Public companies hold an annual meeting once a year. During the meeting, members of the board of directors are elected, the selection of an auditor is voted on, and shareholders may bring forth other issues. Shareholders unable to attend may vote through a proxy, which may be mailed in or transmitted over the Internet or telephone. In an annual meeting, the chief executive officer or chief financial officer typically will discuss the companyÂ’s performance during the last year as well as its outlook.