How can I obtain a copy of a company's annual proxy statement?

A company is required to file its annual proxy statement with the SEC no later than the date proxy materials are first sent or given to shareholders. You can see this filing by using the SEC's database, known as EDGAR. To access the EDGAR database, go to the SEC's web site - www.sec.gov - and find the section entitled "Filings and Forms (EDGAR)." Click on "Search for Company Filings." When you get to the screen entitled "Search EDGAR Database," click on "Companies and Other Filers." Then enter the name of the company and then click "Find Companies." Select the appropriate company to view its SEC filings.

To view the annual proxy statement, select the most recent filing that has the title "DEF 14A." It's called a "DEF 14A" because it's the "definitive," or final, proxy statement. "14A" refers to the fact that proxy statements are filed pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.