AGM season wrap-up: Key takeaways and best practices for future success

• This year’s AGM season highlighted the importance of using annual meetings as strategic engagement opportunities rather than mere formalities.
• Companies that excelled focused on thorough preparation, clear communication, and transparent post-meeting follow-up to strengthen relationships with shareholders.
• Going forward, prioritising investor engagement and accountability can make AGMs even more valuable as forums for alignment and growth.

 

As AGM (Annual General Meeting) season wraps up, it’s time to reflect on what worked well and how companies can elevate their approach in the coming years. AGMs provide a unique opportunity to engage with shareholders, align on key decisions, and project a clear vision for the future.

Consider some key takeaways and best practices observed this season that your business can carry forward to enhance the impact of your AGMs.

1. AGMs as engagement hubs, not just formalities

AGMs are not just about fulfilling annual requirements—they’re strategic touchpoints for connecting with shareholders. This season, successful companies emphasised investor engagement by:

• Promoting attendance and accessibility. Inviting key shareholders and encouraging their attendance made the meeting feel less procedural and more like a collaborative forum. A welcoming environment and opportunities to interact with the leadership team often lead to more meaningful conversations and a better shareholder experience.
  
  
• Clear communication of value and vision. Companies that effectively conveyed their past accomplishments and future goals left a lasting impact on shareholders. The CEO’s and chair’s presentations were particularly impactful when they focused on real results and the road ahead.

AGMs as engagement hubs, not just formalities.

2. Preparation makes perfect

A well-executed AGM starts months in advance. This season underscored the importance of detailed planning, with high-performing companies taking the following steps:

• Identifying contentious issues early. Some resolutions, like additional share placements or executive compensation, can be divisive. Companies that anticipated and addressed potential objections before the meeting managed to keep the focus on overall strategy rather than isolated disagreements.
  
  
• Preparing for shareholder Q&A. Shareholders often come with questions on both the voting agenda and the broader business direction. By prepping executives with thorough Q&A planning, companies ensured that their leadership could address concerns confidently and transparently.

3. Post-meeting follow-up is essential

The importance of post-AGM engagement was a common theme this year. After the meeting, companies that quickly shared voting results and engaged with shareholders—particularly those who voted against resolutions—set a high bar for transparency and accountability. This approach showed a commitment to continuous improvement and shareholder satisfaction, both crucial for long-term trust.

Preparation makes perfect.

4. Why shareholders value attending AGMs

AGMs are often one of the only times shareholders get direct interaction with the board and executives. Shareholders appreciate the chance to:

• Ask questions directly. In-person meetings offer unique insights through face-to-face conversations and body language that aren’t available through written reports or updates.
  
  
• Stay informed on company direction. Seeing the CEO’s presentation on anticipated challenges and growth areas helps shareholders feel more connected to the business’ vision and better prepared for the year ahead.
  
  

Looking ahead: Making next year’s AGM even better

Moving beyond this AGM season, companies can continue to refine their approach:

• Prioritise engagement over formality. Think of AGMs as strategic forums, not just formal checkboxes. Increasing investor engagement before, during, and after the meeting can enhance relationships and provide valuable feedback for future growth.
  
  
• Commit to transparency. Openly communicating voting outcomes and following up with shareholders who have concerns builds trust and strengthens corporate governance.

Shareholders value attending AGMs.

By transforming AGMs from annual obligations into dynamic engagement opportunities, companies can foster stronger connections with their shareholders and set the stage for sustained growth and alignment. Here’s to building on this season’s successes and making next year’s AGMs even more impactful.

Team up with the pros

For your AGMs and online IR, we can help optimise your investor website and news delivery, just like we’ve done for many ASX-listed companies here. Get in touch with us today on +61 2 8705 5444 or clientrelations@irmau.com and be on your way to better investor engagement.