Author: sHq_LoGiNz

May 11, 2026 /3BL/ – Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today released data from the Addressing undertreatment and heaLth Equity in aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation using an integrated ehR plaTform (ALERT) Trial, designed to address health disparities and undertreatment in structural heart care. Results show electronic clinician notifications (ECNs) significantly improve the timely evaluation and treatment of aortic stenosis (AS) and mitral regurgitation (MR), including treatment with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Findings from the study, sponsored by Tempus, were presented at the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Sessions in New Orleans and simultaneously published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC).

“As clinicians, our priority is to ensure that patients with significant heart valve disease receive timely treatment. Untreated symptomatic severe aortic stenosis carries a high risk of mortality within two years, yet we continue to see significant undertreatment particularly among patients from racial and ethnic minority groups and those with certain hemodynamic profiles. This compromises our ability to scale life-saving valve interventions across health systems,” said Wayne Batchelor, M.D., M.H.S., M.B.A., President of the Medicine Service Line at the Inova Health System and Steering Committee Chair of the ALERT study. “These findings highlight the value of real-time clinical alerts to accelerate diagnosis and specialist referral, helping ensure that more patients—regardless of race, ethnicity, geography, hemodynamics, or other factors—have access to guideline-directed, life-saving care.”

Using 765 clinicians ordering 2,016 echocardiograms across 5 U.S. health systems encompassing 35 hospitals, the study met its primary endpoint, defined as time to surgical or transcatheter valve intervention followed by time to multidisciplinary heart team (MHT) clinic visit within 90 days after the index echocardiogram. The findings revealed that ECNs were 27% more effective at notifying clinicians about patient cardiovascular status than usual care (win ratio, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05-1.54; P = .007).

Key findings at 90 days include:

• 40% relative increase in valve intervention (13.4% vs. 9.6%; P=0.005)
• 27% increase in MHT evaluations (22.7% vs. 17.9%; P=0.005)

Data suggest white patients represent the majority (90%) of all TAVR procedures – a minimally invasive solution for AS and MR. Conversely, patients who are Black, Hispanic, Asian, or part of other racial groups are not being treated with TAVR at the same rates as

white patients.1 Additionally, women with aortic stenosis continue to experience meaningful disparities in care, as they are less likely to be referred for timely evaluation and valve intervention compared to men, making improved access to minimally invasive options like TAVR especially critical. Existing evidence suggests that this minimally invasive option could result in less time in the hospital and a quicker recovery compared to open heart surgery.

“The ALERT trial reflects how we are building the future of structural heart care — one that is more connected, data‑driven, and focused on reaching patients earlier in their disease journey,” said Jorie Soskin, vice president of the Structural Heart business at Medtronic. “By helping clinicians identify patients sooner and connect them to care, technologies like AI‑enabled alerts have the potential to ensure more people can benefit from lifesaving therapies like TAVR, regardless of race, geography, or background. This work underscores our commitment to advancing structural heart care and the future of TAVR.”

The study utilized Tempus Next, an AI-enabled care pathway platform that empowers providers to deliver the next step in a patient’s care journey. The software automatically identifies significant AS or MR patients who may meet guideline-indicated therapy criteria, but do not have a treatment plan in place. The study evaluated the impact of electronic health record notifications generated by Tempus Next.

Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis is a common, yet severe form of heart valve disease that impacts approximately 250,000 people annually in the United States and remains undertreated according to AHA/ACC Guidelines criteria. Patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis may suffer from chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness – and if left untreated, it can lead to heart failure. Mitral regurgitation (MR), another prevalent cardiac valvular condition, presents a similar set of challenges in regard to underdiagnosis and undertreatment.

This study is funded by Tempus AI, Inc. (Chicago, IL) and Medtronic, Plc (Minneapolis, MN).

About Medtronic 
Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 90,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn.

