Caterpillar Investors Reject Lobbying Transparency Proposals

Caterpillar Inc. shareholders on Wednesday voted against proposals asking the company to provide more information to investors about its lobbying activities.

One proposal, brought by shareholder Myra Young, asked Caterpillar to disclose its direct and indirect lobbying. The proposal sought information about payments to trade associations and social welfare organizations, as well as the amounts paid for lobbying.

“Caterpillar’s lack of disclosure presents reputational risks when its lobbying contradicts company public positions,” the proposal said.

Caterpillar said its preliminary results showed all the shareholder proposals failed, but it didn’t provide details of the votes.

The heavy equipment maker ...