Web-based Interactive Annual Reporting On The Rise

With ASIC regulations no longer stipulating that ASX listed companies distribute a hard copy annual report to shareholders, more and more public companies are opting for sophisticated electronic versions with interactive HTML capability, flash moving graphics and video.

Linc Integrated Marketing and Communications has developed an annual report package offering web-based annual report options that meet the needs of the modern shareholder while saving on printing costs and paper.

Linc managing director, John Carlson, said the new way forward for ASX listed companies could see a whole range of new media options online, such as the chairman’s report delivered using MP3 video and flash graphics, interactive contents pages, search engine capability and hyperlinks to supporting documents and reports.

Options being considered by ASX listed clients include:

• Reports in HTML (web-based) or PDF formats
• Interactive contents page;
• Hyperlinks to supporting reports and documents and sites external to the annual report in a separate window;
• Flash and MP3 components to make sections come alive with video and moving graphics;
• Individual sections easily downloaded;
• Search engine capability to find details fast; and
• Branded e-alert to shareholder list with link back to report page.
  

“The new regulations will allow ASX companies to produce higher quality annual reports without the added burden of printing, distribution and associated labour costs, ensuring an outcome which is not only more economical and effective, but also more mindful of the environment,” Mr Carlson said.

As annual reporting moves towards electronic and web-based formats, shareholders are being requested by ASX companies to update their preference for receiving annual reports and notifications.

“It is expected that ASX companies will still need to produce some printed reports to ensure shareholders without email addresses and those with a preference for hard-copy reports are satisfied,” Mr Carlson said. “However it is likely that the number of printed reports will reduce considerably over time.

“With more and more companies reaching shareholders and potential investors through branded emails and the web, and the environment being placed high among organisations focused on corporate social responsibility, it won’t be too long before the printed annual report becomes a rarity.”

Mr Carlson said interactive, web-based reporting was becoming an increasingly powerful marketing tool.

“I expect organisations in a competitive market wanting to stay at the cutting edge will find electronic and web-based reports a very useful way of retaining a progressive and investor-focused image.”

For more information contact Linc business development manager Carly Neubauer on (08) 6363 7000.

About LINC

Linc Integrated Marketing & Communications has offices in Perth and Melbourne and offers a range of marketing and communication services including advertising, media buying, public relations, online services, customer relationship management and creative design. For further information regarding Linc visit www.lincintegrated.com or www.lincdigital.com.au.