About Tempus
Tempus is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence in healthcare. With one of the world’s largest libraries of

multimodal data, and an operating system to make that data accessible and useful, Tempus provides AI-enabled precision medicine solutions to physicians to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics. The goal is for each patient to benefit from the treatment of others who came before by providing physicians with tools that learn as the company gathers more data. For more information, visit tempus.com.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic’s periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Contact:
Kimberly Powell
Public Relations
+1-202-498-2601

Ingrid Goldberg
Investor Relations
+1-612-505-2696

*Antia, A., Pius, R., Ndukauba, C., Remenik Zarauz, V., & Olafiranye, O. (2024). Temporal trends in the utilization and outcome of transcatheter aortic valve replacement across racial and ethnic groups: A nationwide analysis. International Journal of Cardiology, 399, 131669.

Wesco team members proudly participated in the 40th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, hosted by Atlanta Habitat for Humanity from May 3 through May 8. This year’s build took place in Langston Park, Atlanta Habitat’s newest planned community in the historic Sylvan Hills neighborhood. Through the years, this event has consistently brought together volunteers, celebrities, corporate partners, community leaders and residents to build and improve homes and raise awareness of the global housing need.

As a Dream Maker sponsor, Wesco sent eight volunteers each day to assist with the build. Along with Habitat homeowners, staff, other Habitat partners and advocates, Wesco team members from across the Atlanta area supported the construction of 24 new homes during the week. Langston Park represents a bold step forward in expanding affordable home ownership, introducing modern, sustainable townhome-style living for the first time in Atlanta Habitat’s history. With easy access to MARTA, the Atlanta Beltline and nearby green spaces, families will thrive in a safe, stable and connected community.

“Giving back to the communities where our team members live and work is at the heart of Wesco Cares,” said Chris Wolf, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Wesco Cares Executive Sponsor. “We’re proud to support the Carter Work Project again this year and grateful to our employees who volunteered their time and energy to help expand access to safe, affordable housing in the Atlanta community.”

Over its 40-year history, the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project has inspired more than 108,000 volunteers across the U.S. and in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair 4,447 Habitat homes.

Learn more about Wesco in the community: wesco.com/community.

About Wesco

Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $24 billion in annual sales in 2025 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 21,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and significant digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

Contact Information:

Jennifer Sniderman
Vice President, Corporate Communications
jennifer.sniderman@wescodist.com

 

Wesco team members proudly participated in the 40th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, hosted by Atlanta Habitat for Humanity from May 3 through May 8. This year’s build took place in Langston Park, Atlanta Habitat’s newest planned community in the historic Sylvan Hills neighborhood. Through the years, this event has consistently brought together volunteers, celebrities, corporate partners, community leaders and residents to build and improve homes and raise awareness of the global housing need.

As a Dream Maker sponsor, Wesco sent eight volunteers each day to assist with the build. Along with Habitat homeowners, staff, other Habitat partners and advocates, Wesco team members from across the Atlanta area supported the construction of 24 new homes during the week. Langston Park represents a bold step forward in expanding affordable home ownership, introducing modern, sustainable townhome-style living for the first time in Atlanta Habitat’s history. With easy access to MARTA, the Atlanta Beltline and nearby green spaces, families will thrive in a safe, stable and connected community.

“Giving back to the communities where our team members live and work is at the heart of Wesco Cares,” said Chris Wolf, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Wesco Cares Executive Sponsor. “We’re proud to support the Carter Work Project again this year and grateful to our employees who volunteered their time and energy to help expand access to safe, affordable housing in the Atlanta community.”

Over its 40-year history, the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project has inspired more than 108,000 volunteers across the U.S. and in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair 4,447 Habitat homes.

Learn more about Wesco in the community: wesco.com/community.

About Wesco

Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $24 billion in annual sales in 2025 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 21,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and significant digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

Contact Information:

Jennifer Sniderman
Vice President, Corporate Communications
jennifer.sniderman@wescodist.com

 

Blog reposted with permission from Hiring Our Heroes

Business leaders and community advocates came together for the 2026 Small Business Grant Program Awards ceremony on April 29 in Washington, D.C. From a pool of more than 1,240 applicants, five veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses were recognized — a testament to the depth of entrepreneurial talent in the military-connected community and the growing case for investing in it.

The Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program, powered by the FedEx Founder’s Fund, provides one-time grants to help veteran- and military spouse-owned small businesses sustain and grow their impact in local communities. The 2026 awards ceremony was supported by the FedEx Founder’s Fund, Visa, and USAA Small Business Insurance.

