årsrapport

An årsrapport is the annual report of an organization, produced to summarize its activities and financial performance for the preceding year. The term is primarily used in Sweden and other Swedish-speaking contexts, and it is a key part of formal business reporting in Nordic countries.

Contents typically include financial statements such as the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, supported by notes that explain accounting policies and significant estimates. A management's review or director's report describes the year's operations, risks, key events, and outlook. A governance section covers board composition and responsibilities, and an external auditor's report if an audit is performed. Many årsrapporter also include a sustainability or corporate social responsibility report.

Process and publication: the report is prepared by management with input from several departments, reviewed by the board, and approved before publication. It is usually presented to shareholders at the annual general meeting and filed with authorities where required. The document is commonly published on the organization's website and distributed to stakeholders.

Purpose and audience: the årsrapport aims to inform shareholders and other stakeholders about financial performance, governance, and risk, enabling accountability and facilitating investment and lending decisions.

Legal context and variations: obligations for annual reporting vary by jurisdiction, organizational form, and size. Larger or publicly listed entities often require external audits and more detailed governance reporting, while smaller associations may publish abridged reports. Reporting frameworks may be based on national GAAP or international standards such as IFRS.