

Every year around the end of October, clients feverishly start discussing the annual report. Contrary to what some might deem old school in the digital age, it is probably the single most important publication a public company produces, alongside advertising and a website. It's an important tool in making investment decisions about companies. And if you're still not sold, a recent study from the University of Miami School of Business found that investors place a higher value on firms with attractive annual reports than they do on those that produce less attractive reports. Not a complete surprise considering we are visual creatures after all!
Personally, I love annual reports. I'm by no means a number gal (not a whole lot of left brain activity going on here), but the thought of making all those pretty numbers look visually interesting with Nicholas Felton-esque charts and graphs gives me goosebumps! Coming up with a theme is also just as important, the theme normally centers around the hopes and aspirations of the company, because well, that's what stakeholders want to know.... what's in store for the company and for me.
I found a few annual reports on the Communication Arts website I thought were beautifully done and visually intriguing... and just had to share. Here's to the (printed) annual report!
The Calgary Society for Persons with Disabilities by WAX partnership, inc., the Global Footprint Network by Bob Dinetz Design and the Law Foundation of Ontario by Matter Strategic Design.
Images from Communication Arts website.