Proxy statement (DEF 14A)

A proxy statement (officially called a DEF 14A) is a document a company sends to shareholders before their annual meeting, explaining what they'll vote on and giving shareholders a chance to vote remotely if they can't attend in person. You'll encounter this filing when a company wants your approval on things like electing board members, executive pay, or major business decisions. It matters because it's your chance to have a say in how the company is run—even if you own just a few shares. For example, TechCorp Inc. might send you a proxy statement asking you to vote on whether to approve a $5 million bonus for the CEO. The SEC requires these filings to keep everything transparent and fair.