How can I identify restated data in the Compustat Segments files?

FASB 131, effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 1997, requires public business enterprises to report financial information and descriptive information about their Operating segments. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. Companies were able to redefine what was classified as an operating segment.

The Compustat Business Information files were designed to allow for restated data in conjunction with these changes in disclosure requirements. The Segment Item Value File provides the historical data and up to 2 data source years of restated data back to 1998. The number of records for each data year depends on whether the company restates the period with a subsequent source.

For example, if XYZ Corp reported their 1998 business segment data on 1998 10K, there would be one record for that year. In 1999, XYZ Corp restates their 1998 data with 1999 10K, there would be one record for 1999 and two records for 1998: one with the Source Year of 1998 and the other with 1999. In 2000, they restate both 1999 and 1998 data. There would be one record for 2000, two records for 1999 (one historical [Source Year = 1999] and one restated [Source Year = 2000]), and three records for 1998 (one historical [Source Year = 1998] and two restated [Source Year = 1999 and 2000]).

Hence, to determine if the data is historical or original, compare the Source Year to the Data year.

For original Historical data: Source Year (SRCYR) = Data Year (YEAR)

For restated data: Source Year (SRCYR) <> Data Year (YEAR)