> is a public company so they have to keep the investors and the board happy No. The US courts have held that company managers have wide latitude in how they p

> is a public company so they have to keep the investors and the board happy No. The US courts have held that company managers have wide latitude in how they perform their duties. Managers don't have to do anything in particular, since you know, they were hired to manage the company. They do not have have to "maximize shareholder profit" as HN commenters always say. Having said that, the board or large shareholders (more than 5%, or a large group of shareholders) could influence mgmt. if they wanted to either via the board or the courts. But the onus is on them, not mgmt., to make that effort.