A dialogue between two friends at a meeting
Khalid : Now gentlemen, the next thing on the agenda is Finance. It think we've all seen the annual statement? You'll find a copy in front of you, I believe.
Moazzam : May I point out, Mr. President they haven't been audited yet.
Atif : Well with respect there hasn't been time.
Moazzam : No, No, of course not, I appreciate that. I was just making sure we all realized it.
Omar : I would have thought that an UN-audited statement could still form a basis of discussion, Mr. President.
Khalid : Oh, yes, I think so. Although I think it is certainly in order to point out that they are in fact un-audited.
Atif : Yes. However, I assure you, Mr. President, that our accounts department can be relied upon to avoid errors in the annual statement.
Khalid : Well, gentlemen, I think we can proceed then. Any points you want to raise on the statement?
Moazzam : Yes, Mr. President. This is really a question of general policy. Now this has been a very good year. Profits are good.
Atif : They're not as good as last year. I'd like to make one or two observations on that.
Khalid : Yes, Mr. Atif. Although with respect I feel we should first consider what Mr. Moazzam was in the middle of saying.
Atif : I meant when Mr. Moazzam had finished, Mr. President.
Khalid : Mr. Moazzam...
Omar : I would support Mr. Moazzam there, Mr. President. I feel the market is so vast and the possibilities for expansion so great that we should take advantage of it.
Atif : The only problem here is that we'll find it difficult to raise new capital if we lower our dividend. A reduced dividend might well discourage new investment.
Moazzam : I wasn't suggesting a substantial reduction.
Atif : But it's doubtful whether devoting a larger proportion of profits to reinvestment would lead to a greater increase in our annual investment figures.
Moazzam : With all due respect, Mr. Chairman, I would point out.
Khalid : Now gentlemen. Maid: Excuse me, sir. Can I bring in the tea? Ah, yes. Perhaps this is a good moment for a break, gentlemen.
Comments