The hottest Corporate Governance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The Bear Cave #261

The Bear Cave • 396 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Risk management
  1. There's been some concern about AppLovin, a mobile app company. A researcher claims they are using a scheme that makes it look like users are rewarded for in-app purchases, which might not be genuine.
  2. Multiple company executives have recently resigned, including CEOs and CFOs from several firms. This shows instability in some companies and could affect their future performance.
  3. Some activists are raising issues about well-known companies, like Coca-Cola, and their social policies. This highlights ongoing debates around corporate responsibility and public perception.

Did Elon Musk just Mu$k Sam Altman?

Marcus on AI • 5138 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Business Investments Competition Corporate Governance
  1. Sam Altman is struggling to keep OpenAI's nonprofit structure, and it's causing financial issues for the company. Investors are not happy with how things are going.
  2. Elon Musk's recent $97 billion bid for OpenAI's nonprofit has complicated the situation. Altman rejected the bid, which makes it tougher for him to negotiate a better deal.
  3. Musk's bid has raised the 'cost' for OpenAI's nonprofit to separate from the for-profit section, adding pressure on Altman and his financial plans.

How security teams fail

lcamtuf’s thing • 8774 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Information Security Cybersecurity Risk management Organizational Structure Corporate Governance
  1. Many companies don't prioritize hiring security teams until after a major security incident happens. This means their first security personnel often lack experience to build strong security programs.
  2. Over time, security teams can become rigid and focused on their own tasks rather than aligning with broader business goals. This may lead to them missing urgent risks.
  3. When a major breach occurs, it can finally highlight the weaknesses in security strategies. This often leads to a change in team structure and a chance to improve communication within the company.

The Bear Cave #260

The Bear Cave • 489 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Executive Changes
  1. New activist reports have revealed serious allegations against several companies, including Applied Optoelectronics and GeneDx Holdings, suggesting they may be involved in fraud and misleading practices.
  2. There were significant executive resignations this week from companies like Match Group and Digital Turbine, indicating possible instability within these businesses.
  3. The SEC is changing how it conducts investigations, which may slow down enforcement actions, showing a shift in regulatory approach.

DeepSeek's Secret to Success

ChinaTalk • 1615 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Labor relations Corporate Governance Entrepreneurship
  1. DeepSeek's success is due to its flat management style, which allows employees more freedom and collaboration compared to the typical rigid structure of Chinese tech firms. This supportive culture fosters creativity and innovation.
  2. Unlike many tech companies in China, DeepSeek was not funded by the government or large corporations. It was self-funded by a former hedge fund manager, allowing it to operate independently and avoid typical pressures.
  3. DeepSeek's hiring approach focuses on young talent, valuing passion and fresh ideas over years of experience. This strategy has helped the company innovate rapidly and challenge larger competitors.
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Knives Out at Intel

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 19 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
💼 Business Corporate Governance Market Analysis Technology Industry Leadership Changes Investment Strategies
  1. Intel's CEO Pat Gelsinger is losing Wall Street's trust, and there are calls for a big change in leadership. Many believe he should be replaced to help the company recover.
  2. The company might benefit from splitting up its different parts and selling them off, especially Mobileye and its design division. This could help bring in cash and new management.
  3. Intel needs strong leadership that can deliver on promises, especially for national security reasons. A partnership with a successful company like Taiwan Semiconductor could be a step in the right direction.

The Bear Cave #259

The Bear Cave • 513 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Analysis Corporate Governance Financial regulation
  1. New reports from activist investors reveal concerns about companies like Mercury General and FTAI Aviation. These reports suggest significant financial issues and mismanagement that could affect stock prices.
  2. There's a new tool called FOIAsearch.com that makes it easier to find information about SEC investigations and FOIA requests. This can help investors spot potential problems in companies earlier.
  3. Recent executive resignations in companies like Compass Minerals and NextEra Energy indicate instability. Frequent leadership changes can create uncertainty about the company's future.

