Definition
Segment Reporting is the reporting of the financial performance and position of different segments or lines of business within an organization. It allows stakeholders to isolate and evaluate the financial results of different parts of the organization. Segment reporting is mandated when a reportable segment meets one or more of the following criteria:
- Revenue Test: When the segment’s revenue is 10% or more of the combined revenue of all operating segments.
- Operating Profit Test: When the segment’s operating profit is 10% or more of the combined operating profit of all operating segments (operating profit excludes unallocable general corporate revenue and expenses, interest expense, and income taxes).
- Identifiable Assets Test: When the segment’s identifiable assets are 10% or more of the combined identifiable assets of all operating segments.
Segment reporting, also referred to as line of business reporting, provides detailed information about different aspects of an organization’s operations. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 14 requires that financial statements include information about operations in different industries, foreign operations, export sales, major customers, and government contracts.
Examples
Example 1: Major Product Line Segment
A multinational company producing electronics may report separately on its revenue from smartphones, tablets, and computers if each product line meets the revenue threshold of contributing 10% or more to the overall revenue.
Example 2: Geographical Segment
An international organization may report segments based on geography, such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions, when these segments individually account for substantial portions of the company’s total revenue, operating profit, or identifiable assets.
Example 3: Business Division
A diversified corporation involved in manufacturing and retail might provide segment reports for its automotive, retail, and financial services divisions if any of these divisions meet the criteria based on revenue, profit, or assets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of segment reporting?
Segment reporting aims to provide financial statement users with a clear view of the different parts of a company’s business operations. It enhances transparency and helps stakeholders to better understand the overall performance and risks associated with distinct business units or geographical regions.
What are the criteria for a segment to be reportable?
A segment is reportable if it meets any of the following tests:
- Revenue test: 10% or more of combined revenue.
- Operating profit test: 10% or more of combined operating profit.
- Identifiable assets test: 10% or more of the combined identifiable assets.
How is operating profit calculated for the purpose of segment reporting?
Operating profit for segment reporting excludes unallocable general corporate revenue and expenses, interest expense, and income taxes. It reflects the profit from the segment’s regular business activities.
What disclosures are required under FASB Statement No. 14?
FASB Statement No. 14 requires disclosures of segment revenues, segment profit or loss, segment assets, and other items, along with information about operations in different industries, foreign operations, export sales, major customers, and government contracts.
Are all business entities required to perform segment reporting?
Segment reporting requirements primarily apply to publicly traded companies and other entities that must follow Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), particularly those with diverse operations across various segments.
Related Terms
Line of Business Reporting
The disclosure of financial performance and position data for distinct lines of business within an organization.
Operating Segment
A component of an entity that earns revenue and incurs expenses, whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief decision-maker for performance assessment and resource allocation.
Identifiable Assets
Assets that can be readily attributed to a specific segment or line of business within an organization.
FASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board)
The private, not-for-profit organization responsible for establishing accounting and financial reporting standards in the United States.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- Intermediate Accounting by Donald E. Kieso, Jerry J. Weygandt, and Terry D. Warfield.
- Financial Accounting by Paul D. Kimmel, Jerry J. Weygandt, and Donald E. Kieso.
- Advanced Accounting by Joe Ben Hoyle, Thomas Schaefer, and Timothy S. Doupnik.
- Financial Reporting and Analysis by Charles Gibson.
- Accounting Standards: National and International by Arvind Kumar.
Fundamentals of Segment Reporting: Accounting Basics Quiz
Thank you for exploring the essential aspects of segment reporting in accounting. Your dedication to understanding this critical area supports better financial decision-making and enhanced business transparency!
