But everything they're doing is to get large Wall Street funds to invest heavily so that the stock price goes up, thus allowing them to cash in stock options for millions. It's not for nothing they have quarterly meetings with Wall Street firms. The atmosphere is cordial but very pointed questions are asked of them. The Board of Directors decides how much in stock options to give corporate officers as an incentive to perform. The officers then do all the "dirty work" that increases profits. The extra profits increase the dividends that attract Wall Street. They buy heavily, the share price is driven up, stock options are exercised, and everyone is happy except the rank-and-file who are left wearing barrels. The actual salaries of corporate officers are peanuts compared to what they can make in options. So yes, they are beholden to Wall Street. Maybe Fred S not so much, but better believe the V.P.'s and Directors care very much about pleasing Wall Street.