5 inspiring annual report examples to elevate your business reports

Annual reports do more than meet compliance requirements. They tell your story, signal performance and priorities to investors, and bring your strategy to life for stakeholders. When you study strong annual report examples, you spot patterns that work: clearer messaging, more compelling visuals, and smarter structures that guide readers from overview to detail with ease.

This guide curates five inspiring examples and unpacks what makes them effective. You’ll see creative approaches that fit different sectors and company sizes, from “Microsoft best annual report examples 2023” to sustainability-first narratives and interactive formats. Along the way, we highlight practical takeaways you can use in your next reporting cycle.

We also point you to tools that save time and reduce risk. If you’re modernising your annual report process, consider how expert support for annual report design and a digital reporting platform can make collaboration seamless while keeping every version secure and compliant. And if ESG (environmental, social, and governance) disclosures are on your roadmap, you’ll find tips for integrating them coherently without overwhelming the reader.

Use this article as a blueprint: borrow ideas from the examples, adopt the components that fit your goals, and follow the step-by-step process to move from draft to beautifully finished, investor-ready outputs. Whether you publish print, PDF, interactive HTML, or one or more of these, the right structure and storytelling will help you communicate results with clarity and confidence.

Why study annual report examples?

Analysing annual report examples accelerates your learning curve. Instead of starting from a blank page, you can see how high-performing companies structure their content, present financial statement highlights, and weave strategy, risk, and sustainability into a cohesive narrative.

Key reasons to review examples:

• Benchmark content depth and balance. Learn how much detail top reports give to strategy, market context, risks, governance, KPIs, and outlook – and how they keep it readable.
  
  
• Spot “user-friendly annual report layouts.” Look at navigation patterns, summaries, infographics, and pull quotes that help readers scan and dive deeper where needed.
  
  
• Identify patterns in “investor-focused report designs,” recognising that investor needs vary by sector and investor base. Note how companies emphasise material issues, capital allocation, cash flow, and value creation without jargon.
  
  
• Explore sustainability annual report examples. See how ESG data is integrated, assured, and linked to strategy and targets, especially under CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards).
  
  
• Keep pace with format trends. From interactive PDF annual reports to HTML microsites, you’ll find execution ideas that fit budget and audience expectations.
  
  

5 exemplary annual reports (real‑world case style)

Example 1: Microsoft – interactive digital report

Microsoft Annual Report 2023 combines a streamlined PDF with an outstanding HTML microsite. The online version features anchored navigation, modular storytelling and interactive diagrams that make complex financial and ESG data approachable.

What stands out

• Interactive charts and animated segments for performance tracking.
• Clear pathways for media, investors and analysts.
• Accessibility handled well: colour contrast, alt‑text and tab navigation.
  
  

Try this

• Add an “At a glance” section summarising KPIs, strategy and risk.
• Provide both HTML and downloadable PDF versions for offline users.

Example 2: Unilever – sustainability‑first report

Unilever Annual Report and Accounts 2024 puts sustainability and governance up front, linking strategy to decarbonisation, supply‑chain impacts and inclusion.

What stands out

• A clear double‑materiality overview guiding the storyline.
• Visual summaries for climate, people and product responsibility.
• Transparent assurance statements on data quality.
  
  

Try this

• Map each ESG target to a corresponding KPI and baseline year.
• Use icons and infographics to show value‑chain impacts.

Example 3: J.P. Morgan Chase – investor‑focused, plain‑English report

J.P. Morgan Chase 2023 Annual Report excels at clarity. Its CEO letter, business pillars and performance sections use plain English supported by diagrams showing how the bank creates value for shareholders and communities.

What stands out

• Consistent signposting so readers move easily from overview to detail.
• Concise financial highlights with multi‑year trend visuals.
• A transparent “what’s changed” section describing accounting updates.

Try this

• Include a “Read me first” page for first‑time investors.
• Add margin notes explaining technical financial terms.

Example 4: Ben & Jerry’s – creative small‑business style report

Ben & Jerry’s Social & Environmental Assessment Report 2022 uses authentic photography, clever infographics and straightforward metrics to communicate social impact and brand performance.

