What does an annual report typically include?

An annual report serves as a key document for stakeholders, providing a comprehensive overview of a company's financial performance and activities over the past year. The inclusion of financial information is crucial, as it outlines the company's revenue, profits, expenses, and overall financial health. This data helps stakeholders, such as investors and analysts, assess the company's operational effectiveness and future prospects.

Additionally, the auditor's report included in the annual report adds credibility to the financial statements. It provides an independent assessment of whether the financial statements present a true and fair view of the company's financial position, thus ensuring transparency and accountability. This combination of financial information and an auditor's report is fundamental to fostering trust and informed decision-making among stakeholders.

In contrast, while employee productivity and benefits, as well as marketing strategies and company goals, are important aspects of a business, they do not form the core components of a typical annual report. Rather, the focus of an annual report is primarily on financial data and compliance, which is why this choice is correct.