Barron's online—April 11, 2005
Relating our negative view of the Cinergy annual report (which was detailed on Pg. 1 of the April issue of my monthly Newsletter on Annual Reports).
Gannett's Journal News—March 11, 2004
Ace business reporter Julie Moran Alterio, a day after heralding debut of the 2003 IBM annual report, ran a 29-paragraph article on the report's always-innovative creative approach, quoting yours truly as observing: "IBM (in its annual report) achieves what everybody wishes to," and "The annual report to shareholders, a dry ritual at many companies, is marked at IBM by renewed yearly creativity." I was quoted as observing "(the report tells me) that IBM is worldwide, in all sorts of fields, from medicine to science."
Wall Street Journal—Dec. 31, 2003
Cubicle columnist Jared Sandberg quoted Sid's tongue-in-cheek New Year's resolutions.
GoingPublic Magazine—October 2003
The magazine's 24-page supplement for the German financial market (mostly CEOs) devoted a spread to Sid Cato—on what approach non-North American publicly held companies are counseled to take in their annual reports. Covers of the 2002 PepsiCo report and that of Tyson Foods illustrate the two-page bylined piece.
Houston Chronicle—July 13, 2003
The Newhouse Syndicate's lengthy piece concerning whether or not the sheen is off annual reports ran, among other places, in today's Houston (Texas) Chronicle. Yours truly was quoted concerning per-copy investment in 2002 annuals, press runs, and my attitude toward bare-bones annuals.
Newark (New Jersey) Star-Ledger—July 9, 2003
Staff writer Greg Saitz included Sid's comments in a roundup on 2002 annuals.
Journal News—March 13, 2003
Business reporter Julie Moran Alterio, in the White Plains, New York's daily Gannett newspaper, devoted the lead article to the just-issued IBM report for 2002—copious space awarded my lavish praise of the document. She quoted me as observing "No huge corporation even comes close to the ability this company (IBM) has in communicating the essence of its business, its substantive nature and the diversity of its work force."
Treasury & Risk Management—February 17, 2003
A lengthy takeout on annual reports by columnist Jay Sherman (see subsequent reference), appearing in the New York-based publication, quoted yours truly as saying "a nice cover may not cut it with important investors." Meaning, substance is every bit as vital as style—where annuals are concerned, that is. If not more so.
New York Times—timeless
To our pleasant surprise (read: amazement), the Times provides 3,280 links from its website to—yours truly!
The traditional early-in-the-year onslaught of news media interviews ranged from Sam Black, reporting for a graphic design/printing magazine in the U.S.' Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul), to Jay Sherman, a reporter for a New York-based publication covering treasury matters.
Newsday—June 30, 2002
The Washington bureau's James Toedtman, its chief economic correspondent, cited yours truly in a piece concerning the SEC's head making "A case for simple corporate reports." SEC Chairman Harvey Pitt, as an example of what he'd like to see, quotes from a 1937 letter—yes, a letter 64 years outdated—by the head of a Pennsylvania glass company. I'm quoted as applauding Pitt's sentiments, but "Cato questions the need to go back to 1937 to make the case. 'Imagine citing a shareholder letter from an era bearing little if any resemblance to today and today's business world'," I'm quoted as saying. Toedtman observed: "Cato said, 'He's being silly using (a 1937 letter) as an example." Especially since the company, Brockway, "was found guilty of an antitrust conspiracy; it was acquired by Owens-Illinois in 1988 and closed two years ago, leaving 380 people jobless." Gee, do you think maybe the SEC chairman ought to rethink using Brockway's letter as fodder for his speeches?
Fortune—April 15, 2002
Julie Schlosser interviewed Sid several times, both over the phone and via beaucoup emails. Her Q&A concerning annual reports broke online Wednesday, April 3, and listed the year-earlier 10 best reports. The article, complete with out-of-focus photo by Joe Vaughn, close up of yours truly, appeared on Pg. 58 of the magazine's April 15 issue. (In fact, Vaughn said his contact's boss at the magazine commended the action feel of the picture, encouraged him to put several out takes [of the Cato shoot, which took place Palm Sunday, March 24, at my home] in his portfolio.)