How Silicon Valley got rich

The Novelleist • 521 implied HN points • 28 May 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Investing Corporate Governance Wealth Inequality
  1. The rise of Silicon Valley demonstrated how entrepreneurship and venture capital can change the economy. A group of engineers creating a new tech company set the stage for tech innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
  2. Employee equity programs allowed many workers to gain a stake in the companies they helped build, leading to wealth creation among employees. However, there is a growing inequality, where top executives earn much more than regular workers.
  3. For a fairer economy, we need to increase employee ownership in companies. This could help reduce wealth inequality and provide more opportunities for workers to benefit from their contributions.

The Bear Cave #258

The Bear Cave • 583 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investments Market Trends Financial reports Stock Analysis Corporate Governance
  1. Recent reports by researchers highlighted concerns about companies like AppLovin and Construction Partners, suggesting they are facing serious revenue and operational issues.
  2. There have been notable executive resignations at companies such as Blue Bird Corp and Lanzatech Global, indicating potential instability within those organizations.
  3. The SEC released FOIA logs suggesting certain companies are under investigation, as many investors see this as a red flag about their business practices.

The End of Cheap Progressive Signalling

The Ruffian • 368 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Corporate Governance Social Issues Progressivism Cultural critique
  1. Companies are reassessing their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) due to increased pushback and potential risks. They're realizing that showing support can now have real consequences.
  2. The era of easy progressive signaling is over, forcing companies to reconsider their policies and be more genuine about their commitment to social causes. Some might have to rethink their actions rather than just following trends.
  3. The left needs to evaluate if some of its agenda was based on easy symbols rather than real substance. This shift might help them connect more with everyday people who felt excluded from those discussions.

So Much "Succession" 

SatPost by Trung Phan • 79 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Family Dynamics Corporate Governance Cultural Commentary
  1. The Murdoch family's media empire is facing succession drama similar to the TV show 'Succession.' Rupert Murdoch's plans for his children to inherit control have sparked legal battles.
  2. The trust set up by Rupert Murdoch grants all four of his eldest children equal voting rights after his death, but he has tried to change that to favor one child, creating tension among the siblings.
  3. The real-life Murdoch family's rivalry and issues echo many plot points from 'Succession,' leading to speculation about which family member is leaking stories to the show's writers.

The Bear Cave #256

The Bear Cave • 653 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Markets Healthcare Corporate Governance Activism
  1. There are serious concerns about AppLovin's business practices, including alleged money laundering and low-quality apps. Activist reports suggest their recent growth is questionable.
  2. TransMedics Group is facing backlash for alleged unethical practices in organ transportation. Reports indicate they may have refused life-saving procedures due to billing issues.
  3. A number of executives in various companies have resigned recently, showing instability in leadership roles. This includes multiple CFOs and the CEO of Hershey, which may impact company performance.

Law Wars

Doomberg • 8057 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Environment Energy Regulation Corporate Governance
  1. ExxonMobil is working on a new way to recycle plastic that turns trash into useful materials. They are investing a lot of money to increase this recycling ability.
  2. California's Attorney General is suing ExxonMobil, claiming they misled people about recycling plastics. This lawsuit has sparked a lot of debate about the truth behind recycling claims.
  3. ExxonMobil has also sued the Attorney General and environmental groups, saying they are being unfairly accused and that their actions are harming the company's reputation.

Who should control AI?

The Novelleist • 336 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Corporate Governance Tech regulation Employee Rights
  1. Who controls AI is a big question. It matters because the interests of investors and the mission of nonprofits can clash, affecting how AI is developed.
  2. Some suggest that employees should have more control over companies, especially in tech. They understand how to make sure technology is used safely and ethically.
  3. Having a board made up of employees could help hold CEOs accountable. If a CEO acts unethically, employees could step in and make changes to protect the company's values.

How the oligarchy shrank America’s middle class (Why American capitalism is so rotten, Part 8)

Robert Reich • 19752 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Unions Economic Policy Income Inequality Corporate Governance
  1. The virtuous cycle of rising wages with productivity gains broke in the late 1970s, leading to stagnant incomes for most American workers.
  2. Corporate governance shifted in the 1980s, with a focus on maximizing shareholder returns, leading to massive job cuts and weakened worker bargaining power.
  3. Decline in union membership since the late 1970s has contributed to shrinking middle class as unions effectively negotiated better wages and benefits for workers.

