annual general meeting

annual general meeting (AGM)

a compulsory general meeting of a company required under the Companies Acts; this is in addition to any other meetings in that year. The annual general meeting must be designated as such in the notices calling it. It is at the annual general meeting that dividends are decided. The company's accounts are considered and the directors' and auditor's reports are put before the shareholders. It is the occasion when directors are appointed in place of those retiring and where their remuneration and conditions are fixed. The annual general meeting is an important safeguard for shareholders since it is the one occasion when they can be sure of having an opportunity to question directors on the accounts, on their report and on the company's condition and prospects.