A comparative study of the effects of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 8 'operating segments’ on Maltese public interest entities and listed companies

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects that International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 8 ‘Operating Segments’ would have, if any, in the preparation and presentation of segmental information that is currently required in the consolidated financial statements of listed companies and public interest entities. A series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with finance executives of public interest entities and a selection of public listed companies. This was deemed necessary so that the objective of the study could be fulfilled. The results obtained from the interviews revealed that most of the concepts in the Standard are already present within the public interest entities and listed companies and that no major differences exist between the two. This implies that no major changes in the presentation of segmental information is anticipated in the future and thus expressed that the effects would not be burden for compliance. Both groups expressed that segmental information is an aid to both management and users alike as it aids in decision making. The use of segmental information is further complemented by the use of the management accounts which are an indispensable source of information. Executives expressed their willingness to enhance further the quality of information found in the annual financial statements in the area of segmental information, more information would be anticipated thus complying to the minimum requirements provided by the Standard. Executives fear that this Standard would expose the firm to competitive harm given the relatively small market economy they operate in. The extent of applicability of segmental information within the local listed companies is rather a limited one. This is due to the relatively small number of activities that they are engaged in when compared to large multi-national companies listed on other stock exchanges.