The Bear Cave #254

The Bear Cave • 489 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance Technology Resignation Investments Corporate Governance
  1. A blogger raised concerns about SoundHound AI, saying it may be losing clients to cheaper and better technology. This could mean big changes for the company.
  2. There have been several high-profile resignations at major companies like Fastenal and Arhaus. These leadership changes could affect their future performance.
  3. The weekly tweets section highlights some interesting social media discussions related to these companies. It's a good way to see what people are saying online.

The Death of Intel: When Boards Fail

Mule’s Musings • 969 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💼 Business Corporate Governance Management Finance Investments
  1. The Intel board is seen as unqualified, with many members lacking the necessary semiconductor experience. This has likely contributed to the company's ongoing struggles.
  2. Pat Gelsinger, the former CEO, was fired despite being technically skilled and wanting to help the company. His optimistic approach conflicted with the board's short-term focus.
  3. The board's focus on maximizing shareholder value might lead to harmful decisions like breaking up the company, which could hurt its long-term prospects and impact the industry and U.S. competitiveness.

The Bear Cave #253

The Bear Cave • 489 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Economics Corporate Governance Market Trends
  1. There are serious concerns about Aegon's sales tactics, which some say look like a multi-level marketing scheme.
  2. Recent investigations show JOYY's app Bigo Live is facing major issues after being removed by Google and Apple due to child abuse allegations.
  3. Multiple companies have seen rapid executive turnover, with several CEOs and CFOs resigning or being replaced in just a short time.

The Bear Cave #251

The Bear Cave • 513 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance Markets Investing Corporate Governance Research
  1. There are significant legal troubles for companies like LendingTree, which could face lawsuits costing hundreds of millions of dollars. This could affect their financial stability and future operations.
  2. Recent executive resignations in several companies, including Intel, suggest instability at the management level. Frequent leadership changes can indicate underlying issues within a company.
  3. Research reports from different groups are highlighting possible problems in companies like Serve Robotics and Plug Power. These findings could impact investor confidence and stock prices.

The Bear Cave #250

The Bear Cave • 606 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Activism
  1. The Bear Cave focuses on finding problems in companies that are often ignored by the mainstream. This helps identify potential short selling opportunities.
  2. The publication has tracked executive resignations and has shown that many companies with leadership changes tend to underperform in the market.
  3. Over the past few years, the companies highlighted by The Bear Cave have consistently lagged behind the S&P 500, hinting at serious issues that investors should consider.

The Bear Cave #252

The Bear Cave • 419 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💰 Finance Investing Market Analysis Corporate Governance Economic Trends
  1. There are new reports about companies experiencing accounting issues and bad loans. It's important to pay attention to these signs as they could lead to financial trouble.
  2. Many executives are resigning from their positions, which could indicate instability within those companies. If a company keeps changing leadership, it might be a bad sign for its future.
  3. Short sellers are becoming more vocal, and there are discussions about plans that could affect companies negatively. Watching how these short sellers act can give clues about company health.

Problems at TransDigm (TDG)

The Bear Cave • 699 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💼 Business Corporate Governance Government Regulation Market Analysis
  1. TransDigm has been accused of charging extremely high prices for small aircraft parts, with markups sometimes reaching thousands of percent. This has raised concerns about potential price gouging, especially with government contracts.
  2. The incoming Department of Government Efficiency aims to address issues like waste and fraud in government spending, targeting companies like TransDigm for their pricing practices. This could lead to significant audits and potential savings for taxpayers.
  3. There is bipartisan criticism of TransDigm's pricing strategies, suggesting that their business model relies on acquiring sole-source suppliers and drastically increasing prices at the expense of the government and taxpayers.

Stupid Rules For Stupid People Struck Down

Points And Figures • 639 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💼 Business Corporate Governance Regulation Investment Financial Markets Diversity
  1. NASDAQ's rule for corporate board diversity focused too much on identity instead of qualifications. It's more important to have people with varied experiences and perspectives on the board to help businesses succeed.
  2. The legal decision to revoke certain rules about private company disclosures is seen as positive. Regulations that infringe on privacy can deter companies from going public and create unnecessary barriers.
  3. Private markets should be free from excessive regulations. Investors need to keep the identities of their shareholders confidential, and government oversight can lead to more problems than it solves.

