Companies dedicate significant resources to annual and sustainability reports each year. But do investors genuinely read them? The short answer is yes, but perhaps not how companies expect. As report formats evolve and stakeholder habits shift, the presentation increasingly determines how effectively the content is consumed.
Recent studies reveal that institutional investors highly value transparency and disclosure but are often pressed for time. They typically skim for essential elements such as forward-looking strategy, financial performance, sustainability indicators, and leadership perspectives. When critical information is hidden within dense PDFs, important messages can be overlooked.
Here is what data reveals about investor reading behaviors and how your company can adapt to meet these evolving preferences:
Shorter formats are gaining traction
Research suggests that investors increasingly prefer shorter, streamlined disclosures. For instance, Proxymity highlights widespread dissatisfaction with traditional investor communications, particularly when disclosures are hard to navigate. Similarly, PwC’s Global Investor Survey 2024 reports that investors continue to prioritize clarity, with a strong demand for better communication of forward-looking strategy and performance.
Start Here Supplement your comprehensive PDF with an executive summary or interactive digital experience designed specifically for streamlined consumption.
Visual navigation matters more than ever
Heat mapping and user experience studies confirm stakeholders rarely read reports linearly. They scan, scroll, and seek specific information. Effective visual navigation and clear layouts significantly enhance information retention.
Start Here Incorporate color-coded navigation, impactful infographics, and modular layouts to help stakeholders quickly identify and access key content.
Videos and CEO messages drive engagement
Short embedded leadership videos significantly outperform traditional text-based formats. They provide personal connection and deliver critical messages clearly and quickly.
Start Here Include a brief video message from your CEO or sustainability leader highlighting key takeaways. Keep it concise, under two minutes, and position it prominently.
Mobile-first access is increasing
More investors access reports via mobile devices or tablets during travel, board meetings, or earnings prep. Mobile readability has become crucial.
Start Here Thoroughly test your report’s readability and navigation on mobile devices. Make sure fonts, charts, and layouts are responsive and clear.
Cross-referencing adds depth and credibility
Investors appreciate transparency and context. Providing internal cross-links among financial data, sustainability commitments, and strategic insights helps readers easily verify and explore information.
Start Here Embed clear cross-references in your digital report. Use navigation cues such as “see page X” or “learn more about our climate targets here.”
Investors do engage with reports. The most memorable, credible, and actionable reports are structured for clarity and presented in user-friendly formats. By modernizing how information is shared, your company can enhance stakeholder impact without increasing report length.
Want your report to become a valuable resource investors actively use? Contact Curran & Connors to learn how we craft strategic, credible, and accessible reporting experiences tailored to modern consumption habits.