Proxy statement (DEF 14A)

A proxy statement is an official document a company sends to shareholders before their annual meeting, asking them to vote on important decisions they can't attend in person. The SEC calls it a DEF 14A filing. You'll encounter this when a company wants shareholder approval on things like electing board members, executive pay, or major policy changes. It matters because it's your chance to have a say in how the company is run—even if you can't show up to the meeting. For example, TechCorp Inc. might send you a proxy statement asking whether you approve giving the CEO a new stock bonus package. Reading it helps you understand what's really happening behind the scenes at companies you own.