Impairment of assets (IFRS)

Question 1

Impairment of assets (IFRS)

Answer 1

• An entity is required to assess whether there are any indicators of impairment at the end of each reporting period. If an indication of impairment exists, the asset will need to be tested for impairment.
• To test for impairment, compare the asset’s recoverable amount to the carrying value. The extent to which the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount (if any) is the impairment loss.
• Recoverable amount: Higher of the fair value less costs to sell and value in use
  o Fair value less costs to sell: price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants, less incremental costs directly attributable to the disposal of the asset (excluding finance cost and income tax expense)
  o Value in use: Present value of the future cash flows from the continuing use of the asset and its ultimate disposal
• Impairment can be reversed if the asset subsequently recovers in value, but not to more than the “would be” value had the impairment not been recognized.
  Reference: IAS 36