How to Write a Corporate Annual Report
Generally, a corporate annual report covers an account of the corporation's performance for the previous year with an outlook for the future. The report includes financial information, production, proposals and projections. The annual report can include challenges, successes, failures and recommendations, all according to the report format of the particular corporation. Write a detailed report to meet the research needs of all your target audiences--shareholders, portfolio managers, investors, board of directors, employees and the public. Ensure that the information is valid, well supported with relevant data and covers all necessary topic areas. Write simply and clearly, avoiding technical jargon where possible.
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Things You'll Need
- Opening message
- Financial data
- Production data
- Departments' performance data/projections
- Personnel data
- Auditor's report
Instructions
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1
Place the message from the chairman or chief executive officer in the front of the report. Ensure that it includes insights on how the company performed during the previous year, mentions major achievements and provides an outlook for the future performance of the corporation.
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2
Include all headings and sub-headings in the order of appearance with relevant page numbers. Update page numbers as you make changes/additions. For online reports, format headings in the table of contents with hyperlinks to the relevant pages.
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Write a statement that clearly outlines the content, limitations, purpose and uses of the report. Have a legal officer revise to ensure the statement includes all necessary details. The statement may have the title: "Forward-Looking Statement." Check previous reports of the particular corporation to confirm consistency in title and content.
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4
Present the financial data with an introductory comprehensive summary section. Add a detailed overview of each financial reporting area. Illustrate each overview with tables, graphs and charts as necessary. Keep lengthy detailed data tables for the appendix section.
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Write a summary section of key production results. Include shortfalls and projections. Under key production areas, write appropriate details. Illustrate with graphs, charts and tables.
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6
Summarize developments within major departments. List goals, accomplishments and future plans.
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Summarize personnel data by departments. Mention employment reduction, new arrivals and projections for the upcoming reporting period. Include training completed during the reporting period and future plans. Create a visual representation, such as a chart showing employment figures at a glance.
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Describe the goals of the corporation for the next reporting period. Mention upcoming projects with rationale for pursuing new areas. Include anticipated developments, results and predictions.
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Summarize main areas covered in the report. Include major accomplishments, challenges and predictions.
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10
Include a signed copy of the auditor's report. Place this before the appendix or according to the policy of the corporation.
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Place detailed financial and production data tables in this section of the report. Include any sub-reports and other documents necessary for the support of key areas.
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Tips & Warnings
Provide reporting guidelines for submission by department heads at least six months in advance.
Prepare an executive summary as a separate document that includes the highlights of the main report but written in less technical jargon and with fewer details.
