Nowadays, you can get fast updates of quarterly earnings from financial apps, Twitter, and many other platforms, making some wonder if printed annual reports still have significance. But if you see large investors or offices of Fortune 500 companies, you’ll find stacks of carefully designed printed reports that are also being shipped to shareholders and board members.
While PDFs are prevalent these days, they can’t match the credibility and sensory connection of physical earnings reports. While it may seem old-fashioned to some but some of the biggest investors in the world, including Warren Buffett, prefer to read printed earnings reports.
Why physical reports are still preferred
Multiple studies have shown that 70% people who read on paper retain information better than those who read it on screens.
Annual reports comprise complex and lengthy financial data, including revenue, profit, and expenditure, which helps companies and investors make informed decisions about risk disclosure and future strategy, making information retention highly important.
Board members of large companies are mostly presented with physical documents of annual earnings. This way, they didn’t face distraction from the constant notifications that occur frequently on screens.
Many large companies have opted for premium magazine printing services because they recognize the significant role annual reports play in their operations. HelloPrint, a printing company, has seen an increase in demand for high-quality corporate report printing in the past few years.
Practical applications for modern businesses
Even smaller organizations can benefit from printed annual reports. Here’s how to make them work in today’s hybrid communication environment:
- You can start by creating physical annual reports for the top 20% shareholders. Starting small will keep the cost manageable and also enable efficient reach of the most important persons. You can integrate QR codes on printed annual reports for the PDF version, video content or any other crucial data.
- A well-designed physical report left behind after a meeting has staying power that business cards and brochures don’t achieve. You can create condensed “highlights” versions for broader distribution while reserving comprehensive reports for key stakeholders.
- Design your report with dual purposes in mind: archival quality for long-term reference and visual appeal for immediate engagement. HelloPrint offers various binding and paper options that can match different budget levels while maintaining professional standards.
The hybrid approach for better efficiency
The most successful companies aren’t choosing between digital and print; they’re integrating both strategically. Release your digital version first to meet filing deadlines and satisfy immediate information needs. Follow up with printed versions sent to specific audiences within 2-3 weeks. This staggered approach actually extends your report’s visibility and reinforces key messages through repeated exposure.
Environmental concerns about printing have pushed companies to be smarter rather than eliminate physical reports entirely. Using recycled paper, vegetable-based inks, and print-on-demand services reduces waste while maintaining the credibility benefits of printed materials.
The annual report is one of the most important aspects for a company and is essential for investors. Mix of physical and digital reports can provide immense value.
