Annual Reports: What industry leaders are doing differently

• To create a first-rate annual report, focus on clear and compelling storytelling that goes beyond just numbers.
• Strong design and visuals make complex information more engaging and easier to understand.
• Leveraging digital formats ensures greater accessibility and a better investor experience.

Annual reports are no longer just regulatory documents—they have become powerful investor engagement tools. The leading ASX-listed companies understand this and use their reports to tell a compelling story, build trust, and reinforce their brand.

So, what sets top-notch annual reports apart? Let’s explore the key elements that high-performing companies are doing differently. 

1. Visually appealing, investor-friendly design

REA Group (ASX: REA) – REA’s annual report features modern layouts, bold typography, and infographics that make complex data easy to digest, whether printed or online. Check it out here.

What you could also do differently:

• Strategic use of charts and visuals to simplify your financials.
• Consistent branding that aligns with your investor materials.
• A balance between text and whitespace to enhance your report’s readability.

Takeaway: A well-designed report increases investor engagement and ensures your key messages don’t get lost in dense text.

^{REA’s 2024 annual report}

2. Clear and engaging storytelling

Melbana Energy (ASX: MAY) –  Melbana’s annual report doesn’t just present numbers; it tells a cohesive story about the company’s vision, challenges, and future growth. See the report here.

What you could also do differently:

• Use of plain language instead of your corporate jargon.
• A narrative-driven approach that connects your financial performance with strategy.
• Case studies and real-world impact stories that highlight your achievements.

Takeaway: Investors appreciate reports that go beyond data to provide context and insight into your company performance.

^{Melbana’s 2024 annual report} 

3. Strong focus on ESG and sustainability reporting

Ingenia Communities (ASX: INA) – Ingenia’s annual report dedicates an entire section to sustainability, detailing how its ESG initiatives continues to drive progress and positive impacts. View the report here.

What you could also do differently:

• Use of measurable ESG metrics rather than vague commitments.
• Transparency in reporting, including both your successes and challenges.
• Integration of climate impact, diversity, and governance reporting into your broader corporate strategy.

Takeaway: Investors expect your company to demonstrate genuine ESG leadership, not just tick the compliance box, especially in the current sustainability reporting requirements.

^{Ingenia’s 2024 annual report} 

4. Digital-first and interactive reports

AUB Group (ASX: AUB) – AUB’s annual report has embraced interactive digital format with book-like usability and downloadable features for individual pages, sections or full PDFs, as investors prefer. Have a look here.

What you could also do differently:

• Mobile-responsive setup that your investors can access on the go.
• Bookmarking facility to easily remember your pages of interest.
• Sharing buttons to readily send parts of your report or its entirety.

Takeaway: A digital-first approach caters to modern investors who expect easy access to your company information online.

^{AUB’s 2024 annual report} 

5. Multi-channel distribution for maximum reach

Cue Energy (ASX: CUE) – Cue doesn’t just publish its annual report on the ASX; it actively promotes it through its investor website, LinkedIn posts, among other channels. Explore its annual report web page here.

What you could also do differently:

• Press releases highlighting your key financial results.
• Investor presentations summarising your report highlights.
• Social media snippets sharing your key metrics in an engaging format.

Takeaway: Don’t just publish your report and forget it—amplify its impact through strategic distribution.

Cue Energy’s 2024 annual report

The bottom line

Exceptional annual reports do more than just meet ASX compliance requirements—they serve as powerful communication tools that enhance investor confidence.

Key lessons from high-quality reports:

• Use visuals and design to improve your report’s readability.
• Tell a compelling story beyond your numbers.
• Provide clear, transparent ESG reporting.
• Embrace digital-first formats to engage your modern investors.
• Promote your report strategically to maximise investor reach.

As annual reports continue to evolve, ASX-listed companies that prioritise clarity, engagement, and transparency will rise above others in the eyes of investors.

Get design experts for your annual report

At IRM, our design experts specialise in creating visually stunning, investor-friendly reports that bring your achievements to life. Whether you need a compelling print layout or a sleek digital report, we’ve got you covered. Let’s make your annual report stand out this year! Call us today on +61 2 8705 5444 or email clientrelations@irmau.com for more info.