The University of
Oklahoma

Professional English


Online Course

Annual Reports

This unit is designed to provide you with information needed to prepare annual reports.


Professional English Menu

Home Page
Required Work
Unit 1:  Eight Steps to Effective Writing
Unit 2:  Effective Business Letters / Format / Style / Organization
Unit 3:  Grammar and Style Review
Unit 4:  Resumes
Unit 5:  Proposals
Unit 6:  Business Information and Research
Unit 7:  Annual Reports



Other Resources

Business Week Online
New York Times
Forbes
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Company Annual Reports
Report Gallery
Small Business Administration's Office of International Trade
Fortune
Elements of a Grant Proposal
Search Engine



Unit Overview

Learning Objectives
   
-- understand the purpose of annual reports
   -- be able to identify and draft key sections
   -- know where to find samples online, and understand the design considerations

Purposes of Annual Reports
  -- disclosure to shareholders
  -- information to potential investors
  -- a corporate image piece
  -- financial and operations information
  -- management information
  -- vision and mission statements included

Key Considerations
--
corporate image reflected, must be designed with that in mind
-- high production values
-- accurate financial, operations, and management information
-- clear writing style
-- excellent graphics that tell the story of the company
-- vision and mission included

Guides to the construction of the annual report


Samples  --- The Report Gallery
Corporate websites, with financial reporting included (quarterly and annual reports) 

More reports: 
CAROL

    Anadarko Petroleum
    Analog Devices
    Anheuser Busch
    Applix
    California First Bank
    GenAmerica


Balancing Public Relations, Promotions, and Disclosure Requirements
   -- While your primary mission is to describe the financial and operations health of the organization, you must keep in mind that what you construct is a public document, and will influence decisions to purchase stock or invest in the company.  Thus, the approach you take must be balanced, and you must recognize the needs of your audience.

Work:
Draft an annual report for a company you are familiar with.  Be creative!