This year, four recipients were awarded $10,000 grants, and one standout business received the $25,000 grand prize.

Meet the 2026 Small Business Grant Awardees

Rail Haus – Dover, DE (Grand Prize Recipient)  

U.S. Air Force veterans Donny and Kim Legans brought their vision for a welcoming community gathering space to life with Rail Haus, a vibrant restaurant and beer garden designed to bring people together through craft drinks, local partnerships, and events for all ages. The Legans plan to use their grant to expand their outdoor space, grow the business, and welcome even more neighbors into their community.

Organized Q – Alexandria, VA

Founded by military spouse Gabriela “Gabi” Q. Bell, Organized Q is a virtual executive assistant firm with a mission dedicated to creating remote career opportunities for military spouses, veterans, and underemployed professionals, while supporting nonprofits, small businesses, and enterprises worldwide. Gabi plans to use the grant to reinvest in her team and create paid internships for military-connected young professionals at the start of their careers. 

Balanced Wellness – Ridgeland, SC

Military spouse Dr. Theresa Roman founded Balanced Wellness, a mental healthcare clinic providing in-person and virtual therapy for individuals, couples, and families. She built the practice on the resilience and adaptability that come with 22 years as a military spouse, keeping service to others at the center of her work. Dr. Roman plans to use the grant to grow her business, expand staff training and specialization, and continue offering low or no-cost therapy to members of her community. 

The Laundry Basket – Hyattsville, MD

With a mission rooted in dignity, confidence, and opportunity, U.S. Army veteran Hyacinth Tucker founded The Laundry Basket, a tech-enabled laundry and dry-cleaning delivery service that combines convenience with workforce development. The business also gives back through its Loads of Love initiative, supporting families in need. Hyacinth plans to use the grant to invest in veteran and military spouse hiring and training, including paid stipends, onboarding tools, and community outreach events. 

Langhorne Electrical & Contracting – Leesville, LA

U.S. Air Force veteran Elijah Langhorne founded Langhorne Electrical & Contracting to do more than complete projects. He built a veteran-led company that creates jobs, trains skilled workers, strengthens storm resilience, and reinvests in a community often overlooked, turning every contract into a ripple of opportunity, pride, and economic stability. Elijah plans to use the grant to scale his business through investing in systems, tools, and team development.

Recognizing Military-Connected Entrepreneurship

Now in its third year, the Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program has awarded more than $160,000 in grants to 15 military-connected businesses. With thousands of applicants across three cycles, the program has made one thing clear: the military-connected entrepreneurial community is deep, growing, and ready for investment — and every dollar behind these businesses pays dividends in stronger local economies and communities.

The event also reinforced the vital role of corporate support in empowering these entrepreneurs. Representatives from the FedEx Founder’s Fund, Visa, and USAA shared their organizations’ continued commitment to supporting veteran- and military spouse-owned small businesses.

“Supporting veterans and veteran-owned businesses matters for a simple reason: investing in those who have served is an investment in our nation’s future,” said Samantha Smith Atkinson, Staff Director of Global Public Policy at FedEx. “Veteran-owned businesses create jobs, strengthen local economies, and reflect the values that define our country — perseverance, innovation, and service.”

During the ceremony, the Honorable Patrick Murphy, a Hiring Our Heroes Ambassador, emphasized the economic impact of military-connected entrepreneurs.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy,” Patrick explained. “Veteran- and military spouse-owned small businesses generate over $1 trillion in annual revenue, employ millions, and are force multipliers in our nation. They are patriots who are called to continue to serve our nation even after they put away their uniform.”

Eric Eversole, President of Hiring Our Heroes, concluded the ceremony by applauding this year’s recipients for their perseverance, innovation, and continued service, while encouraging sustained investment in military-connected entrepreneurship.

“Thank you for joining us to support and celebrate these amazing veteran- and military spouse-owned small businesses,” Eric said. “We see the difference that they are making in their communities each and every day. We are honored to help recognize them and play a small role in celebrating their success, and we look forward to seeing that continued growth for years to come.”

