Annual report

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An annual report is a document which a company presents at its Annual General Meeting for approval by its shareholders. The report is made up of reports and of financial statements, which may include the following:

Chairman's report
CEO's report
Auditor's report on corporate governance
Mission statement
Corporate governance statement of compliance
Statement of directors' responsibilities
Invitation to the company's AGM

as well as Financial Statements including:

Auditor's report on the financial statements
Balance sheet
Statement of retained earnings
Income statement
Cash flow statement
Notes to the financial statements
Accounting policies

Other information deemed relevant to stakeholders may also be included, such as a report on operations for manufacturing firms. In the case of larger companies, it is usually a sleek, colorful, high gloss publication.

The details provided in the report are of use to investors in gaining an understanding of the company's financial position and future direction. The financial statements are usually compiled in compliance with IFRSs and/or the domestic GAAP, as well as domestic legislation (e.g. the SOX in the U.S.).

In the United States, a more-detailed version of the report, called a Form 10-K, is submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.