Research Paper: A Novice’s Guide to Reading an Annual Report

Go to the following website:

https://www.business-case-analysis.com/annual-report.html

Read ALL of the sections of this article, including:

· What is an annual report to shareholders?

· What are the purposes and objectives for the Annual Report to Shareholders?

· How should the annual report be read? For what, precisely, should the reader search?

· Why does the annual report include an Opening Letter from the Chairman or CEO to shareholders?

· What is the annual report Operating Review?

· Why does the annual report present “Market Strategy and Market Conditions?”

· What is the purpose of the Annual Report Management Discussion and Analysis?

· Which Financial Statements and Notes always appear in the Annual Report?

· Financial statement highlights

· Income statement

· Balance sheet

· Statement of changes in financial Position (SCFP, or Cash flow statement)

· Retained earnings statement

· 10–20-year economic history

· Notes on financial statements

· What is the required Auditor’s Statement and why is it presented in the Annual Report?

· How is corporate governance presented? How are company directors, and officers identified?

· What are the US Form 10-K, UK Form AR01, Canadian AIF?

Next, use a search engine to research how to read an annual report. Using your readings as a guide, write a guide to a novice investor entitled: “A Novice’s Guide to Reading an Annual Report.” Your guide must be at least 1000 words (following current APA guidelines) in a format and in language appropriate for a novice investor.