The panel, consisting of Kristin Wallander, Senior Director Sustainability & Engagement, Swedbank Robur, Josefine Uppling, Vice President Communication & Sustainability, Ratos, Maria Nordqvist, Head of Sustainability, Lannebo Fonder and Per Löfgren, Managing Director, DNB Investment Bank, unanimously agreed that the annual report as a document is more important than ever.

Kristin Wallander and Maria Nordqvist, both use the annual report in their work to assess how companies perform in the sustainability area.
“I read about 120 annual and sustainability reports per year, and beyond what is written in the text, I look for what is missing. This often leads to questions I then pose to the companies,” said Kristin Wallander.
Per Löfgren, who frequently searches for specific details in an annual report, sees it as the most reliable source of information.
“It’s audited content and therefore the most trustworthy. Additionally, the annual report is the best source when investigating a company’s historical statements. Content on a website is updated regularly and is not as reliable for historical data,” said Per Löfgren.
Josefine Uppling, overall responsible for Ratos reporting, is positive about the introduction of CSRD, which ensures that important sustainability aspects are now taken very seriously in board rooms across the globe.

“It’s all about ‘follow the money,’ and listed companies need to be investable, so everyone takes it seriously. However, it is also important to dare to omit certain indicators, as it is about communicating what is genuinely material,” said Josefine Uppling.
The panel also emphasized the importance of highlighting the company’s equity story and explaining the business model, market, and key drivers.
Maria Nordqvist from Lannebo explained that, as asset managers, they face stringent requirements, including those in the EU regulation SFDR.

“This means, quite simply, that our organizations have tough requirements to follow. We must evaluate companies based on sustainability aspects to be able to label a fund as sustainable. In meetings with end customers, our advisors are obliged to investigate the customers’ preferences regarding sustainable investments,” explained Maria Nordqvist.
The discussion was moderated by Année Advisory’s Daniel Bergsten and took place in Stockholm on May 23.