How often must public companies hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM)?

Public companies are required to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) once a year, and this meeting must take place within six months after the end of their financial year. This requirement ensures that shareholders have the opportunity to receive essential information about the company’s performance and future plans, as well as to exercise their voting rights on critical corporate matters.

Holding the AGM within this timeline provides shareholders with timely and relevant information after the financial reports are available, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their investment. It also fulfills regulatory requirements set out by company law, which aim to promote transparency and accountability in corporate governance.

The other options do not align with legal obligations for public companies regarding AGMs: holding meetings every six months or every two years would breach the requirements, and quarterly meetings, while beneficial for communication, are not mandated as part of annual governance structures.