When must a public company hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM)?

A public company is required to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) each financial year, which must take place no more than six months after the accounting reference date. This legal requirement ensures that shareholders have the opportunity to receive important updates, discuss company performance, and make significant decisions collectively, including the approval of financial statements and the election of directors.

The timing of the AGM is critical in maintaining transparency and accountability within the company, allowing shareholders to engage with management and exercise their voting rights. Failure to hold the AGM within the stipulated timeframe can lead to regulatory issues and tarnish the company’s reputation.

Other options, while they may hint at different frequencies or conditions for meetings, do not align with the mandatory regulations set for public companies. Holding an AGM at the discretion of the company would undermine the need for regular shareholder engagement. Meeting every three months suggests a frequency that is more suited to quarterly reports rather than the annual framework established for AGMs. Holding the meeting twice a year does not fulfill the legal obligation of a single annual meeting, and would not suffice under corporate governance norms.