What stands out

• One‑page value‑creation model connecting business purpose and KPIs.
• Playful visual language that still feels credible.
• Lightweight PDF design optimised for readability.
  
  

Try this

• Build a simple, consistent data‑visualisation system.
• Keep text conversational while maintaining trust and substance.

Example 5: Novo Nordisk – integrated report

Novo Nordisk Annual Report 2023 unites financial and sustainability data into a cohesive, integrated narrative. Stakeholder outcomes and long‑term goals are woven into strategy, risk and remuneration sections.

What stands out

• “Operating context” framing the year’s performance.
• A full value‑creation model showing inputs, activities and results.
• Strong linkage between strategy, KPIs and executive incentives.
  
  

Try this

• Develop an HTML hub where readers can access methodology notes and downloadable data.
• Tag charts and tables for search engine optimisation and accessibility.

Key components of effective annual reports

• Clear story and structure: Open with a succinct investment case and strategy overview. Use a consistent hierarchy and signposting so readers can skim or go deep. Keep paragraphs short and front-load key messages.
  
  
• Financial statement highlights: Present revenue, margin, cash flow, and capital allocation with three- to five-year trends. Explain drivers, one-offs, and “what’s changed.” Provide reconciliations for non-GAAP/alternative performance measures.
  
  
• Strategy and market context: Outline the market landscape, competitive position, and how your strategy responds. Tie initiatives to KPIs and risks so the narrative feels joined-up.
  
  
• Risks and opportunities: List principal risks, appetite, controls, and mitigation. Balance risk with opportunity—growth vectors, innovation, and transformation programmes anchored by measurable targets.
  
  
• Sustainability/ESG integration: Introduce material topics, targets, and progress. Under CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), align with ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards) topics and disclose methodologies, scopes, and assurance. Where relevant, reference climate frameworks such as TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures).
  
  
• Governance made accessible: Board composition, skills and diversity, committee work, and remuneration should be transparent and easy to scan. Use matrices and timelines to show activity and oversight clearly.
  
  
• User-friendly annual report layouts: Prioritise readability – short sections, pull quotes, and infographics that clarify rather than decorate when used judiciously. Keep colour, typography, and data visualisation consistent to support comprehension. One of the best designer tools for corporate reporting is InDesign, and with CtrlPrint data integration, you can be sure your designed report is always connected to the source of true data.
  
  
• Accessibility and compliance: Ensure PDFs are tagged properly and HTML follows accessibility guidelines. For EU/UK filers, plan for ESEF (EU) or UKSEF (UK) tagging using Inline XBRL (iXBRL), and keep your taxonomy mapping documented. CtrlPrint XBRL tagger supports a large number of current taxonomies that will ensure compliance in your report.
  
  
• Evidence, not just claims: Use concise case studies, data footnotes, and third-party assurance to build trust. Show how strategy translated into outcomes – customer satisfaction, safety, emissions, or innovation metrics.
  
  
• Distribution and formats: Consider offering formats your audiences prefer. Many organisations publish a downloadable PDF and an accessible HTML microsite; add a print summary and machine-readable data packs where appropriate based on audience needs, regulation, and budget.
  
  
• Multilingual reach: If you operate across markets, plan for translation and localisation early. Align terminology and allow for text expansion so your design remains consistent across languages.
  
  

How to create your own annual report: step by step

• Set objectives and scope: Define your audiences (investors, customers, employees, regulators), your compliance boundaries, and the story you want to tell. Decide the mix of print, PDF, and HTML.
  
  
• Build your timeline: Work backwards from board sign-off and filing deadlines. Map drafting windows, data cut-offs, reviews, legal checks, design sprints, translation, and QA. Protect time for stakeholder interviews and fact checks.
  
  
• Gather inputs: Collect financials, segment insights, market context, risk updates, and ESG data. Confirm definitions for KPIs and alternative performance measures early to avoid rework.
  
