Introduction
Acco Brands Corporation and V.F. Corporation are two companies listed in a website called AnnualReports.com. These two companies released their annual reports recently and are the subject of discussion in this report. The two companies also fall under the consumer goods sector and release reports to various stakeholders every year. Acco Brands Corporation designs, creates, manufactures, and markets several conservative computer based office products in regions serving North America, Europe, and the Australian continents (Acco Brands Corporation, 2012). On the other hand, V. F. Corporation brands lifestyle outfits such as jeans, footwear, and other types of apparels (V.F. Corporation, 2007). The main objective of this report is to compare several aspects of the annual reports as presented by each of these corporations.
Discussion
Acco Brands Corporation and V.F. Corporation exhibit obvious differences in the manner in which their annual reports are organized and presented. Organization of a piece of communication in written format needs to follow various styles and formats to achieve a certain effect on the consumers of the organization’s brands. Looking at the two reports, one notices completely different reports basing on style and organization of information. For instance, while Acco Brands focuses more on details through written word all through its report, V.F. Corporation follows a completely different format of using catchy and well colored photos and graphics to ensure readers understand information well. Both companies however do a very good job in presenting the information that they need to convey to their target audiences. This is done through the use of facts and figures which are properly arranged in charts and tables. Acco Brands Corporation annual report covers 2012 while V.F. Corporation report summarizes operations in 2007. As a result, I can confidently conclude that the companies achieve the sole goal of showing the necessary conclusions that can be easily interpreted by shareholders concerning the performances of the companies.
Going through each of the single reports of the companies sampled here, there is a mutual manner in which the goals, plans, and challenges faced by the organizations are discussed by the top managers. Each report clearly outlines each of the products that the companies sell to satisfy their markets. Distribution and sale of each of these items is discussed in length in the reports signaling either success or failure in achieving any set goals. All the challenges faced are detailed properly in the balance sheets relative to the financial proceeds collected from the operations of the companies. The roles of the management and that of each of the stakeholders are also well documented within the reports. It hence remains clear concerning who takes responsibility regarding the failure or success of each plans as set out by the management.
As earlier mentioned, each of the reports as presented by the two companies varies greatly in style and format. Acco Brands Corporation for instance details much information in written form and the use of a few tables and charts especially when discussing the financial statements (Acco Brands Corporation, 2012). V.F. Corporation on the other hand focuses greatly on the use of pictures and images in expressing its views and information (VF Corporation, 2007). These formats could serve to enhance or detract audiences from the information being presented. For instance, too much use of pictures and images could end up causing little information diffusing to the reader’s minds. However, being visually appealing, it may enhance the interest of people into reading what is being presented in the reports. Looking at a report that is too much detailed with information and expert analysis has the advantage of instilling trust in the stakeholders. However, the disadvantage may be that it may cause lack of interest to read on the part of stakeholders who are not experts or not well schooled.
References
Acco Brands Corporation. (2012). Annual Report Pursuant To Section 13 Or 15(D) Of The Securities Exchange Act Of 1934. Web.
Acco Brands Corporation. (2012). AnnualReports.com. Web.
V.F. Corporation. (2007). AnnualReports.com. Web.
VF Corporation. (2007). Summary Annual Report. Web.