The main difference between a proxy statement vs. an annual report is their intended audience and use. Proxy statements are intended for shareholders with voting rights, while annual reports are for anyone following the company.

Financial information can be found on the company's web page in Investor Relations where Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other company reports are often kept. The SEC has financial filings electronically available beginning in 1993/1994 free on their website. See EDGAR: Company Filings.

Verifying financial reports is effectively done by scrutinizing their sources to ensure credibility and reliability. This includes examining audited financial statements and cross-referencing information from various sources for a comprehensive assessment.