  
• Shape the outline: Draft a skeleton structure with page estimates. Place strategy and highlights up front. Decide where to integrate ESG content and how to handle detailed notes and methodologies.
  
  
• Write in plain language: Lead with the headline message in each section; support with data. Explain technical terms on first use. Keep sentences tight and avoid passive voice where possible.
  
  
• Design for clarity: Use a consistent grid, typography, and colour system. Prioritise charts and infographics that clarify complex points. Maintain generous white space and predictable navigation.
  
  
• Build your digital experience: Translate the report to HTML with accessible navigation, anchored sections, and responsive charts. Offer interactive elements where they add value—not just for novelty.
  
  
• Prepare for tagging and filing: If you’re in scope, plan for ESEF (EU) or UKSEF (UK) with Inline XBRL. Keep your taxonomy mapping updated and document choices for future cycles and auditors.
  
  
• Localise and translate: Create a terminology glossary and style guide. Coordinate translation with authors and designers to preserve meaning, tone, and layout integrity.
  
  
• Quality assurance: Run technical checks (links, accessibility tags, footnotes), editorial reviews, legal/compliance sign-offs, and stakeholder approvals. Test PDFs for print and screen reading.
  
  
• Publish and promote: Coordinate your release across websites, investor relations channels, social media, and newsletters. Offer data downloads and a short explainer for first-time readers.
  
  
• Measure and iterate: Track engagement, time on page, downloads, and questions from analysts. Capture process lessons – what took time, what confused readers – and update your playbook for next year.
  
  

Expert services to produce your annual report

• Annual Report Design & Layout
  Work with expert designers to bring your story to life using clear structures, data visualisation, and investor-focused layouts that are elegant and accessible.
  
  
• Digital Annual Reporting Platform
  Create secure, interactive HTML and optimised PDFs with collaborative workflows and version control built for corporate reporting.
  
  
• Sustainability & ESG Reporting
  Get guidance to integrate ESG content confidently, align to CSRD and ESRS, and turn data into credible, engaging narratives and dashboards.

The days of working in reporting silos are over. The CtrlPrint platform ensures that clients, auditors, agencies, and regulators are connected in one seamless environment, guaranteeing a compliant, beautifully designed, and error-free result every time.

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FAQs on annual report examples

Q: What is an annual report?
A: An annual report is a comprehensive overview of your organisation’s performance over the past financial year. It typically includes strategy, market context, governance, risks, financial statements, and – increasingly – sustainability (ESG) disclosures.

Q: What are the key components of a great annual report?
A: Clear strategy and highlights, readable financial statement summaries, material risks and mitigations, governance transparency, integrated ESG metrics, and a user-friendly layout with consistent visuals. Accessibility and compliance (including ESEF/UKSEF where applicable) are essential.

Q: How long should an annual report be?
A: It depends on regulation and complexity. Many effective reports keep the front half concise – often in the 60–100 page range for strategy, risks, and governance – but this is a guideline, not a requirement, and length varies by sector and disclosure needs.

Q: What makes a design “investor-focused”?
A: Investor-focused design is context-dependent, but common hallmarks cited by IR professionals include plain-English headlines, consistent KPI dashboards, trend charts with context, and navigation that speeds access to strategy, risks, and financials. Design should clarify the message, not distract from it.

Q: How do I incorporate ESG without overwhelming the report?
A: Start with material topics and integrate them where they influence strategy, risks, and performance. Provide concise summaries up front, with detailed frameworks, scopes, and assurance notes in appendices or online.

Q: Which formats should I publish in?
A: Many organisations publish a downloadable PDF and an accessible HTML version for discoverability and engagement. Choose the mix (and whether to add print summaries and data packs) based on stakeholder needs and resources. If you are in scope, prepare an Inline XBRL (iXBRL) package per ESEF (EU) or UKSEF (UK) filing requirements.

Q: Are there templates I can use?
A: Yes – many teams start with a modular template covering highlights, strategy, KPIs, risks, governance, and ESG. Adapt it to your brand and audience, and refine it each year based on feedback and analytics.