For more information about this initiative, partnership opportunities, or resources for your business, visit Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program. 

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

Blog reposted with permission from Hiring Our Heroes

Business leaders and community advocates came together for the 2026 Small Business Grant Program Awards ceremony on April 29 in Washington, D.C. From a pool of more than 1,240 applicants, five veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses were recognized — a testament to the depth of entrepreneurial talent in the military-connected community and the growing case for investing in it.

The Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program, powered by the FedEx Founder’s Fund, provides one-time grants to help veteran- and military spouse-owned small businesses sustain and grow their impact in local communities. The 2026 awards ceremony was supported by the FedEx Founder’s Fund, Visa, and USAA Small Business Insurance.

This year, four recipients were awarded $10,000 grants, and one standout business received the $25,000 grand prize.

Meet the 2026 Small Business Grant Awardees

Rail Haus – Dover, DE (Grand Prize Recipient)  

U.S. Air Force veterans Donny and Kim Legans brought their vision for a welcoming community gathering space to life with Rail Haus, a vibrant restaurant and beer garden designed to bring people together through craft drinks, local partnerships, and events for all ages. The Legans plan to use their grant to expand their outdoor space, grow the business, and welcome even more neighbors into their community.

Organized Q – Alexandria, VA

Founded by military spouse Gabriela “Gabi” Q. Bell, Organized Q is a virtual executive assistant firm with a mission dedicated to creating remote career opportunities for military spouses, veterans, and underemployed professionals, while supporting nonprofits, small businesses, and enterprises worldwide. Gabi plans to use the grant to reinvest in her team and create paid internships for military-connected young professionals at the start of their careers. 

Balanced Wellness – Ridgeland, SC

Military spouse Dr. Theresa Roman founded Balanced Wellness, a mental healthcare clinic providing in-person and virtual therapy for individuals, couples, and families. She built the practice on the resilience and adaptability that come with 22 years as a military spouse, keeping service to others at the center of her work. Dr. Roman plans to use the grant to grow her business, expand staff training and specialization, and continue offering low or no-cost therapy to members of her community. 

The Laundry Basket – Hyattsville, MD

With a mission rooted in dignity, confidence, and opportunity, U.S. Army veteran Hyacinth Tucker founded The Laundry Basket, a tech-enabled laundry and dry-cleaning delivery service that combines convenience with workforce development. The business also gives back through its Loads of Love initiative, supporting families in need. Hyacinth plans to use the grant to invest in veteran and military spouse hiring and training, including paid stipends, onboarding tools, and community outreach events. 

Langhorne Electrical & Contracting – Leesville, LA

U.S. Air Force veteran Elijah Langhorne founded Langhorne Electrical & Contracting to do more than complete projects. He built a veteran-led company that creates jobs, trains skilled workers, strengthens storm resilience, and reinvests in a community often overlooked, turning every contract into a ripple of opportunity, pride, and economic stability. Elijah plans to use the grant to scale his business through investing in systems, tools, and team development.

Recognizing Military-Connected Entrepreneurship

Now in its third year, the Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program has awarded more than $160,000 in grants to 15 military-connected businesses. With thousands of applicants across three cycles, the program has made one thing clear: the military-connected entrepreneurial community is deep, growing, and ready for investment — and every dollar behind these businesses pays dividends in stronger local economies and communities.

The event also reinforced the vital role of corporate support in empowering these entrepreneurs. Representatives from the FedEx Founder’s Fund, Visa, and USAA shared their organizations’ continued commitment to supporting veteran- and military spouse-owned small businesses.

“Supporting veterans and veteran-owned businesses matters for a simple reason: investing in those who have served is an investment in our nation’s future,” said Samantha Smith Atkinson, Staff Director of Global Public Policy at FedEx. “Veteran-owned businesses create jobs, strengthen local economies, and reflect the values that define our country — perseverance, innovation, and service.”

During the ceremony, the Honorable Patrick Murphy, a Hiring Our Heroes Ambassador, emphasized the economic impact of military-connected entrepreneurs.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy,” Patrick explained. “Veteran- and military spouse-owned small businesses generate over $1 trillion in annual revenue, employ millions, and are force multipliers in our nation. They are patriots who are called to continue to serve our nation even after they put away their uniform.”

