US Executive Compensation Proxy SEC Filings — March 19, 2026
Across 50 DEF 14A filings, a dominant theme is robust 2025 performance highlighted in 17 positive/mixed sentiment proxies (e.g., revenue records at Vericel +20% CAGR, Occidental $10.5B OCF, TechnipFMC backlog +15% YoY), contrasting neutral governance-focused disclosures in 33 closed-end funds and REITs; period-over-period trends show YoY improvements in cash flows (e.g., TechnipFMC FCF +113%), dividends (Aflac +5.2%, BorgWarner +55%), and buybacks ($3.5B at Aflac), with rare declines like Aflac net earnings -29.2% YoY and Tronox 60% dividend cut. Capital allocation leans shareholder-friendly with $4.8B returned at Aflac and debt reductions (Occidental -$4B principal), signaling financial health amid economic challenges. Board refreshments are common (e.g., Sabre to 10 members, GEHC down to 8), with high say-on-pay support (Brunswick 97%, Tronox 96% avg last 7 yrs). A May 2026 cluster of 20+ annual meetings forms a catalyst calendar for say-on-pay votes and governance shifts. Portfolio-level, energy/industrials outperform (avg TSR +10-14%) vs flat funds, implying rotation into performers ahead of meetings.