Rising activism, growing skepticism, increasing demand for accountability...for so many reasons, it's more critical than ever to communicate with investors.

While the rules governing your annual report have changed, the importance of the narrative has not diminished. Now, more then ever, you have to be able to put your numbers in perspective...describe prevailing trends, the impact of your decisions, the power of your strategy, the strength of your culture, the challenges you face in the marketplace — and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Rather than fade in importance, your annual should be seen as a chance to paint the big picture and begin a level of dialogue that has never been more in demand. In this way, it can become the centerpiece of a strong, integrated IR experience that engages stakeholders throughout the year, at every point of contact.