Each year, the board of directors prepares a report and presents it to the organization’s shareholders. This report provides an overview of the company’s operations, financial performance, and includes a plan for what to expect in the year ahead.
An executive board annual report is typically prepared by an in-house team or a hired reporting service, with contributions from key directors and executives who serve important roles in board leadership.
Read on to learn about the key components to include in your annual report. We also included our annual report template—updated for 2024—which you can customize to match your business needs.
What is an Annual Report?
An annual report is a comprehensive document that all legal entities, including limited liability companies (LLCs), must prepare and distribute to its shareholders. The annual report typically details a company’s financial performance, operations, and activities during the fiscal year.
The first half of the annual report often includes summaries and assessments of the company’s progress, as well as predictions for its prospects in the year ahead. The second half consists of auditor-prepared financial documents, which are primarily for shareholders.
In addition to shareholders, a company’s annual report must also be submitted to the Secretary of State for any state where they operate.
Why is an Annual Report Important?
An annual report serves 3 very important purposes:
- Drive shareholder confidence
- Demonstrate shareholder transparency
- Ensure compliance with state business laws
Ensure effective, efficient meetings with our comprehensive Board Meeting Agenda Template.
Annual Report Template 2024
The following annual report template provides all the essential sections along with spaces to include your company’s information, important performance metrics, and other relevant information.
— Template Begins —
# [Company Name] Annual Report [Year]
## Table of Contents
- **Letter from the CEO**
– Highlights of the Year
– Vision for the Future
- **Company Overview**
– Mission and Values
– Brief History
– Organizational Structure
- **Financial Performance**
– Revenue and Profit/Loss
– Key Financial Metrics
– Auditor’s Report
- **Operational Highlights**
– Key Achievements
– Challenges Faced
– Strategies Implemented
- **Market Analysis**
– Industry Trends
– Competitor Analysis
– Market Position
- **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)**
– Initiatives Undertaken
– Impact on the Community
- **Employee Engagement**
– Training and Development
– Employee Satisfaction
– Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
- **Risk Management**
– Identified Risks
– Mitigation Strategies
- **Governance and Compliance**
– Board of Directors
– Code of Ethics
– Regulatory Compliance
- **Future Outlook**
– Goals for the Coming Year
– Market Opportunities
– Key Focus Areas
- **Appendix**
– Additional Financial Details
– Graphs and Charts
## Letter from the CEO Dear [Stakeholders/Shareholders/Partners],
I am pleased to present the Annual Report for [Company Name] for the fiscal year [Year]. This report provides a comprehensive overview of our performance, achievements, challenges, and future outlook.
### Highlights of the Year
– [Key Achievement 1]
– [Key Achievement 2]
– [Key Achievement 3]
### Vision for the Future
As we move forward, our vision is [Vision Statement]. We remain committed to [Company Mission] and will continue to [Future Strategies].
Thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, [CEO Name]
[CEO Signature]
Work with your board of directors to fill out each section of this template, including important operational details and summaries written by key players, such as the CEO. Combined with your audited financial records, this template will help you create a complete, thorough, and presentation-ready annual report for your board.
Getting Started With OnBoard
A board management solution makes it simple to conduct a highly effective board evaluation. OnBoard streamlines the board assessment process and equips board leaders with the information and intelligence needed to build and manage a modern board.
Whether you’re conducting an annual board assessment, committee assessment, or executive evaluation, OnBoard equips you with actionable insights.
If you’re considering a board management solution for your organization, we recommend downloading our free guide: Board Management Software Buyer’s Guide. Inside, we give you the tools and resources to find the very best board portal for your board.
Related Reading
The comprehensive blueprint for selecting a results-driven board management vendor.
Ready to upgrade your board’s effectiveness with OnBoard the board intelligence platform? Schedule a demo or request a free trial.
About The Author
- Adam Wire is a Content Marketing Manager at OnBoard who joined the company in 2021. A Ball State University graduate, Adam worked in various content marketing roles at Angi, USA Football, and Adult & Child Health following a 12-year career in newspapers. His favorite part of the job is problem-solving and helping teammates achieve their goals. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two dogs. He’s an avid sports fan and foodie who also enjoys lawn and yard work and running.
Latest entries
Board Management SoftwareApril 23, 2024How to Form a Crisis Response Team (Step-by-Step)
Board Management SoftwareApril 12, 2024Board of Directors Compliance Training: 5 Best Programs
Board Management SoftwareApril 10, 20245 Best Compliance Training Programs
Board Management SoftwareMarch 28, 20245 Advantages of an Initial Public Offering
