Why are profit and revenue figures publicly available for some companies but only visible to premium users for others?

Whether figures are freely accessible depends on what information a company publishes in the Federal Gazette, and the legal obligations under the German Commercial Code (HGB).

• Profit figures:
  If a company publishes its net profit/loss in the balance sheet or profit and loss statement, we display this figure publicly. 
  If the profit is not explicitly stated in all annual reports, then In this case, we make an estimate calculation based on corresponding variables from the balance sheet (e.g., by comparing the net profit to the previous year). The resulting profit figure may differ from the net profit for the year, according to the German Commercial Code (HGB). For example, dividends paid to shareholders may not be taken into account.
  Estimated profit figures are marked as  "uncertain" and are only available to Premium customers.
• Revenue figures:
  If revenues are published in the profit and loss statement or management report, we also display them publicly.
  If information is missing, we estimate revenues.
  Estimated profit figures are marked as  "uncertain" and are only available to Premium customers.
• Filed vs. published financial statements:
  Micro-enterprises can file their financial statements under HGB without being required to publish them.
  Voluntary publication: If they choose to disclose their financial statements, these are displayed publicly on our platform.
  We only show published data. Filed but unpublished statements are not visible.

Background: Publication requirements under HGB

The German Commercial Code (HGB) prescribes different disclosure obligations depending on a company’s legal form and size:

• Small companies benefit from exemptions and are required to disclose less information.
• Large companies must publish their financial statements fully and in detail.
• Micro-capital companies are allowed to file their statements only but can voluntarily publish them.

Overview: Who must publish what?

(Note: Thresholds must be exceeded in two consecutive financial years for an upgrade to the next category.)

Summary for users

1. Published data: Profit and revenue figures that are published in the Bundesanzeiger are displayed publicly.
2. Indirectly calculated values: Estimates of profit or revenue are only accessible to premium users.
3. Filed statements: These are not published and are not visible on our platform – except for micro-enterprises that voluntarily publish.