Selskapsrapporter

Selskapsrapporter is a term used for the formal reports produced by companies to communicate financial performance, governance and key activities to stakeholders such as shareholders, lenders and regulators. In practice, the concept often overlaps with annual reports, annual accounts and management reports, and is used by both private and public companies.

A typical selskapsrapport includes several core elements. The financial statements show the company’s financial position and results for the year, including the balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement, accompanied by notes and accounting policies. There is usually a management report or commentary that explains performance, trends, risks and significant events. A board of directors’ report or equivalent governance section describes oversight, strategy and risk management, and an auditor’s report may accompany the statements for transparency and assurance. For groups, consolidated accounts are included as well, and many reports also cover sustainability or corporate social responsibility aspects.

Legal framework and publication: In Norway, most limited companies are required to prepare annual accounts and a management report under the Accounting Act, with the level of audit and disclosure depending on size and form. The reports are typically filed with national registries and are publicly accessible, and many companies publish their selskapsrapport on their websites and prepare it for annual general meetings.

Variations by size and type: Small privately held companies may have simplified reporting requirements, while large or publicly listed entities face more detailed disclosure, consolidated accounting and stricter audit and governance standards. The term selskapsrapporter is thus used broadly to describe comprehensive company reporting intended for stakeholders.