Eric Eversole, President of Hiring Our Heroes, concluded the ceremony by applauding this year’s recipients for their perseverance, innovation, and continued service, while encouraging sustained investment in military-connected entrepreneurship.

“Thank you for joining us to support and celebrate these amazing veteran- and military spouse-owned small businesses,” Eric said. “We see the difference that they are making in their communities each and every day. We are honored to help recognize them and play a small role in celebrating their success, and we look forward to seeing that continued growth for years to come.”

For more information about this initiative, partnership opportunities, or resources for your business, visit Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program. 

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

Carbon pricing systems are now in effect in jurisdictions representing 63% of global GDP. Such systems comprise an important infrastructure for corporate sustainability. This week’s newsletter covers how companies are responding.

Across the G7 (the largest economies), companies are maintaining their climate commitments even as they change how they talk about them. And the methodologies underpinning sustainability strategy — like double materiality — are maturing from compliance checklists into genuine decision-support management tools.

As reported by Carbon Herald, an update from the International Carbon Action Partnership documents 41 active emissions trading systems (ETS) worldwide, covering 26% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and more than half the world’s population. Japan, India, and Vietnam are all launching national systems this year, moving carbon pricing well beyond its early-adopter origins in Europe and North America.

The world’s second-largest economy, China, is preparing to shift its national ETS toward an absolute emissions cap by 2027. The EU is expanding its system to include transport and buildings. The State of California, which represents the world’s fourth-largest economy, has locked in its program through 2045.

Far from its origins as a policy experiment, the ICAP Secretariat describes carbon pricing as becoming “the architecture of the global climate response.” For companies navigating its impacts on the climate/compliance landscape, G&A has published three new resources relevant to carbon markets: (1) an “Ask the Analyst” explainer on the EU’s CBAM; (2) a resource paper on carbon pricing in the EU, and (3) a guide to getting climate terminology right and avoiding greenwashing. All three are available in our listing of G&A blogs and research below.

Meanwhile, a survey of more than 7,000 business leaders in the G7, covered by ESG Today, confirms that companies are staying the course with climate action. A dominant 81% say they’re concerned about future costs if they don’t prepare for climate change. Three-quarters say the economic risks of not transitioning outweigh the costs of doing so. However, many are revisiting their outward-facing approach: 61% admit they’ve shifted how they communicate about net zero in response to political backlash and media skepticism. BSI calls this “climate coding”, or reframing sustainability in terms of resilience, risk management, and business continuity, rather than environmental impact.

As an example of the political backlash coloring the regulatory landscape, ESG Dive reports on a proposed U.S. federal bill that would ban cities and states from bringing climate-related lawsuits. This new effort challenges the potential for state and local litigation to deliver climate accountability. Over the past year we’ve tracked sustainability decentralizing from Washington to regional courtrooms and statehouses. This bill is an explicit attempt to close that channel. Whether it advances or not, it signals that the legal front remains as contested as the regulatory one.

Fortunately, companies continue with the work of protecting their businesses and the planet by incorporating sustainability into their risk and strategy assessments. Supply & Demand Chain Executive reports on a rise in the use of double materiality assessments (DMAs), not just as a reporting requirement but as a strategic decision-support tool — helping companies identify which sustainability issues pose genuine financial risk and where they can create the most value.

For professionals tracking the broader landscape, this issue also covers the ISSB’s move to formalize guidance on nature-related disclosures, the EU’s new Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition, a €20 billion sustainable infrastructure fund, and why the fall in fossil fuel generation in China and India marks a turning point for global renewables.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

Carbon pricing systems are now in effect in jurisdictions representing 63% of global GDP. Such systems comprise an important infrastructure for corporate sustainability. This week’s newsletter covers how companies are responding.

Across the G7 (the largest economies), companies are maintaining their climate commitments even as they change how they talk about them. And the methodologies underpinning sustainability strategy — like double materiality — are maturing from compliance checklists into genuine decision-support management tools.

