A DIFFERENT (SLIGHTLY CONTRARIAN) PERSPECTIVE ON AGM QUESTIONS...

A DIFFERENT (SLIGHTLY CONTRARIAN) PERSPECTIVE ON AGM QUESTIONS ...

Forums such as HC are open & accessible to all - 24/7
Forums such as a Company’s AGM obviously occur only once a year & usually for a relatively brief time.

HC discussions (even those about AGM questions) are therefore accessible to Company reps well in advance of any AGM & therefore effectively provide ‘questions on notice’. This can be of benefit to both sides of the Q&A, yet is mainly to the advantage of the Company.

However, there can be also potential benefit and advantage to shareholders of ‘questions without notice’.
IMHO much can be learnt from careful observation of the manner in which answers are offered at an AGM (not just the answer/s provided) ... ie. who answers, if (s)he defers/refers to other office bearers, the body language of Company reps, if answers are provided to questions that are not asked rather than those that are, performance under pressure, etc, etc.

A well crafted AGM ‘question without notice’ can create the crucible within which dross can become quickly apparent &/or the precious quality of good management is allowed to shine. Such a dynamic is only really possible in the time-limited forum of an AGM where all can hear the question & see/hear the response - ie not necessarily in personal correspondence / conversations with management, nor where Company reps have advance knowledge of the question.

Question formulation & asking can be both an art & a science (aka a ‘skill’ developed by great teachers, barristers, etc). There is therefore much potential benefit to be derived from taking the time & trouble to research & refine an appropriate question - something which Dianne is encouraging us to do. IMHO, asking a question can be like releasing an arrow - it’s aim can’t be adjusted after the fact ... only followed up with other attempts ... an AGM usually doesn’t allow for numerous shots at a questioner’s targeted info.

As excellent questions are already being formulated in this public forum, I wonder if there might also be benefit / advantage of other questions being developed privately to be asked ‘without notice’ should there be such an opportunity in this year’s peculiar virtual AGM. A archer can’t fire an arrow if there is none in his/her quiver.

Finally, I (like others) don’t ever like to be ‘blindsided’ or ‘ambushed’ by a skilful questioner &/or strategic questions ... nevertheless, if such questions are asked in good faith & with polite respect they are entitled to be answered, even if awkward!