Which of the following is NOT typically included in a variance report?

Variance reports are essential management tools that compare budgeted outcomes to actual performance, allowing businesses to analyze financial performance and make informed decisions. The components typically included in a variance report focus on quantifying discrepancies between planned and actual results and identifying the reasons behind those differences.

The comparison of budgeted versus actual expenses is fundamental in variance reporting. It allows management to see where they stand relative to their financial plans and to evaluate areas of overspending or savings. Additionally, the analysis of unanticipated adjustments helps in understanding unexpected fluctuations that occurred during the reporting period, which is crucial for accurate financial analysis. Highlighting areas for review and adjustment ensures that management can proactively address inefficiencies or potential issues based on the variance findings.

In contrast, while identification of sales trends over multiple periods is valuable information for strategic planning and forecasting, it does not belong specifically to variance analysis focused on the immediate assessment of budget versus actual financial performance. Variance reports are primarily concerned with current performance discrepancies rather than long-term trending of sales data. Thus, focusing on trends over several periods falls outside the typical scope of variance reporting.