Next level reporting: the future of annual reports

Date

01/09/2025

In today's digital world, annual reports are more than just a legal obligation. They are a powerful corporate communication tool that can be used strategically to reach different target groups and strengthen the brand. Innovative approaches and formats for annual reports offer companies the opportunity to take their reporting to the next level and stand out from the competition.

Annual reports are often extensive and complex - on average 355 pages long for the DAX. The key question is: does anyone actually read them? Different target groups such as analysts, investors, private investors, employees and job applicants each have specific information requirements and usage contexts. Patrick Weiser, Creative Lead at RYZE Digital, puts it in a nutshell: "The amount of information is increasing, and the amount of accompanying attachments is also increasing, and then of course you have to ask yourself: How can you get this to the reader at all?" This challenge requires a strategic approach in order to make the reports both informative and accessible.

The classic PDF: Strengths and weaknesses

The PDF is an established standard with a wide distribution and offline availability. Companies such as Infineon and Airbus rely on high-quality PDF reports that improve the user experience through internal and external links. But the format has its limitations: It is not suitable for small displays, offers only linear navigation and limited interactivity - challenges that arise particularly with mobile use and selective information searches. Matthias Frescha, Head of Tech at RYZE Digital, explains: "PDFs only work on large displays. It's fair to say that this is where they are generally used. PDFs or business reports are simply often read on work computers that are at least the size of a laptop."

Hybrid and digital approaches: the next step

Hybrid formats combine the PDF with digital elements such as microsites and interactive functions. BMW and RWE use emotional storytelling and deep links into the PDF to create a comprehensive user experience. Digital-first strategies go even further: full HTML reports offer responsive design and extended functions, such as Adidas and DHL with dashboards and split-screen functions. Frescha emphasises: "The most obvious difference, however, is of course the full report in the browser, which is displayed in HTML, and this offers a very homogeneous user experience."

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Target group orientation: the key to success

Different target groups prefer different formats: Analysts require standardised data formats and Excel downloads, while investors appreciate strategic highlights and dashboards. Private investors benefit from infographics and videos that present complex information in an understandable way. Employees and applicants are interested in storytelling and topics such as sustainability and purpose. Weiser emphasises: "Additional formats are needed to make relevant content more accessible to these readers with specific information needs." The choice of the right format mix therefore depends heavily on which target groups a company prioritises and how it can best meet their needs.

Increased efficiency through automation

The creation of annual reports is time-consuming and error-prone. The use of disclosure management systems (DMS) such as Workiva or Smart Notes can simplify the process considerably. Automated tools such as the RYZE Reporting Hub enable the creation of PDFs and websites from a single data source, reducing manual effort and eliminating errors that can occur with manual data transfer. Frescha explains: "If you address or use one or both automations, i.e. the RYZE Reporting Hub, the path to the automated website, and PDF generation from the DMS, then you have of course definitely addressed the cost chapter and reduced the risk of redundancies through manual work." This automation not only creates efficiency, but also room for creative and strategic development.

DAX 40 2025 trend monitor

Full HTML, partial HTML or PDF? What role does AI play in corporate reporting? Download the analysis of the reporting trends of the DAX 40 companies now free of charge.

The role of AI in reporting

AI offers exciting possibilities for supporting analyses and data preparation, but it is not yet error-free. An experiment with various AI tools shows that the technology is not yet always reliable: even simple questions, e.g. about board remuneration, are answered differently and often incorrectly - this can distort facts and lead to misjudgements. However, practical applications such as video avatars or generative FAQs show how AI can be used to make information easier to understand. Weiser summarises: "AI is not yet fully applicable in the sensitive reporting context. But that will certainly change." The future prospects are promising, but the control and reliability of AI remain key challenges.

Conclusion

Annual reports must be target group-orientated, flexible and innovative. Hybrid and digital formats offer enormous potential, while automation and AI can make the process more efficient. Companies should therefore rethink their reporting strategy and gradually adapt it to meet the requirements of modern communication.

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