Verizon Shareholder Proposal on Open Internet Issues Receives Support from Leading Proxy Advisor ISS

A shareholder proposal asking Verizon Communications to issue a report about the risks confronting the company because of its positions on net neutrality and open Internet issues has received support from the leading advisor to institutional investors. The shareholder proposal can be voted on by Verizon shareholders either by proxy over the next two weeks, or in person at the company's annual meeting on May 2. ISS Proxy Advisory Services issued a FOR recommendation to its clients in support of the proposal, concluding:

"Given the public and sensitive nature of net neutrality and open Internet issues, shareholders would benefit from additional, specific information about how Verizon is managing these public policy concerns. Providing such information would not be unduly burdensome and could help shareholders assess the company's management of potential risks related to these issues. Therefore, this proposal merits shareholder support."