Good Thursday morning. (Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.)

Corporate America is still seeking its purpose

Many of the country’s biggest companies said last month that their mission wasn’t just to make profits. But not all business leaders agree — and, as Andrew points out in the latest DealBook special section, that reflects an existential divide for USA Inc.

In one corner: nearly 200 C.E.O.s who committed to leading their companies for “the benefit of all stakeholders — customers, employees, suppliers, communities and shareholders.” They include Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase, Alex Gorsky of Johnson & Johnson, and Ginni Rometty of IBM.

In the other corner:

• Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who told Andrew at last week’s DealBook/DC Strategy Forum, “I wouldn’t have signed it.” His rationale: “To be profitable, you have to have a purpose.”

• Steve Schwarzman of Blackstone, who said on Monday, “I know why we’re in business: because people give us money to manage.”