How often are audited financial statements typically reported by a company?

Audited financial statements are typically reported on an annual basis, which is why the correct answer is annual. This is because a comprehensive audit process requires significant time and resources to ensure that the company's financial information is accurate and complies with relevant accounting standards. The annual reporting cycle allows businesses to reflect on their entire fiscal year, providing stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and management, with a complete view of the company's financial health.

While some companies may choose to undergo audits more frequently, such as quarterly, this is not standard practice for all organizations. Similarly, monthly reports may be generated for internal use but do not usually involve the extensive process of an external audit. Reporting "as needed" can describe situations where urgent financial reviews are necessary, but it does not align with the standard practice of presenting audited financial statements comprehensively on an annual basis. Thus, the annual reporting cycle stands as the widely accepted expectation for audited financial statements.