An online annual report is a detailed online report where companies share their activities throughout the closed year. The purpose of the online annual report is to provide information about the operations and financial performance of the company. This information is mainly interesting for stakeholders, users, or potential investors.
There are a few topics that should be included in your online annual report. For example, a business profile, the financial statements, a letter from the CEO, performance highlights, and the outlook for future years.
The section of the business profile could be used to share the mission and vision of your company, details of board members and the products and/or services that your company offers.
The financial statement in your online annual report gives the reader an inside of this financial performance of your company. These statements in your online annual report usually contain a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. By using charts and graphs a clear financial position could be created of your company.
Also, the letter of the CEO is an important component of your online annual report. This letter is intended for the shareholders of your company. Here is where the CEO provides a summary of the performances.
Next are the performance highlights. Here is where the company’s key achievements are being displayed. For example, the goals the company has reached, key decisions, etc. This part is of importance to keep your shareholders updated and pleased.
An annual report is usually also the moment to share the view of the future. This again is interesting for shareholders to provide them information about future objectives and goals.
You want to have a professional image towards your reader. This can be done by first maintaining a decent written language. By adopting a consistent written language, color, and layout you make it more pleasant to read.
The use of appealing infographics also often appeals to the reader. A good infographic provides data and offers analyses or interpretations. Sometimes it is easier to share information via an infographic to get the message across than to write it out.
Adding a video can also have a positive effect in your online annual report. Many companies choose to write gigantic texts containing all the information. Many people don't have time for this these days. With a concise video you make sure that you have shared all the necessary information within minutes.