Coping with annual reports on the web
Trendsetters
The FTSE 100s often serve as communications trendsetters. Their websites, however, are 'still wallowing in mediocrity', according to Interactive Bureau's 2003 report on home pages.
The report points out that a third of the FTSE 100s do not give their share price, or bury it away. Ten per cent either have no investor area or no obvious links to one.
But existing investor relations sections are gradually becoming more dynamic. Many now include multimedia such as audio and video webcasts, together with transcripts, to broadcast annual results and AGM presentations.
Users can also download PowerPoint slide presentations, and supplementary financial and operating information on Excel spreadsheets.
Some companies are providing specific entry points for different groups of audiences. BP, last year's winner of the 'IR best practice FTSE 100 site', has separate links for 'institutional investors', 'UK private investors', 'socially responsible investors' and others. Each group is offered a customised site.
Next: Professional responses
Published : 01/06/2003
