How to navigate the annual report

Bookmark this page to:

Articles

How to navigate the annual report
1/11/2012 5:33:19 PM
Category: Business Finance

Financial reports are annual filings required under the Securities Act of 1933 as a way for a company to positively project itself to potential investors, IBM reports.

Included within these packets are at least three financial statements, which contain the majority of information important to investors. First is a statement of earnings, which summarizes the results of a company's revenue and expenses. Next is a statement of financial position, which lists a company's assets and claims against them. Finally there is a statement of cash flows, which measures the flow of money in and out of the firm that year.

Morningstar reports that the reports are typically professionally designed and contain color graphics, graphs and images to present the "best possible face on the company" regarding its past year activities. It also entails what a company considers important and where it's planning to go in the coming year.

Investors can now also download and view the each report on the Security Exchange Commission's website in addition to reading the paper version.

The news source notes that the "real meat" of a financial report is contained in the back (it's a running saying that annual reports should be read "from back to front") as financial statements are placed here visibly without being downplayed or obscured as they may be in other areas of the report.

Another section of note is one labeled "management's discussion and analysis," which summarizes the past year's results. While it does contain management's "spin" on the raw numbers, it also discusses risks, year-to-year comparisons and breakdown of results within sectors and geographic locations.

Wisebread adds that company statistics are compared year-over-year, typically displaying information as far back as three years. This lets investors more accurately compare numbers to determine how the company is progressing (if at all).

Reports will tell investors, for example, how a company has fared since a recent takeover, how it's reacting to industry or economic pressures, where the business is spending its cash and how it has translated to revenue, as well as what its source of incoming cash is and if it's in the form of profits, sale of goods or new investment money. All of which will be good indicators of whether they should keep their money invested.

Other components of an annual report will include the chairman's address, the corporate address, a listing of Board of Directors, stockholder information, an auditor's report and management messages.

Archive


April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011

Business Finance (14)


Improving your small business' cash flow 4/26/2012 5:18:09 PM Inc. magazine managed to boil down the formula for improving your small business' cash flow into just one sentence: "Collect your receivables as fast as possible and slow down your payables without jeopardizing your relationship with suppliers."
Reading your small business' financial reports 3/28/2012 2:42:11 PM Three documents comprise the basis of a company's financial management - the balance sheet, the income statement and the cash flow statement.
Tips for keeping legal costs down 2/13/2012 10:58:05 PM A smart business owner will hire a lawyer before he or she moves forward with any transactions, because if a company is sued without counsel on retainer, it is likely to incur far more legal debt, Entrepreneur magazine reports.
Will Facebook's IPO change history? 2/2/2012 6:47:15 PM Facebook filed for its highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO) this week, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Perception trumps price 1/26/2012 11:00:44 PM Some business owners may feel the need to charge more for their products in order to create revenue, or may decide to charge less to create buying opportunities and repeat customers.
Positive signs for small businesses as sales, optimism rises and asking prices fall 1/20/2012 7:32:34 PM Asking prices for small businesses are down, while sales of these ventures is up and optimism is improving, according to a number of new reports.
SOPA controversy temporarily quelled after bill postponement 1/19/2012 5:23:45 PM The most popular acronym of 2012 is SOPA, and it may have had far-reaching implications on internet viewership before the movement was temporarily put on hold.
A positive balance sheet can impress investors, creditors 1/17/2012 5:39:30 PM A balance sheet is a breakdown of your company's success, or "a cumulative record that reflects the results of all recorded accounting transactions since your enterprise was formed," according to VA-Interactive.
Profit & Loss statement determines yearly success 1/12/2012 5:32:00 PM The Profit & Loss statement, also known as the Income Statement, provides a breakdown of a business' revenue generated and expenses incurred, the Houston Chronicle reports.
How to navigate the annual report 1/11/2012 5:33:19 PM Financial reports are annual filings required under the Securities Act of 1933 as a way for a company to positively project itself to potential investors, IBM reports.
The importance of choosing the right accountant 1/4/2012 5:26:25 PM The best accountants for your startup or business are not only the ones that know what you should do with your money after you have it, but also have the know-how to help get you money in the first place, Business News Daily explains.
What is microlending? 12/21/2011 11:06:30 AM Microlending is an international trend that involves giving a small loan that's meant to support entrepreneurship.
Arkansas receives $13.1 million to fund small businesses 12/6/2011 5:29:11 PM Small businesses in Arkansas may be eligible for a small business loan funded by the U.S. Treasury Department.
Is invoice factoring a fit for a small business? 12/5/2011 5:07:16 PM As their client base grows and becomes more diversified, many small to medium-sized businesses find that their larger clients expect payment terms on the goods and services they provide.
Fund your offline marketing strategy with accounts receivable factoring 12/2/2011 4:02:31 PM A successful business requires a marketing strategy to invite interest and communicate why a potential customer needs the service or product it provides.
Small businesses should consider a merchant cash advance 12/1/2011 6:04:45 PM As a business owner, you many find it challenging to find the necessary financing to support your growing business. A Merchant Cash Advance may be the right tool to fund your growing enterprise.

