investing hedge fund, Engine No. 1, invested $38 million in ExxonMobil stock and mounted a proxy fight to change the company's direction by electing Directors experienced in renewable energy. Over fierce objections by management, Engine No. 1 won 3 board seats. By then, demand for oil had resumed and Exxon's strategy had begun to pay off. The case raises provocative questions about whether maximizing shareholder value required Exxon to use its existing resources to drive short term profits without regard to future consequences and environmental impact or, alternatively, to move beyond its core capabilities into initiatives suited to a low-carbon future. Voted best case by first year MBAs.
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