The quarterly report of listed companies are of great importance when investing in the stock markets: these are mandatory public disclosures, as well as half-yearly reports, for all listed companies.
Each quarterly report, in which the interim financial statements are indicated, has the objective of providing "timely and reliable interim accounting information that improves the ability of investors, suppliers and other users to understand the ability of the company to generate profits and cash flows and its financial and liquidity situation ", as indicated in the international accounting standard IAS 34.
Also according to the international legislator, the quarterly report (or interim report) must include the following components:
- * balance sheet and summary income statement;
- * a summary table of changes in shareholders’ equity;
- * a synthetic cash flow statement;
- * specific explanatory notes.
Listed companies within forty-five days from the end of each quarter of the financial year are required to make available to the public, at the registered office and the market management company, a quarterly report drawn up by the administrative body according to the dictated for the annual and consolidated accounts for the current year.
Quarterly reports are therefore of utmost importance as they are the most immediate tool that analysts and investors can have to evaluate the value of companies and adjust previous estimates based on the performance of a particular company at each quarter of the year. fiscal year.