St. Paul Pioneer Press—January 26, 2002
Dave Beal, business editor of the St. Paul (Minnesota) daily, interviewed Sid at length for a Saturday column concerning impact, if any, the Enron scandal and bankruptcy will have on 2001 annual reports. My prediction: no lasting impact; for sure, precious little on 2001s, which are too far along to make major additions. Will lasting changes result from Enron's cooking the books, while Andersen's accountants looked the other way? Nope. Call me a cynic, but I say that when the dust settles, things will return to pre-Enron Scandal ways.
The Journal News
Christopher Mele, a business reporter at The Journal News, a Gannett newspaper in suburban New York, approached Sid concerning the upcoming batch of annual reports. "Particularly, I am exploring whether companies are skimping on expensive reports (because of) the recession and Sept. 11 attacks. Are they going for lower-grade paper, fewer photos and fewer pages? Are some just slapping together a 10-K and calling it a day? My focus is more on the packaging and presentation expenses vs. the contents of the reports. I'm curious what you are seeing/hearing. Are glossy, expensive reports falling out of favor this year? What other changes are you seeing?"
IR Update—May 25, 2001, Presentation in Atlanta
The editor of this national NIRI publication has asked Mike Klodnicki to report on my breakfast speech and following workshop, with pictures! The story, complete with photograph, was given prominent play in NIRI's August issue.
CBS' MarketWatch—April 2001
Its reporters interviewed me again—this time, concerning the IBM report, and what I found so marvelous about it.
PR Publication—April 23, 2001
Friends tell me a story about annual reports has appeared in an international weekly indicating I authored it. That's partially true: I wrote two articles a couple of months ago, but publication got pushed back—and, indeed, I've not been sent a copy of the article by the editors. They did phone to clear up their confusion (I'd call it an inability to read English, but I'm prejudiced!) over several areas. For example: The editor wondered what I found objectionable about the IBM report. "Objectionable? How could you possibly think that's what I was saying—it's superb in so many ways. So much so I devoted Pg. 1 of my April newsletter to it." Two more observations: First, the editors said in print that "Sid prefers
an annual report of no more than 100 pages." That's a truly egregious error on the editors' part. Indeed, I report constantly that annuals are running half that. Never have I advocated such lengthy reports. Second, I've yet to be paid the $650 contracted by these shysters. Nearly six months hence, one Adam Leyland asked if I was ever paid—and, "if not, why didn't you send (us) a follow-up invoice?" There's hope, yet, friends. (Name provided via phone requests only.) A month later, Leyland emailed: "Ah, ha! The reason you weren't paid yet is you didn't provide your address." Of course, that was on all my prior invoices. I provided it again. August 10, 2001, I finally received the money owed me. After at least six months' wait.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution—March 13, 2001
Business reporter Scott Leith interviewed Sid for this look at annual reports and "the midnight oil" AR specialists are burning this time of year. He quoted yours truly as observing that "Some reports are worse than boring—they're misleading," singling out Eastman Chemical, its year-ago report of "world's worst" caliber.
International PR Journal—April Feature
A well-known public relations publication has assigned Sid to prepare a piece for its April 23 issue on the world's best annual reports, along with a sidebar on recently enacted Regulation FD and its impact on the document—if any.
Keith Herrmann—Business Graphics Book
The author requested that Sid provide a dust jacket testimonial for his book, being published by John Wiley & Sons. Mr. Herrmann notified us that the publisher picked three testimonials for the dust jacket: that of the CEO of Federal Express, the CEO of Polaroid—and Sid's. The book is to be published May 18.
Family Money Magazine—March/April 2001 Issue
"Annual reports deserve a five-minute read," by author Gary Belsky, quotes Sid Cato throughout the brief piece in this Better Homes & Gardens publication.
Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch—January 14, 2001
Barnet D. Wolf did a lengthy take on quarterly (as well as annual) reports becoming extinct "at least on paper," in his words, in the Sunday edition. He quoted Sid concerning the fact that some companies likewise are ceasing sending annuals, saying "that information is available on our website." Unless, that is, one asks the company to continue sending a report.
Family Money Magazine—December 2000
Columnist Gary Belsky interviewed Sid several times during December. The magazine's fact-checker on Dec. 14, 2000, verified various statements and/or quotes attributed to me—first publication (to my knowledge) to use a fact-checker in more than a quarter-century. Kudos!
Akron Beacon-Journal—September 28, 2000
A business reporter conducted a lengthy interview with yours truly
concerning the state of annual reports to shareholders. It's to run
Sunday, Oct. 1, in the Knight Ridder newspaper.
PR Week—June 19, 2000
Ace journalist Craig McGuire, with a Kalamazoo, Michigan, dateline, wrote
about our 15th annual Producer Poll revealing that "More CEOs are taking an
active role in annual report creation."
office.com—June 14, 2000
This part-owned CBS site devoted its lead story to Sid's operation and our
standards for what makes a good annual report.
Business Publications—June 2000
A website (www.bpubs.com) devoted solely to business-oriented publications has listed three of this site's articles: "Ten tips on reading an annual report," my "15 copyrighted criteria on what makes a good report" and a piece concerning how I evaluate good writing.
Reuters Interview—May 23, 2000
A Reuters reporter interviewed Sid concerning trends among 1999 reports.
He had read the controversial, error-laden Andrew Leckey column, and solicited accurate data concerning the state of annuals.
CBS' office.com website
J. Brent Bluth has interviewed Sid several times for an article he is writing on annual reports for the website, one-third owned by CBS. He said it receives "roughly a million hits a month."
Andrew Leckey Syndicated Column
Researchers for syndicated columnist Andrew Leckey interviewed Sid Cato for
what will be his ninth column in a row—on Sid’s early selections for the list of world’s best 1999 reports. Leckey’s home newspaper is the Chicago Tribune. The column ran in the newspaper May 6—laden with unsubstantiated facts offered up by the head of an annual reports library. Typical: He claims to have nearly two million reports on file. I pointed out to the Tribune's editors that to come anywhere close to that quantity would require that he received every annual produced by U.S. companies—for 166 years! "Whatever happened to fact-checkers, columnists with integrity?" I asked the editors officially.
International Herald Tribune—March 15, 2000
Bureau chief Mitchell Martin interviewed Sid concerning Warren Buffett's letter in the Berkshire Hathaway 1999 annual report. You're not gonna believe it, but Sid hailed Buffett's letter as "a classic of the genre"—this, from the man who frequently has criticized Buffett's "excesses" and, indeed, several years back named his annual one of the world's worst!
Baltimore Sun—March 2000
Business writer Eileen Ambrose interviewed Sid concerning annual reports and proxy statements.
WebThink—January 25, 2000
Belatedly discovered, via a search engine (Hot Bot), an article, complete
with quiz, that asks the question: "Annual Reports: Informational report
or marketing tool?" Subtitled "Web resources with critical-thinking questions; Chapter 13." Also, according to the Lycos search engine, 1,100
entries deal with "Sid Cato."
PR Week Interview
The publication's Craig McGuire interviewed Sid concerning the electronic annual report, for a story scheduled to appear in March.
Spicers Paper Annual Review
This Australian paper company asked for Sid's opinions on the print version
of the annual report—for an annual promotional piece it's preparing.
Appointment to Business School Board
Sid has accepted appointment to the advisory board of the Seidman School of
Business, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dean of
the business school is David E. Mielke. He spoke at Sid's annual report
conference in Atlanta in 1997 and accompanied him to Prague in the Czech
Republic October a year ago—to speak at a day-long seminar sponsored by
the Czech Stock Exchange.