Business Owner Tips (22)


Tips for IRS-compliant small business hiring 4/25/2012 4:34:06 PM If you're considering hiring your first small business employee or employees, take some time to read the Internal Revenue Service's guidelines for hiring and make sure you're not overlooking any requirements.
Business etiquette in a modern world 4/23/2012 4:57:42 PM The perceived downfall of etiquette in today's modern world goes further than neglecting to hold doors open or pull out people's chairs at dinner.
Preparing for liftoff - tips to launch your small business 4/19/2012 5:01:07 PM Small business owner and venture capitalist-turned-author John Bradberry offers several tips for entrepreneurs looking to launch a successful startup in his book, "6 Secrets of Startup Success."
What's your small business pricing strategy? 4/18/2012 4:42:57 PM Products are the cornerstone of your small enterprise.
Small business employee training tips 4/13/2012 3:44:46 PM Employees are often the face of a company, regardless of whether the business in question is a modest startup or multinational corporation.
Building an effective small business website 4/9/2012 4:26:52 PM When it comes to setting up websites for their startups, entrepreneurs often place an enormous amount of emphasis on design.
Creating and maintaining a strong small business brand 4/5/2012 4:46:43 PM Creating a strong brand and developing brand awareness is key to small business success, as it can help your company stand out from the crowd, become instantly recognizable and ultimately boost revenue.
Identifying components of small business success as optimism rises among Florida entrepreneurs 4/4/2012 3:54:54 PM According to a recent survey of Florida small business owners conducted by TD Bank, more than two-thirds (69 percent) of respondents expect to match or exceed their revenue forecasts for the first quarter, which concluded at the end of last month.
Helping small business owners adapt to the new Facebook Timeline 4/3/2012 4:22:01 PM After debuting its Timeline feature last fall, Facebook made the new layout mandatory for brand pages on March 30.
The importance of delivering high-quality small business customer service 3/30/2012 1:56:13 PM The 2011 American Express Global Customer Service Barometer found that 81 percent of American consumers think small businesses deliver superior customer service in comparison to their larger counterparts.
Characteristics of a startup founder 3/27/2012 4:34:34 PM Not everyone has what it takes to create and run their own company.
Using social media and blogging to expand customer base 3/22/2012 4:11:17 PM Social media sites - especially the big two, Twitter and Facebook - are useful channels through which to engage existing customers or reach out to prospective new clients.
Learn from the customer in order to succeed 3/2/2012 5:26:22 PM Companies like Best Buy, IBM and Amazon are successful because they are extremely customer-focused.
Super Bowl commercial trends for 2012 2/7/2012 5:43:53 PM More than 111 million people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl last week as the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots.
The many uses of customer service success stories 1/27/2012 6:23:19 PM Customer service success stories and case histories can act as great marketing tools for a company looking to improve its reputation or spread positive word-of-mouth feedback.
Generating marketing ideas to impress and retain customers 1/24/2012 6:03:23 PM How can you find fresh angles, new approaches and more compelling ways to deliver your message?
Define goals before engaging in employee training 1/11/2012 1:32:57 AM Employee training should be a part of every new worker's orientation process, but some tasks may also need to be re-taught to current employees to get them up-to-speed on new policies, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Social media the most powerful recruitment technique, but traditional methods remain 1/6/2012 5:05:40 PM The three most widely used recruiting tools today are referral programs, mobile technology and social media, Dr. John Sullivan told ERE.net.
How to price products during a pricing war 12/30/2011 6:40:51 PM Price wars can be beneficial to consumers as they look to snag major deals on products and services, but these face-offs between competing businesses can be quite stressful for the professionals involved.
Managing the termination process 12/28/2011 11:15:05 PM As a manager, it's likely that at one point or another, you've had to fire someone.
Advanced technological tactics can help pricing strategies 12/23/2011 9:24:59 AM Choosing the correct pricing for your products or services is one of the most difficult decisions any new or seasoned business has to make.
Essential preparations for employers conducting an interview 12/20/2011 5:47:46 PM Hiring new employees can be one of the most important decisions that a business can make.

