> as a publicly held company they're required to pursue the best return possible to investors. Stepping up to pay a tax that's not legally required would violat

> as a publicly held company they're required to pursue the best return possible to investors. Stepping up to pay a tax that's not legally required would violate that duty. There are lots of circumstances where paying extra taxes could boost long-term shareholder returns, so your conclusion doesn't follow. The classic example is where there's the threat of onerous legislation being introduced unless a 'voluntary' code of conduct is adopted.