AGMs for retail investors: how to make the most of them
Annual General Meetings (AGMs) aren’t just for big institutions and fund managers. If you’re a retail investor, an AGM is one of the few chances you get to hear directly from the people running the company you’ve invested in—and to have your say.
Whether you’ve never attended an AGM before or you’ve dialled into a few over the years, this guide breaks down what AGMs are, why they matter, and how retail investors can get real value from them.
What is an AGM?
An AGM is a yearly meeting where a public company meets with its shareholders. It’s required by law for most listed companies.
At an AGM, the company will usually:
Share an update on performance and strategy
Present financial results
Ask shareholders to vote on key decisions, like board appointments and executive pay
Answer questions from investors
In short, it’s where accountability happens.
Why AGMs matter for retail investors
Retail investors often feel a step removed from company decisions. AGMs help close that gap.
They give you:
Direct access to information — straight from management, not filtered through headlines
A voice — your vote counts, especially when combined with other retail shareholders
Context — numbers make more sense when you hear the story behind them
AGMs are one of the few moments where all shareholders — large and small — are on the same footing.
Preparing for an AGM (without overthinking it)
You don’t need to be a finance expert to get value from an AGM. A bit of prep goes a long way.
1. Skim the agenda
The agenda tells you what’s being voted on and discussed. Focus on items that matter to you — board changes, pay structures, or major company decisions.
2. Read the highlights, not everything
Annual reports can be long. That’s fine. Look for:
The CEO or Chair’s letter
A summary of financial performance
Any big changes from last year
You’re looking for direction and clarity, not every line item.
3. Decide what you care about
You don’t need ten questions. One good question is enough. Think:
Is the company doing what it said it would do?
Are incentives aligned with performance?
What risks aren’t being talked about?
What it’s like to attend an AGM
AGMs today are more accessible than ever. Many are hybrid or fully online, which makes it easier for retail investors to attend without travel.
Once you’re registered, you can:
Listen to management presentations
Submit questions (often in advance or live)
Vote on resolutions
If you ask a question, keep it clear and respectful. You’re more likely to get a straight answer — and other investors will thank you for it.
Asking questions: what works best
Good AGM questions are simple and specific.
For example:
“What’s the main focus for the next 12 months?”
“What would success look like this time next year?”
“What’s the biggest risk shareholders should be aware of?”
You don’t need to make a speech. Clear questions lead to clear answers.
Voting: why it matters
It’s easy to skip voting, especially if you hold a small number of shares. But voting is one of the most direct ways retail investors influence outcomes.
Votes can affect:
Who sits on the board
How executives are paid
Whether major changes go ahead
When retail investors participate consistently, companies notice.
After the AGM: don’t switch off
The AGM isn’t the end of the conversation.
Afterwards:
Review the outcomes and voting results
Watch how the company follows through on what it said
Use what you learned to guide future decisions
Over time, this builds confidence and sharper judgement as an investor.
Why AGMs are worth your time
AGMs won’t tell you everything. But they tell you a lot — especially about how a company communicates, listens, and shows up for its shareholders.
For retail investors, they’re one of the clearest windows into:
Leadership quality
Transparency
Long-term thinking
You don’t need to attend every AGM. But attending the ones that matter to you can change how connected — and confident — you feel as an investor.
AGMs are there for you. You might as well use them.