The financial results of Polish State Forests and profit distribution – in the opinions of stakeholders

Purpose: The main aim of the study is to present and evaluate the essence, the principles of determining (measuring), and the means of presenting the result of Polish State Forests (LP) in financial reporting, as well as the presentation of the initial distribution of profit.Methodology/approach: The considerations in the study are contrasted with selected authors from the source literature. The methods of critical analysis and synthesis, inference, and a case study were used. The data for the analyses were collected from the financial and economic reports of LP for 2011–2021 and from the accounts obtained by filing a motion in LP to reuse public sector information.Findings: LP’s revenue has been decreasing since 2018. Approximately 55–56% of LP’s overall spending is related to the costs of the core activity, which is related to the sale of lumber. Since 2018, the share of this spending has diminished. The costs of general management primarily associated with maintaining the Forest Service amount to around 41–42% LP’s total spendings. These costs are structured at diverse levels within the study period. The increase in the percentage contribution of the abovementioned spendings in LP’s total costs has been noted since 2018. From 2011 to 2021, LP made a profit from business activities and it is used to support LP’s assets, provide extra rewards for employees, contribute to the company’s social benefits fund, and for socially useful purposes.Research limitations: There is a lack of comprehensive data on the general distribution of profits from LP and individual forest districts. Additionally, there was a lack of access to data from the respective forest districts. LP did not provide detailed information.Originality/value: The paper fills the gap on information about acquired revenue and incurred costs of managing a sustainable forest economy, including an attempt to delineate a description of the distribution of LP’s profit. The profit-sharing matrix and index are versatile tools that can be used for profit-sharing planning in LP.