Annual report

An annual report is a document that provides a detailed overview of a company’s financial performance, operations, and activities over the course of a year.

Here are the key components of an annual report:

1. Financial statements: These show the company’s financial health, including income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity.
2. Management discussion and analysis (MD&A): This part is written by the company’s management and provides insights into financial results, trends, challenges, and future plans.
3. Business overview: This section gives an in-depth look at the company’s operations. It may cover its industry, products or services, market trends, competition, and strategic initiatives.
4. Corporate governance: This part outlines the company’s structure, policies, and procedures that guide its decision-making processes. 
5. Auditor’s report: This is an external assessment of financial statements’ accuracy and fairness.
6. Letter to shareholders: Often written by the CEO or Chairman, this letter provides a summary of the company’s performance, highlights key achievements, and outlines the strategic direction.
7. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR): A section on the company’s efforts related to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate citizenship.
8. Market performance and stock information: This section includes data on the company’s stock performance, trading volumes, and other relevant market data.
9. Visuals and graphics: Annual reports often incorporate charts, graphs, and images to illustrate key points.
10. Footnotes and disclosures: Offers extra context on specific financial figures and practices, including accounting methods and liabilities.

Annual reports serve multiple purposes. They inform shareholders and potential investors about the company’s financial health and performance. They also act as a communication tool for stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, customers, and regulatory authorities. Moreover, they provide a historical record that can be used for benchmarking and analysis in subsequent years.