While August is the time when mutual fund companies file their proxy votes with the
But so far, one company that ranks as one of the biggest defenders of shareholders is
The company's criteria on the stock options issue is that if issuing additional stock or restricted shares would increase the total issuance by more than 1.67%, it will vote it down. It's a far lower benchmark than many other fund companies, such as
"The trustees are dedicated to promoting strong corporate governance practices and responsible corporate action at companies in which the Putnam Funds invest," said John Hill, who heads up the company's independent trustees.