bilanci

Bilanci, the plural form of bilancio, are annual financial statements that summarize a company’s financial position and operating results for the fiscal year. In Italy, the bilancio d’esercizio typically includes the stato patrimoniale (balance sheet), the conto economico (income statement), and the nota integrativa (notes). Many entities also prepare a rendiconto finanziario (cash flow statement), and larger groups publish a consolidated bilancio. Smaller businesses may use simplified formats under statutory thresholds.

The stato patrimoniale presents assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity at the end of the period, while the conto economico records revenues and expenses to show net profit or loss. The nota integrativa explains accounting policies, critical estimates, and provides context and quantitative detail for items in the primary statements. The rendiconto finanziario traces cash inflows and outflows, and the relazione sulla gestione offers management’s analysis of performance, risks, and future outlook.

Bilanci can be prepared in accordance with national GAAP or, for listed or international groups, IFRS. They are usually audited by independent auditors and require approval by the shareholders’ meeting. After approval, the bilancio is filed with the Registro delle Imprese (Chamber of Commerce) and disclosed to investors, creditors, and tax authorities. They serve to inform stakeholders, support financing decisions, and satisfy regulatory and taxation obligations.

Consolidated bilancio refers to the financial statements of a group of companies as a whole, combining the parent and subsidiaries. Distinctions exist between corporate entities, non-profits, and public bodies, each with their own reporting rules.