Business Operations (20)


Mobile applications from a small business standpoint 4/27/2012 5:22:50 PM According to a recent Borrell Associates Inc. survey, nearly half (48 percent) of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are "somewhat likely" or "very likely" to include mobile marketing in their advertising budgets this year.
The role of social media in potential job candidate research 4/20/2012 4:01:59 PM According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, nearly two in five companies (37 percent) are incorporating social networking sites into their employee recruitment efforts by screening job candidates' online behaviors.
Take your small business mobile 4/18/2012 4:28:51 PM According to a recently released study from the Pew Internet and American Life Project, nearly half (46 percent) of adult consumers in the United States now own a smartphone.
Tips for stellar small business customer service 4/17/2012 5:00:11 PM More than two-thirds (70 percent) of consumers who took part in last year's American Express Global Customer Service Barometer said they are willing to spend an average of 13 percent more money on goods and services from companies they believe provide excellent customer service.
Get small business hiring right the first time 4/13/2012 3:46:36 PM According to Doug and Polly White, authors of "Let Go to GROW: Why some businesses thrive and others fail to reach their potential," entrepreneurs often don't know how to go about bringing in employees.
How to be a standout entrepreneur 4/9/2012 4:29:03 PM It's not unusual for small business owners to be the first through the door in the morning and the last to leave at night.
Companies to spend more on social media outreach in 2012 4/4/2012 4:03:42 PM According to a recent survey by The Creative Group, many companies plan to spend more on social media marketing this year.
Small business online marketing budgets set to increase in 2012, study finds 3/30/2012 8:56:09 AM According to a recent AT&T poll, nearly six in 10 small businesses plan to meet or exceed the amount they spend on online marketing last year.
Developing a business growth strategy 3/29/2012 3:36:39 PM Many entrepreneurs harbor ambitions of seeing their small businesses hit the big time.
How to price your products 3/28/2012 2:39:50 PM Properly pricing products is key to small business success.
Spring cleaning your small business financial clutter 3/27/2012 4:31:22 PM Small business owners are busy people, so it's unsurprising that many grapple with the task of keeping their financial documentation in order.
Study: More small businesses getting social with online marketing efforts 3/26/2012 4:58:42 PM Small enterprises are increasingly turning to the internet and social media sites to grow their companies and connect with consumers, according to a recent Citibank survey.
Understanding and optimizing employee recruitment 3/23/2012 3:58:27 PM Both big and small companies can use size to their advantage when it comes to employee recruitment, according to Business Insider.
Widely accepted HR best practices 3/1/2012 11:50:19 AM A company cannot thrive without happy employees. In order to maintain employee morale and satisfaction, there are certain practices that human resources should abide by.
Steps for properly conducting a phone interview 2/16/2012 10:01:17 PM A phone interview can act as an important second step in the hiring process, following the resume and cover letter submission.
Don't overlook little customer service details 1/26/2012 12:45:28 AM According to Strategic Workplace Solutions, 81 percent of companies that provide excellent customer service outperform their competition.
Employee retention tips and actions to avoid 1/18/2012 9:02:44 PM High-achieving workers can have an enormous impact on your business' bottom line, and it's likely that you want to do everything in your power to ensure top employees don't take their talents elsewhere.
Commitment to customer service can be a difference-maker 1/14/2012 2:04:34 AM As most successful companies are probably aware, providing top-notch customer service is a key to retaining consumers and thus, earning a profit.
Budget, company feedback keys to an effective marketing plan 1/9/2012 10:56:35 PM Developing a marketing plan for your business may well be the hardest part of the actual marketing process.
Suggested topics to include in an employee handbook 12/29/2011 9:45:57 PM A well-written employee handbook should set expectations for workers, describe what to expect from the company and explain the employer's legal obligations and worker rights.