Proxy Statement
A regulatory filing distributed to shareholders that provides information necessary to vote at a shareholder meeting, prepared in accordance with SEC disclosure requirements.
Full Definition
A proxy statement (filed with the SEC as Form DEF 14A for definitive filings) is a document distributed to shareholders in advance of an annual or special meeting. It details matters to be voted on — such as director elections, executive compensation, and shareholder proposals — and provides disclosures required under SEC Regulation 14A. The transfer agent plays a role in distributing proxy materials to registered shareholders and coordinating with the proxy solicitor. Editors must ensure that the proxy statement uses consistent terminology throughout, particularly regarding record date, meeting date, and vote thresholds.
Usage
Usage note: The SEC filing label is 'DEF 14A' (definitive) or 'PRE 14A' (preliminary). Do not refer to the filing simply as 'proxy' without context. Lowercase in general use; capitalise when referring to the specific document.
In Context
- "The proxy statement must be filed with the SEC no later than 40 days before the annual meeting." — SEC Compliance Checklist
- "An editor reviewing a proxy statement should verify that all director biography dates are consistent with the company's Form 10-K." — Editorial Training Manual