Annual reports are generally written for shareholders and other investors, although they are also required reading for lenders, banks, potential employees, and MBA students working their way through grueling accounting and finance classes. For the most part, annual reports are produced by public, not privately held, companies. Chances are, you won't see a private company's annual financial statements unless you're an owner. For most of the public, the annual report contains the only financial documents they are likely to see. It is, therefore, the best source of information for most people to determine the financial health of a company and to learn of any potential problems or opportunities.