Winter issue—quarterly newsletter
A Boston-based investor relations firm publishes a quarterly newsletter that goes to 3,000 CEOs and chief financial officers of publicly traded companies. Its Q&A with Sid Cato—about the online annual report—was featured in the Winter 2000 issue, due out in February but not out, in reality, until the end of March.
Annual Report Book Produced in Germany
Germany's talented Kaevan Gazdar (email: kaevan.gazdar@hypovereinsbank.de) has produced an elaborate book on annual reports containing an interview with Sid Cato, featuring presentation of Sid's 15 copyrighted criteria on what makes a good annual report. The tome presently is available only in German, but negotiations are under way with an English publisher. The "coffee table" book can be ordered from the publishers in Germany: Luchterhand, Gutenbergstraße 8, 65830 Kriftel, Tel. 49 6192-408231, Fax 49 6192 408248. Contact: Thomas Hoch. The book was given a three-page write-up in Manager, Germany's leading magazine for managers. The book was released in time for the Frankfurt Book Fair and is available in larger book shops. It costs 98 DM, approximately $60 (USD), which Kaevan says "is not much for a special interest book in Germany". The book also will be sold through direct marketing. Kaevan's flyleaf inscription "to Sid Cato: with many thanks for the inspiring interview on what really characterizes first-class, or rather world-class reports."
ABC News—December 16, 1999
Ian Hodder bylined a roundup on what's new in annual reports, citing yours
truly.
Sherlock Investing—December 6, 1999
John Price reviewed this website favorably in a 175-word piece ("What makes
a good annual report?") that appeared in his online BriefMe Magazine, a
weekly e-zine.
St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times—December 6, 1999
Reporter Robert Trigaux took a succinct, but devastating, look at the 1998
Carolina Power & Light report, which we've criticized repeatedly this year.
The business writer noted that: "If the strength of a company were
measured by the quality of its annual report, CP&L's deal to buy Florida
Progress Corp. would be going nowhere." He quoted us, accurately, as
saying "Its report wasn't much of anything."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review—December 5, 1999
This huge Sunday takeout by Art Marino mentioned Sid in a piece entitled
"Corporate annual reports evolve from snoozy to newsy." He quoted me as
saying, "Despite their cost, averaging $3 a copy, many (reports) quickly hit
the trash can." How true.
American Banker—December 2, 1999
Reporter Liz Moyer, better than most, headlined her Nov. 30 interview with
Sid thusly: "AR Guru Ranks Those That Measure Up, Or Don't." She focused
on our naming to the list of world's 10 worst reports that produced by
Honolulu banking company Pacific Financial. She even got a quote from the company itself, which defended itself "in a (prepared) statement" as having received "many positive comments." Moyer also called an outside producer of annuals as well as the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI), even interviewed San Francisco-based Larry Haeg, Wells Fargo's executive VP for corporate communications, who was quoted as saying his company aims its report at—its employees, a unique focus.
CBS Radio—November 13-14, 1999
Sid was interviewed again this year for the weekend business edition of CBS
Radio about the world's 10 best and 10 worst annual reports. He explained
why reports make either the list of best or worst.
IABC/Detroit Newsletter—November 1999
This monthly publication for Detroit-area members of the International
Association of Business Communicators mentioned Sid's annual International
Annual Report Conference and encouraged readers to visit www.sidcato.com—noting this is "Sid's 16th year of picking the world's 10 best and 10 worst reports for the November issue of Chief Executive magazine." I'd have worded it differently, since this isn't Sid's
16th year of making the selections for the November issue, as it's written.
The article this year appears in the November issue, granted, but in
earlier years, it ran in October and, before that, June or July. I'd have
said, "appearing in the November issue."
Milwaukee (Wis.) Journal Sentinel—Oct. 11, 1999
Ace business writer Kathleen Gallagher devoted space (including a
photograph) to Sid's Friday, Oct. 8, speech at the Milwaukee Athletic Club
before members of the National Investor Relations Institute. She noted
that no company which, in its annual report, is seen to exclude women
and/or minorities from the board of directors can make his list of world's
10 best.