Private Medicare Plans and Vertical Integration Yield UnitedHealth $15.8 Billion in Profits Between January and June

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 619 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Practices Medicare Advantage Corporate Governance
  1. UnitedHealth made a massive profit of $15.8 billion in just six months by using strategies to boost its income from private Medicare plans. This shows how profitable these plans can be for insurance companies.
  2. The company has been increasing its earnings by owning many of the doctors and clinics its patients visit. This vertical integration gives them more control and helps them profit more from the services they provide.
  3. UnitedHealth has found ways to maximize its Medicare Advantage funding by misreporting patient conditions. This has earned them billions from the government, which has raised questions about their practices.

As it Turns Out, Health Insurance Executives Are Really (Really) Good at Their Jobs

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 799 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Insurance Issues Patient Care Healthcare Costs Corporate Governance
  1. Health insurance executives are focused on making their shareholders happy, which often means keeping costs low for employers, not necessarily improving services for patients.
  2. In health insurance, the customer who pays for the insurance and the consumer who uses it are different, creating conflicts of interest that can harm patients.
  3. Insurance companies often make it difficult for those who need the most care to access it, which is counterproductive for the patients who genuinely need help.

The Bear Cave #249

The Bear Cave • 513 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
💼 Business Finance Investors Market Analysis Corporate Governance Executive Changes
  1. Multiple activist reports have raised concerns about major companies like Roblox, Oklo, and elf Beauty, suggesting issues of financial integrity and management competence. These reports could indicate potential future problems for these companies.
  2. Several key executives have recently resigned from their positions, including CEOs and CFOs from various companies. This turnover can point to instability within these organizations, potentially affecting their performance.
  3. There are ongoing investigations into companies like Zeta Global for unethical practices. Allegations of deceptive marketing and revenue manipulation highlight the importance of transparency in business.

The Bear Cave #244

The Bear Cave • 769 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Regulation
  1. Fuzzy Panda Research raised concerns about Stride Inc, suggesting it might face serious challenges after benefiting from COVID-related funding. They believe the company is going to struggle with competition and internal issues.
  2. Recent executive resignations from companies like CVS Health and The Joint Corp signal potential instability, as these leaders leave amid significant financial downturns for their companies.
  3. A new FTC rule will make it easier for consumers to cancel subscriptions. This change aims to prevent businesses from making it too hard for people to stop payments for services they no longer want.

The Bear Cave #246

The Bear Cave • 559 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💼 Business Finance Management Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis
  1. Blue Orca Capital reported that Baldwin Insurance Group has been using some tricky financial practices to make their profits look better than they actually are. They claim the company has serious profitability issues.
  2. Recent leadership changes show a lot of turnover among company executives, with several CFOs and CEOs resigning or being let go. This could indicate bigger problems within those companies.
  3. There are also activist reports about Byrna Technologies, suggesting they might be exaggerating their business success. The reports claim many of their dealers don’t really exist or aren't effective.

As a Nightmare Brews on Wall Street for CVS, Executives Scramble to Quell Investors

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 859 implied HN points • 16 May 24
💰 Finance Investing Healthcare Insurance Stock Market Corporate Governance
  1. CVS executives are under pressure from investors after a bad financial report. This has caused them to make changes that could negatively affect patient care.
  2. The company plans to cut benefits and possibly remove around 420,000 Medicare members to improve profits. This decision could leave many people without needed healthcare.
  3. Insurers like Aetna are prioritizing stock performance over patient welfare. This focus on profits may mean that people struggle to get the medical services they need.