As reported by Carbon Herald, an update from the International Carbon Action Partnership documents 41 active emissions trading systems (ETS) worldwide, covering 26% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and more than half the world’s population. Japan, India, and Vietnam are all launching national systems this year, moving carbon pricing well beyond its early-adopter origins in Europe and North America.

The world’s second-largest economy, China, is preparing to shift its national ETS toward an absolute emissions cap by 2027. The EU is expanding its system to include transport and buildings. The State of California, which represents the world’s fourth-largest economy, has locked in its program through 2045.

Far from its origins as a policy experiment, the ICAP Secretariat describes carbon pricing as becoming “the architecture of the global climate response.” For companies navigating its impacts on the climate/compliance landscape, G&A has published three new resources relevant to carbon markets: (1) an “Ask the Analyst” explainer on the EU’s CBAM; (2) a resource paper on carbon pricing in the EU, and (3) a guide to getting climate terminology right and avoiding greenwashing. All three are available in our listing of G&A blogs and research below.

Meanwhile, a survey of more than 7,000 business leaders in the G7, covered by ESG Today, confirms that companies are staying the course with climate action. A dominant 81% say they’re concerned about future costs if they don’t prepare for climate change. Three-quarters say the economic risks of not transitioning outweigh the costs of doing so. However, many are revisiting their outward-facing approach: 61% admit they’ve shifted how they communicate about net zero in response to political backlash and media skepticism. BSI calls this “climate coding”, or reframing sustainability in terms of resilience, risk management, and business continuity, rather than environmental impact.

As an example of the political backlash coloring the regulatory landscape, ESG Dive reports on a proposed U.S. federal bill that would ban cities and states from bringing climate-related lawsuits. This new effort challenges the potential for state and local litigation to deliver climate accountability. Over the past year we’ve tracked sustainability decentralizing from Washington to regional courtrooms and statehouses. This bill is an explicit attempt to close that channel. Whether it advances or not, it signals that the legal front remains as contested as the regulatory one.

Fortunately, companies continue with the work of protecting their businesses and the planet by incorporating sustainability into their risk and strategy assessments. Supply & Demand Chain Executive reports on a rise in the use of double materiality assessments (DMAs), not just as a reporting requirement but as a strategic decision-support tool — helping companies identify which sustainability issues pose genuine financial risk and where they can create the most value.

For professionals tracking the broader landscape, this issue also covers the ISSB’s move to formalize guidance on nature-related disclosures, the EU’s new Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition, a €20 billion sustainable infrastructure fund, and why the fall in fossil fuel generation in China and India marks a turning point for global renewables.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

May 11, 2026 /3BL/ – The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) is pleased to welcome Smith+Nephew, a global medical technology company specializing in orthopaedics, sports medicine, ear–nose–throat (ENT) surgical reconstruction, and advanced wound management, as a new member.

“We’re excited to add Smith+Nephew to our growing membership,” shared Tracy Taszarek, Executive Director of HPRC. “They bring significant expertise as a global medical technology manufacturer, with deep experience in medical device packaging engineering, sterilization methods, and regulatory and quality compliance—capabilities that are critical to overcoming barriers in healthcare plastics recycling.”

Anchored in “People, Planet, and Products,” Smith+Nephew’s sustainability strategy aligns with HPRC’s goals and initiatives. Their strategy incorporates several activities which will lend valuable insights to HPRC’s work including designing packaging with reusable, recyclable, and/or renewable resources, standardizing mono-material packaging, and collaborating with suppliers to increase post-consumer recycled content.

“As a global medical technology leader, our ESG efforts aim for packaging that supports product safety, quality and sustainability,” shared Katya Hantel, VP, ESG at Smith+Nephew. “We’re thrilled to be joining HPRC and contributing to transformative solutions for healthcare plastics sustainability.”

HPRC is currently engaged in multiple initiatives aimed at enabling the recycling and circularity of healthcare plastics, including an assessment of recycling infrastructure, opportunities for labelling standardization, and developing a scalable playbook for implementing regional hospital recycling programs.

