Business Terms Dictionary

Annual Report

An annual report is a comprehensive document that a company or organization publishes once a year to provide information about its activities and financial performance over the past year. It’s typically aimed at shareholders, investors, and other stakeholders.

Key components of an annual report


  1. Letter from the CEO or Chairperson – An overview of the company’s performance, key events, and strategic direction.
  2. Business Overview – Description of the company’s operations, markets, and sometimes its mission and values.
  3. Financial Statements – Includes the Balance Sheet, Income Statement (Profit & Loss) and Cash Flow Statement. 
  4. Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) – Detailed analysis of financial results, trends, risks, and future outlook.
  5. Corporate Governance – Information about the board of directors, executive compensation, and governance practices.
  6. Sustainability or CSR Information (optional) – Some reports include sections on environmental and social impact.
  7. Auditor’s Report – An independent review of the financial statements, ensuring they comply with accounting standards.