UnitedHealth CEO Sold $5.6 Million in Shares the Same Day as Ransomware Attack

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 639 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Corporate Governance Cybersecurity Insider trading Regulation
  1. The CEO of UnitedHealth sold $5.6 million in shares on the same day as a major ransomware attack. This raised concerns about insider trading and ethical behavior.
  2. The ransomware attack cost UnitedHealth around $1.6 billion and affected many health services across the U.S., showing the serious consequences of poor cybersecurity.
  3. Executives sold large amounts of stock before important negative news became public, leading to calls for government investigations into their actions.

Top Links 550 Buffett's cash pile. China's copper push. IKEA and GDR prison labor & the UK as "Butler to the World"

Chartbook • 414 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💰 Finance Investment Economics Market Trends Corporate Governance Global Trade
  1. Warren Buffett has a huge amount of cash saved up. This shows he is waiting for the right investment opportunities to come along.
  2. China is putting a lot of effort into boosting its copper industry. This could have big effects on global markets and trade.
  3. There are serious concerns about IKEA's involvement with past prison labor. This raises questions about ethical practices in big companies.

Digital tug-of-war

Working Theorys • 72 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Corporate Governance Education
  1. The debate over banning TikTok is making people more aware of digital trade. It shows how important it is in the economy, making up a big part of global trade now.
  2. Business schools, especially MBA programs, are facing criticism for not preparing students for job markets well. They're seen more as a time to learn and network rather than just a pathway to a job.
  3. Many CEOs who step down often come back, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives. This trend shows how important past experiences can be in reshaping a company's vision.

The Bear Cave #243

The Bear Cave • 489 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Corporate Governance Market Analysis Investment Strategies Regulatory issues
  1. Roblox has been accused of inflating its user numbers by including fake accounts and bots. This has raised safety concerns, especially regarding child safety on the platform.
  2. There have been multiple recent resignations of CFOs from various companies, often after short tenures. This may indicate instability or issues within those organizations.
  3. Some companies are being investigated for their marketing practices, including the use of questionable data sources for email campaigns. This raises questions about ethical business practices.

Tesla: Now, It Feels Desperate

lawrence’s Substack • 758 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
💼 Business Automotive Corporate Governance Stock Market
  1. Tesla's recent actions have caused a shift in sentiment for the worse, leading to skepticism and concern about the company's future.
  2. The attempt to restore Musk's 2018 compensation package is under scrutiny and may face legal challenges, impacting Tesla's financial standing.
  3. Questions surrounding Tesla's Model 2 development, autonomy achievements, robotaxi plans, earnings, staff departures, and production decisions are crucial for understanding the company's direction.

Tesla's Latest Proxy Statement Is Materially Misleading

lawrence’s Substack • 459 implied HN points • 09 May 24
💼 Business Corporate Governance Legal issues Ethics
  1. When public companies solicit shareholder votes, they must provide accurate and complete information in proxy statements to avoid being misleading or false.
  2. Tesla's April 17 proxy statement has critical flaws, such as omitting details about the DOJ investigation into Tesla's self-driving claims and failing to disclose pertinent information about Kathleen Wilson-Thompson's ties to the company.
  3. Legal challenges are expected regarding Tesla's attempt to reinstate Musk's 2018 compensation plan, especially due to deficiencies in the proxy statement.

Your complete guide to board rooms

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 276 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Management Finance Corporate Governance Startups Leadership
  1. Know who's in the room during board meetings. The CEO, CFO, and tech leaders each have specific roles and responsibilities that are crucial for a productive discussion.
  2. Keep your board meetings under 3.5 hours. Long meetings can tire everyone out, so aim for a focused agenda that encourages valuable input from all members.
  3. Send out materials for the meeting 48 to 72 hours in advance. This allows everyone to prepare without being overwhelmed, and it helps keep the meeting on track.

Naming and shaming in Japan

Asian Century Stocks • 884 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
💼 Business Corporate Governance Market Analysis Investor Relations Financial Performance
  1. Japan's corporate governance reforms, starting with Abenomics, have been driving positive change in the capital allocation practices of Japanese companies.
  2. The Tokyo Stock Exchange's new listing structure, especially the Prime Market, has raised standards for companies, promoting better corporate governance.
  3. The practice of naming and shaming low price/book ratio companies in Japan is pushing them to improve profitability, enhance investor communication, and comply with new capital allocation rules.