Category Archives: Annual reports

Client’s annual report garners marketing award

By Richard Ketchen | Published: November 8, 2011
How big can we dream? That was the question First Calgary Financial used to underpin the theme for its 2010 annual report. Significantly, it was also a question embedded in the credit union’s new strategic plan. The annual report theme was selected to help stakeholders understand the organization’s direction and bring to life operational and [...]
Also posted in Corporate reporting, Messaging strategy, Strategic messaging | Leave a comment

What makes a great annual report?

By Richard Ketchen | Published: October 19, 2011
Asking an investor what makes a good annual report is like asking somebody what makes a good pizza. Some enjoy the simplicity of a thin, crispy crust topped with only tomato sauce and cheese. Others prefer thick-crusted varieties capable of supporting a shopping-cart load of toppings. What’s the secret sauce for annual reports? Like good [...]
Also posted in Corporate reporting, Integrated reporting, Messaging strategy, Narrative structure, Plain language, Stakeholder communication, Strategic messaging | Leave a comment

Exchanges: Remarkable news and quotes

By Richard Ketchen | Published: August 16, 2011
Study calls for truer account of performance. Major investors ask companies to embrace ESG issues. Hybrid annual reports on the rise.
Also posted in CSR reporting, Corporate reporting, Integrated reporting, Stakeholder communication | Leave a comment

3 tips for simplifying your annual report

By Richard Ketchen | Published: June 20, 2011
Complexity is unavoidable in today’s ever more complicated and sophisticated business environment. Much of the complexity in corporate reporting, however, is created by the sheer volume of disclosure. The solution? Thoughtful reduction to achieve simplicity.
Also posted in Communication strategy, Corporate reporting, Plain language | Leave a comment

5 ways to improve annual report narrative

By Richard Ketchen | Published: May 9, 2011
Annual reporting season has finally and mercifully come to an end for most companies.  The cost of this exercise? Just for Form 10-K, the SEC estimated that companies chalk up 4 million hours of staff time and 12 million hours of outside advisor time, which, at $300 per hour, amounts to $3.6 billion. And that [...]
Also posted in Financial writing, Messaging strategy, Plain language, Stakeholder communication, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Exchanges: Remarkable news and quotes

By Richard Ketchen | Published: May 6, 2011
Benefits of integrated reporting. Transparency is not about giving away secrets.
Also posted in Corporate reporting, Integrated reporting, Stakeholder communication | Leave a comment

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 [...]
Also posted in Corporate reporting, Financial communication, Financial writing, Integrated reporting, Plain language | Leave a comment

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.
Also posted in Communication strategy, Corporate reporting, Plain language, Stakeholder communication | Leave a comment

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 [...]
Also posted in Communication strategy, Corporate reporting, Stakeholder communication | Leave a comment

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).
Also posted in Corporate reporting, Stakeholder communication | Leave a comment