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Let's Look at Alphabet's 2026 Proxy Statement

5/15/2026 pdw

Below is linked Alphabet's proxy statement. No need to read it, but let's look at the sections.

  1. First is a letter from the CEO and the board chair, then a letter from the board chair. This is common among public companies. 
  2. Next we find the logistical information about the meeting. Where it is held, when and how to vote.
  3. Scroll a few pages down to the section discussing the directors. This highlights their experience and qualifications.
  4. Scroll further to the voting matters and recommendations. Because Google is so well known, they receive lots of shareholder proposals. Which shareholder proposals does management recommend the shareholders support? Why do you think that is?
  5. CTRL-F to the "summary compensation table." Without reading all of this, what catches your eye? Compare their cash compensation to their total compensation. Why do you think they use this structure? What incentives does it create for managment?
  6. Jump to the last two pages. These are the proxy cards. Read the text on the last page. This allows the shareholder to authorize the managers listed to vote the shareholder's shares.