 

About HPRC

HPRC is a private technical coalition of industry peers across healthcare, recycling, and waste management industries seeking to improve the recyclability of plastic products within healthcare. Made up of more than 30 brand-leading and globally recognized members, HPRC explores ways to enhance the economics, efficiency, and ultimately the quality and quantity of healthcare plastics collected for recycling in support of a circular plastics economy. HPRC is active across the United States and Europe working with key stakeholders, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and participating in industry events and forums. For more information, visit www.hprc.org and follow HPRC on LinkedIn.

 

About Smith+Nephew

Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology business focused on the repair, regeneration and replacement of soft and hard tissue. We exist to restore people’s bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. We call this purpose ‘Life Unlimited’. Our 17,000 employees deliver this mission every day, making a difference to patients’ lives through the excellence of our product portfolio, and the invention and application of new technologies across our three global business units of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT and Advanced Wound Management.

Founded in Hull, UK, in 1856, we now operate in around 100 countries, and generated annual sales of $6.2 billion in 2025. Smith+Nephew is a constituent of the FTSE100 (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN). The terms ‘Group’ and ‘Smith+Nephew’ are used to refer to Smith & Nephew plc and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.

For more information about Smith+Nephew, please visit www.smith-nephew.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

May 11, 2026 /3BL/ – The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) is pleased to welcome Smith+Nephew, a global medical technology company specializing in orthopaedics, sports medicine, ear–nose–throat (ENT) surgical reconstruction, and advanced wound management, as a new member.

“We’re excited to add Smith+Nephew to our growing membership,” shared Tracy Taszarek, Executive Director of HPRC. “They bring significant expertise as a global medical technology manufacturer, with deep experience in medical device packaging engineering, sterilization methods, and regulatory and quality compliance—capabilities that are critical to overcoming barriers in healthcare plastics recycling.”

Anchored in “People, Planet, and Products,” Smith+Nephew’s sustainability strategy aligns with HPRC’s goals and initiatives. Their strategy incorporates several activities which will lend valuable insights to HPRC’s work including designing packaging with reusable, recyclable, and/or renewable resources, standardizing mono-material packaging, and collaborating with suppliers to increase post-consumer recycled content.

“As a global medical technology leader, our ESG efforts aim for packaging that supports product safety, quality and sustainability,” shared Katya Hantel, VP, ESG at Smith+Nephew. “We’re thrilled to be joining HPRC and contributing to transformative solutions for healthcare plastics sustainability.”

HPRC is currently engaged in multiple initiatives aimed at enabling the recycling and circularity of healthcare plastics, including an assessment of recycling infrastructure, opportunities for labelling standardization, and developing a scalable playbook for implementing regional hospital recycling programs.

 

About HPRC

HPRC is a private technical coalition of industry peers across healthcare, recycling, and waste management industries seeking to improve the recyclability of plastic products within healthcare. Made up of more than 30 brand-leading and globally recognized members, HPRC explores ways to enhance the economics, efficiency, and ultimately the quality and quantity of healthcare plastics collected for recycling in support of a circular plastics economy. HPRC is active across the United States and Europe working with key stakeholders, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and participating in industry events and forums. For more information, visit www.hprc.org and follow HPRC on LinkedIn.

 

About Smith+Nephew

Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology business focused on the repair, regeneration and replacement of soft and hard tissue. We exist to restore people’s bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. We call this purpose ‘Life Unlimited’. Our 17,000 employees deliver this mission every day, making a difference to patients’ lives through the excellence of our product portfolio, and the invention and application of new technologies across our three global business units of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT and Advanced Wound Management.

Founded in Hull, UK, in 1856, we now operate in around 100 countries, and generated annual sales of $6.2 billion in 2025. Smith+Nephew is a constituent of the FTSE100 (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN). The terms ‘Group’ and ‘Smith+Nephew’ are used to refer to Smith & Nephew plc and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.

For more information about Smith+Nephew, please visit www.smith-nephew.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

Bob Herr| Director of Corporate Governance
John Huang, CFA| Director of Responsible Investments, Data and Technology—Responsibility
Ryan Oden| Co–Portfolio Manager and Senior Research Analyst—US Growth Equities

Our research shows a link between governance and stock returns.

Investors have long suspected that companies with poor corporate governance may be more prone to mismanagement and weak returns. Our research suggests they’re right.