October 8, 1999—NIRI Wisconsin Chapter Luncheon
Sid will address, at the Milwaukee Athletic Club, members of the local chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute—on the latest annual report trends, both good and bad, and his suggestions to help make Wisconsin reports better. Also invited will be area members of the Public
Relations Society of America (PRSA) and International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Contact: Joan C. Zimmer, president of NIRI's Wisconsin chapter. (414) 355-0400.
Oxford Directory's Media Finder
Sid's 12th annual International Annual Report Conference is listed, with complete details.
PR & Marketing Network
Its Calendar includes reference to Sid's New Orleans conference Sept. 15-17, 1999.
Times Herald-Record—July 6, 1999
This Middletown, New York, daily's ace reporter Beth Kalet quoted Sid extensively in her articles (plural) on the Fronter Insurance Co. report, which "looks like an old suitcase, smells like leather and reads like an adventure."
Midwest Express Magazine - May-June 1999
Free-lance writer Dayton Fandray did an accurate, entertaining job in his piece, "Report card on annual reports," quoting Sid throughout this popular airline's magazine, its anniversary issue.
Middletown (N.Y.) Times Herald-Record - June 14 & 15, 1999
Reporter Beth Kalet interviewed Sid, via email and phone, concerning the innovative annual report of Rock Hill, N.Y.-based Frontier Insurance Co. (The report's in the form of a travelogue—report theme is "The road less traveled"—packaged in a "pseudo suitcase that smells of leather," according to the reporter.)
Long Island Business News - May 28, 1999
After several interviews with Sid via email, its lavishly illustrated article appeared on a firm I believe to be, not a graphic design agency, as it bills itself, but a schlock* printer—to be discussed at length in the coming weekend's Blue Plate Special. (*None of its corporate clients has women and/or minorities on its board—and he's proud of it!)
San Antonio Express-News - May 10, 1999
This Texas daily quoted Sid concerning UtiliCorp United's magazine approach.
Reuters - May 7, 1999
A reporter interviewed Sid concerning the Intimate Brands 1998 report, as
externally oriented as any—this year, or ever. Sid also was interviewed
by a San Antonio, Texas, business reporter, Bonnie Pfister, of the Express-News, concerning the UtiliCorp United
report, as exemplary of the newsmagazine approach as any this year.
CNBC - April 28, 1999
Sid's interviewed about some of the early good—and awful—annuals
among the 1998 crop.
Columbus Dispatch - April 20, 1999
The outstanding Ohio daily quoted Sid in its lengthy article concerning the
innovative Intimate Brands report.
Syndicated Column - April 17, 1999
Andrew Leckey's
eighth-annual look at Sid's early favorites among 1998 reports appeared in
his base newspaper, the Chicago Tribune
Public Television - April 12, 1999
The interview aired April 12 on PBS' Nightly Business Report, showing some of the year's best annual reports.
Public Television - March 31, 1999
Sid was interviewed for Public Broadcasting's Nightly News Report at its Chicago bureau.
Reuters News Agency - March 1999
Sid was interviewed by Reuters' Kristin Roberts about his favorites among the 1998 crop of reports. Her
story, appearing on the Reuters news wire March 25, elicited a huge number of visitors to this website. The
Reuters story appeared in several newspapers, including the April 1 issue of the Washington Times
Printing Views - March 1999
"The regional graphic arts publication for the Midwest" featured Sid in its lead article. Its title: 'Tis the
season for annual reports.
Board Report - December 1998
Drew Miller's monthly publication featured Sid's 13th annual Producer Poll.
CBS Radio - November 11, 1998
Sid was interviewed by CBS Radio's Frank Barnako for its weekend business news. Subject: World's best,
worst annuals.
