Corporate Annual Reports

Abstract

Every employee should regularly read his company’s annual reports, and other similar publications when possible. They are mailed to all stockholders, so purchasing at least a few shares of company stock will automatically have them delivered to you. A review of competitors’ reports can also often be quite informative, but probably less so than technical journals until one reaches the middle-to-upper management ranks. These reports discuss what management feels is important about the business, and can give the working engineer some idea of how his work fits into the total operation. Often new directions that the company is interested in pursuing are outlined, as well as general objectives and statements concerning the company’s financial health. A knowledge of these factors can usually be of general value in performing one’s work, and certainly makes the engineer more responsive to the company needs. It also may occasionally open the door to otherwise unknown opportunities within the company or give a hint when one should start looking for another job.