Meaning under IFRS 8
An operating segment concerns the presentation of parts of an entity’s activities under IFRS 8. The standard overview addresses information about different businesses, economic environments, products, geography and major customers. Source: **curr-stat-ifrs8**, About. A marketing name for a business line is not automatically a separate reportable segment.
Segment information helps show which activities generate revenue and results. A segment result may nevertheless need reconciliation to the group total because of shared costs, intercompany turnover and the management basis selected. Adding the percentages of different segments does not produce the group’s overall margin.
What to compare
Do not confuse a segment with a legal entity or an impairment-testing unit. Comparisons require the definitions, external and internal revenue, an explanation of structural changes and restated comparative data where presented. Related reading: [financial statements roadmap](/guides/financial-statements-roadmap/) and [balance sheet](/guides/balance-sheet/).