GAAP vs. IFRS Flashcards
How are Purchased Intangibles Assets recorded?
Recorded at cost under both US GAAP and IFRS
How are R&D costs accounted for?
Under US GAAP, expensed except for equipment or facilities that are acquired and have future alternative uses.
Under IFRS, research costs expensed and developement costs capitalized
How is revenue recognized from performance of services?
GAAP: In period services have been rendered and are able to be billed.
IFRS: Use percentage of completetion method
How are fixed assets computed under GAAP and IFRS?
GAAP: Cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment.
IFRS: Cost model or revaluation model
Revaluation = FV on revaluation date less subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent impairment
Revaluation gains go to OCI
Revaluation losses go to Income Statement
How is the discount rate determined for Pensions?
GAAP: Uses settlement rate.
IFRS: Uses the market yields at the end of the reporting period for high-quality corporate bonds having a simillar term or maturity
Can Pension Assets and Liabilities be netted?
GAAP: No.
IFRS: Only when there is a legally enforceable right to use the assets of one plan to settle the obligations of another plan
How are investments classified?
GAAP: 1. HTM 2. AFS 3. Trading
IFRS: 1. HTM - debt measured at amortized cost 2. FV through profit or loss (if purpose is to make a quick buck)
Can impairments of investments be reversed?
GAAP: No
IFRS: Yes
What is the requirement to classiy an instrument as HTM?
GAAP: Positive ability and intent to hold
IFRS: Business model test - holding the instrument is to collect cash flows
Treatment of Investment Transfers
GAAP: Permits transfers into or out of trading classification
IFRS: 1. Does NOT permit trasnfers into/out of trading 2. Only debt instruments are allowed to be transferred between categories
Can the Fair Value Option be used to measure invesments?
GAAP: Yes
IFRS: Yes, but only certain investors (venture capitalists, mutual funds) can use option
How is impairment loss measured?
GAAP: Carrying value less fair value
IFRS: Carrying value less recoverable amount. Recoverable amount is greater of: (FMV - cost to sell) OR Value in use
What Level is Goodwill tested at?
GAAP: Reporting level
IFRS: Cash generating level
Principles vs. Policies
GAAP: Accounting Principles
IFRS: Accounting Policies
Goodwill impairement testing
GAAP: Has a qualitative ‘prestep’ and then, if needed, a 2 step approach
IFRS: One-step approach
Control is defined as?
GAAP: > 50% ownership
IFRS: can be obtained with > 50% ownership in certain circumstances i.e., potential rights, right to appoint key personnel
Defines VIEs?
GAAP: Yes
IFRS: No, but has similar concept with Special Purpose Entities
Accounting policies have to align?
GAAP: No
IFRS: Yes