Pointer and Proxy

noun

• A mark to indicate a direction or relation.
  • synonyms: arrow
• An indicator as on a dial.
• Computer science) indicator consisting of a movable spot of light (an icon) on a visual display; moving it allows the user to point to commands or screen positions.
  • synonyms: cursor
• A strong slender smooth-haired dog of Spanish origin having a white coat with brown or black patches; scents out and points to game.
  • synonyms: Spanish pointer

• (n.) The two stars (Merak and Dubhe) in the Great Bear, the line between which points nearly in the direction of the north star.
• (n.) One who or that which, points.
• (n.) The hand of a timepiece.
• (n.) Diagonal braces sometimes fixed across the hold.
• (n.) One of a breed of dogs trained to stop at scent of game, and with the nose point it out to sportsmen.

noun

• A person authorized to act for another.
  • synonyms: placeholder, procurator
• A power of attorney document given by shareholders of a corporation authorizing a specific vote on their behalf at a corporate meeting. .

• (n.) The person who is substituted or deputed to act or vote for another.
• (n.) A writing by which one person authorizes another to vote in his stead, as in a corporation meeting.
• (n.) The written appointment of a proctor in suits in the ecclesiastical courts.
• (n.) The agency for another who acts through the agent; authority to act for another, especially to vote in a legislative or corporate capacity.
• (v.i.) To act or vote by proxy; to do anything by the agency of another.
• (n.) See Procuration.

If you own common stock in a US corporation, you have the right to vote on company policies and to elect the company's board of directors. You may vote in person at the annual meeting or authorize the board to vote on your behalf using an absentee ballot, or' Proxy', which you can submit by mail or, increasingly often, by telephone or over the Internet. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires each company to provide a proxy statement, which describes the issues being voted on and introduces the candidates for director. The proxy also reports the total compensation of the company's top five executives, as well as the company's stock performance in relation to Standard & Poor's 500-stock Index (S&P 500) and to comparable companies in the industry.