Beyond financial numbers

The need to present investors with meaningful business commentary is greater during periods of extreme disruption like the one we are going through than when it's business as usual

As economic activity restarts after an extended lockdown it will be time for companies to present their annual report card to shareholders. The challenge of getting high-quality financial information to investors has been partially dealt with by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in its various guidance notes. Once auditors sign-off on financial results, companies will hold virtual shareholder meetings — now permitted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to bring closure to the financial year. All this will be eased by the various related deadline extensions granted by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and the MCA.