What steps must be taken to classify discontinued operations?

To classify discontinued operations, it is essential to determine if certain specific criteria are met. According to accounting standards, a component or group of components of an entity can be classified as discontinued operations if it has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale and meets additional criteria such as being a separate major line of business or geographic area, or if it is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with the intention of resale.

This classification serves important reporting purposes, as it helps users of financial statements distinguish between ongoing operations and operations that are no longer relevant to the future financial performance of the company. The clarity provided by properly identifying discontinued operations aids in making better investment and business decisions, as users can better assess the company's true performance without the influence of operations that are no longer part of the business.

Consultation of profitability metrics, relying solely on the annual financial report, or engaging third-party valuation services do not directly address the fundamental requirement of evaluating whether the criteria for discontinued operations have been satisfied. Therefore, focusing on the specific criteria is paramount in this classification process.