DEF 14A
Also known as: proxy statement · definitive proxy
DEFINITION
The DEF 14A is the SEC's name for the definitive version of the proxy statement issued ahead of an annual or special shareholder meeting. It discloses board nominees, executive compensation, related-party transactions, the auditor proposal, and every item shareholders will vote on. 'DEF' distinguishes it from PRE 14A (preliminary) and DEFA14A (additional materials filed after).
WHY IT MATTERS FOR RETAIL INVESTORS
DEF 14A is where executive pay, board independence, and shareholder proposals live in detail — far more than what shows up in a 10-K. If you care about governance, ESG voting, or insider conflicts, this is your annual document. Read the Compensation Discussion & Analysis section before annual earnings; it explains what incentives are pulling the CEO this year.
How to Read a DEF 14A: The Proxy Statement Guide →
A retail investor's guide to the SEC DEF 14A proxy statement. Executive compensation, board nominees, say-on-pay, related-party transactions — what to read and what to skip.
OFFICIAL SEC SOURCE
https://www.sec.gov/answers/proxyhtf.htm ↗RELATED TERMS
See DEF 14A in a real filing
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