Annual Report Readability: The Case of the Fortune 500

Abstract

This study adds to the literature on the readability of annual reports submitted to the SEC by assessing current readability, and contemporizing similar studies conducted between 1950 and 1991. The results show that the sample’s 10-Ks are “Very Difficult” to read, and have scores lower than previous research. The study also examines the sample by economic sector, and finds that readability levels are similar among sectors with one exception. These outcomes raise several issues, including the usefulness of the information transfer of 10-Ks, and whether the goals of the SEC are met if 10-Ks are virtually unreadable