Cheap Relief - November 1998
Jean Lawrence's always-intriguing monthly talked about the "Evel Knievals of Publishing" - the men and
women producers of annuals, citing our 13th annual Producer Poll findings.
Chief Executive - November 1998
The magazine of corporate chieftains worldwide published Sid's 15th annual choices for the world's 10 best
and 10 worst reports, accompanied by several sidebars, including Sid's criteria on what makes a good
annual report.
Financial Executive Magazine - March/April 1998
Free-lance writer Alan Levinsohn described Sid's annual Annual Reports Competition (to select the world's
10 best) as "prestigious."
The Wall Street Journal - April 30, 1998
Sid's comments appeared in the newspaper's look at casual attire in the key corporate communiqué.
Chicago Tribune - March 29, 1998
Syndicated columnist Andrew Leckey's seventh annual column about Sid's early choices for the year's 10
best reports. The Tribune is Leckey's home newspaper.
CNBC - March 12, 1998
Interviewed via satellite about the world's annuals.
Board Report - March 1998
Drew Miller's always-readable month discusses early trends Sid's monitoring has revealed.
Board Report - December 1997
Miller's consistently excellent publication, referencing Sid's 12th annual Producer Poll findings.
ABC News - December 16, 1997
ABC's look at annuals, and quoting Sid. And using, without credit, various factoids turned up during our
17 years of monitoring the world's annuals.
Chief Executive - November 1997
Sid's 14th annual look at the best and worst among this key corporate communique'.
Cincinnati Enquirer - Nov. 9, 1997
Mike Boyer in the newspaper's business section ran an item concerning our praise of the Hillenbrand Industries 1996 annual report, which made our Top 10 list.
News & Views - May 1997
Netherlands-based Akzo Nobel featured an article by Sid, "The value of annual reports," it asked him to
prepare.
Cincinnati Post - April 29, 1997
Its Andrew Leckey column (see following item) was published.
Andrew Leckey - April 27, 1997
The Chicago Tribune's syndicated column devoted his sixth annual column on Sid's picks for best annuals,
annual report trends.
Indianapolis Business Journal - April 21-27, 1997
Its article, "Annual reports take page from magazines," quoted Sid.
San Francisco Chronicle - April 12, 1997
Pinpointing Sid and his website for his selections of the year's best and worst reports.
Board Report - February 1997
Drew Miller's publication quoted Sid concerning size of the annual report industry: an $8.5 billion
industry.
Chicago Tribune - February 3, 1997
In its business section, it quoted Sid's findings that "early annuals for 1996 are a little on the dull side."
Columbus Dispatch - January 26, 1997
This Ohio daily newspaper's assistant business editor ran a lengthy article entitled, "Annual review has
Columbus near top in corporate reports."
Columbus Dispatch - January 13, 1997
An article heralding Sid's upcoming speech.
Yahoo! - November 5, 1996
Russell Shaw's Web Wallet column on Yahoo! Internet Life entitled "Let's get fiscal." And hailing Sid
Cato's Official Annual Report Website.
Chief Executive - October 1996
Sid's 13th annual picks of the world's 10 best, and worst, reports from around the world.
Board Report for Graphic Artists - September 1996
Discussion of Sid's 11th annual Producer Poll.
Cheap Relief - August 1996
Jean Lawrence's always-entertaining monthly mentions Sid.
USA Today - July 30, 1996
"Web Traveler" Sam Vincent Meddis named Sid's website as a "hot site."
Kalamazoo Gazette - April 28, 1996
Sid's hometown newspaper publicizes Sid in its lead article in the Sunday business section.
Indiananapolis Star and News - April 8, 1996
Lead article mentions Sid.
Chicago Tribune - April 8, 1996
Reference to the casual apparel of some CEOs in their 1995 reports.
Chicago Tribune - March 21, 1996
Andrew Leckey's annual syndicated column, appearing in newspapers worldwide.
USA Today - March 18, 1996
Sid's comments included in its Money Section.
