Disaster is an orphan. Especially with an annual report. Usually, one person spearheads a company s annual report project with assistance from members of the marketing department. Suppliers are selected, such as writers, photographers and printers. A production schedule is created, interviews are arranged, and the process begins.
Smart companies begin creating their reports well in advance, often in the summer.
Due dates for production and shipping of reports varies, with most mandated to be in the hands of shareholders by March 15th of the next year, three months after the fiscal year ends for most public companies. If a company is coming off an excellent year, an annual report can be a joy to produce. The corporate symbols crash, and the applause is translated into proud words and pictures. On the other hand, a company coming off a bad year has to very carefully impart information, particularly what the future plans and goals entail. Hell hath no fury like a stockholder scorned.