Specifically, our proxy voting study shows a connection between governance and return. We think proxy voting is one of the best tools investors can use to express a view on the quality of a firm’s governance, providing it’s based on careful analysis and accountability, not a rubber stamp.

We believe that proxy voting—alongside direct engagement*—may encourage companies to improve their governance practices, which may result in better long-term outcomes. Several studies, including our own findings, have made this connection much more apparent.

The Governance-Return Nexus

In one study, professors at Harvard Law School constructed an entrenchment index, or “E-index,” based on six key governance provisions. Their findings linked poorer E-index ratings with reductions in firm valuations and returns across US equities from 1990 to 2003. Since then, the predictive power of the E-index has waned, as investors learned to more accurately price these governance risks.

More recently, S&P Global found that, between 2000 and 2017, companies in the bottom quartile of S&P Dow Jones Indices’ governance scores underperformed those in the top quintile by about 2% on an annualized basis.

Inspired by these observations and our own experience, we designed an internal study to determine if a similar association exists between our proxy-voting record and returns. We found that, on average, companies where we voted against management (VAM) on any number of proposals later underperformed those with which we were aligned. 

Standing Up for Governance—One Company at a Time

Evaluating governance isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. Our approach focuses on issues that are material to investors, backed by a willingness to vote independently of management and proxy advisors. We use a proprietary proxy-voting policy to vet each company’s alignment with our basic expectations, followed by a collaborative review process that leverages analyst expertise and engagement data. This approach enables us to incorporate company-specific insights to implement more constructive voting strategies.

When we surmise a company’s governance practices aren’t supporting our clients’ best interests, we may vote against management to signal our objection; when executive compensation is misaligned with performance, we vote against it.

Some governance issues may warrant a stance against the specific board member(s) responsible—also known as an “accountability vote.” For instance, seeing internal accounting problems, we may record our opposition to the chair of the audit committee.

Entered into Evidence, Thousands of AB Proxy Votes  

Within this backdrop, our study retraced approximately 12,000 shareholder meetings with MSCI AWCI firms between 2019 and 2025.

To help quantify a company’s degree of alignment with our governance expectations, we grouped the companies into equal-weighted baskets based on our number of VAMs. For example, zero VAMs may reflect stronger alignment based on what we believe is sound governance and oversight across the firm. One VAM indicates a single “no” vote on any of the proposed matters, from capitalization and audits to compensation and director elections. Two VAM reflects our disapproval on two such measures, and so forth.

VAMs occurred in approximately 55% of all shareholder meetings during the period, which means we pushed back—whether on minor issues or proposals of greater consequence—a majority of the time. This reflects our rigorous standards and desire to improve on the status quo. Multiple VAMs can be vital for voicing material concerns, especially if a firm’s governance has been a growing issue for several years.

We next linked our proxy votes to each company’s stock returns in the following calendar year. Companies with higher governance quality—as approximated by our proxy votes—delivered stronger absolute and risk-adjusted returns during the period studied (Display). We found that zero-VAM companies—those we fully supported—outperformed those in the other VAM baskets by 2.6% to 4.6% per year on average. We observed this trend among similarly sized peers and across most—but not all—sectors and regions. 

For the seven-year period, the zero-VAM basket delivered a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% with a 0.72 Sharpe ratio, while the three+-VAM basket delivered a 6.5% CAGR with a 0.42 Sharpe ratio.

Governance Matters: We Vote Accordingly

Proxy voting should be more than a compliance exercise. It’s a fundamental tool in active management, empowering investors to sway companies from pitfalls that can impede long-term performance. In matters of governance especially, we’ve found that well-thought-out proxy votes can improve business decisions, from leadership and disclosures to compensation and capitalization.

Landon Shea, Investment Stewardship Associate and Research Lead, and Peter Højsteen-Ljungbeck, ESG Data Research Analyst at AB, were instrumental in the research that formed the basis for this blog.

*AB engages issuers where it believes the engagement is in the best interest of its clients.

MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI.

The views expressed herein do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations, do not necessarily represent the views of all AB portfolio-management teams and are subject to change over time.

Learn more about AB’s approach to responsibility here.