Author Archives: Richard Ketchen

Telling the story behind the numbers

By Richard Ketchen | Published: April 4, 2011
Love it or hate it, management’s discussion and analysis, or simply the MD&A, provides a window on details behind earnings and other key performance numbers. But is the MD&A a bastion of storytelling and plain language? Probably not. So how can you capture a reader’s attention and communicate clearly and effectively in the MD&A? The [...]
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Wise words and plain language from Warren Buffett

By Richard Ketchen | Published: March 2, 2011
Warren Buffett, legendary investor and Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, recently released that company’s 2010 annual report. His famously open and honest shareholder letters first appeared in 1977. The letters are a must-read for anybody who communicates in writing with stakeholders.
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Is your annual report squeaky clean?

By Richard Ketchen | Published: February 17, 2011
“A DECENT annual report is becoming like a hygiene factor—it’s like washing your teeth on a daily basis.” That was the answer of one European corporate finance executive to the question, What makes a good annual report? So in addition to being transparent, your annual report also needs the same care and attention as your [...]
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Exchanges: Remarkable news and quotes

By Richard Ketchen | Published: January 11, 2011
Keeping annual reports simple. The future of narrative reporting. Photos can speak louder than words.
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How to manage the annual report tug-of-war

By Richard Ketchen | Published: November 29, 2010
If it hasn’t already started, it will be in full swing within a few weeks. I’m referring to the tug-of-war that takes place during the planning and production of an annual report. This contest usually features two teams: left-brainers (the logic and finance folks) versus right-brainers (the intuitive and creative types).
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Exchanges: Remarkable news and quotes

By Richard Ketchen | Published: November 8, 2010
Undressing for success. Accountants say less reporting provides more insight. Canadian regulators, meanwhile, want more reporting.
Posted in CSR reporting, Integrated reporting, Stakeholder communication | Leave a comment

Monster annual reports: Frankenstein’s still alive

By Richard Ketchen | Published: October 26, 2010
When the 2006 annual report from Hong Kong banking giant HSBC thudded onto the doorsteps of shareholders, the 458-page beast weighed in at 1.47 kilos or 3.2 pounds. The monster report was so heavy that the UK’s Royal Mail limited the number its workers were allowed to carry, to prevent back injuries. Pundits, meanwhile, claimed [...]
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Exchanges: Remarkable news and quotes

By Richard Ketchen | Published: September 24, 2010
The new corporate reputation. Numbers versus a good story. Making annual reports more readable.
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Annual reports: Bridging gaps or burning bridges?

By Richard Ketchen | Published: August 1, 2010
Like it or not, every company has communication gaps. Gaps exist between promises and performance, and between perception and reality, among others. Now, a new gap is developing between disclosure and understanding.
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If money talks, let it speak clearly

By Richard Ketchen | Published: July 15, 2010
NASA’s latest rocket took a six-minute test flight last month. The Ares I-X is the longest rocket ever built at 327 feet. It’s part of NASA’s plan to send astronauts on a 238,857-mile journey to the moon by 2020. What’s that got to do with business and financial communication? Well, some wag, usually a politician, [...]
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