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Implementation Guidelines For NFRS 2013 On Impacts of COVID-19
Implementation Guidelines For NFRS 2013 On Impacts of COVID-19
on
Impacts of COVID-19
FOREWORD
The COVID-19 outbreak has direct or indirect impact across the globe and Nepal is not an
exception to it. This pandemic caused an unprecedented human and health crisis which
called for an extraordinary response from the government in restricting the movement of
individuals and businesses throughout the jurisdictions. Accordingly, this measure caused an
immediate impact on businesses such as tourism, transport, retail and entertainment while
the supply chains and the production of goods and services will be affected for a longer
period of time. Therefore, it is evident that because of the COVID-19 the resulting impact
will be an economic uncertainty to many businesses/industries which may have significant
financial reporting implications.
In view of the potential impacts and possible diverse interpretation of situation in the
implementation of NFRS, it is felt necessary to have clear guidelines for better
understanding and also highlighting the key accounting and disclosure requirements to be
considered by the various entities in preparing the financial statements applying NAS/NFRSs
for the FY 2076/77 and subsequent years.
Accounting Standard Board, Nepal believes that these guidelines will help preparers and
auditors in understanding the relevant requirements of NAS/NFRSs, impacts of COVID-19 on
application of those requirements and taking appropriate actions thereof.
I, on behalf of Accounting Standards Board, Nepal acknowledge and extend my sincere
thanks and gratitude to all the members of the Board, Guideline Preparation Task Force,
NAS Development and Revision Technical Committee, Regulators and the Secretariat for
their efforts and support in bringing out this implementation guideline. I also take this
opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the former Board Member CA. Shashi Satyal for
reviewing and providing insightful comments on this guideline.
CA Mahesh Khanal
Chairman
Accounting Standards Board, Nepal
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Introduction
Accounting Standards Board, Nepal has so far set and issued following standards.
Nepal Financial Reporting Standards (NFRSs) 2013
Nepal Financial Reporting Standards for Small and Medium-sized Entities
(NFRSs for SMEs) 2017
Nepal Accounting Standards for Micro Entities (NAS for MEs) 2018
Nepal Accounting Standards for Not for Profit Organization (NAS for NPOs)
2018
Since 2007, Nepal Government has also entrusted ASB Nepal with the responsibility
to develop accounting standards for public sector in line with the International Public
Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs) and the Board had prepared Nepal Public
Sector Accounting Standards (NPSAS) 2007, which was implemented from August 15,
2009 (2066/05/30) as per the decision made by the Government of Nepal.
Recently, as per the request of Financial Comptroller of General Office (FCGO), ASB
Nepal has prepared the Draft of Nepal Public Sector Accounting Standards (NPSAS)
for public sector in line with IPSAS 2017 cash basis.
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Review
CA. Shashi Satyal, Former Board Member
Accounting Standards Board, Nepal
Secretariat
Administrative Assistant : Mr. Santosh Bhattarai
Account Assistant : Mr. Karna Raj Palpali
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Comparative Information 4
NAS 2 Inventories 8
Measurement of inventories 8
Contract Costs 15
NAS 18 Revenue 22
Customer Loyalty programs 22
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Reimbursements 37
Onerous contracts 39
Restructuring 39
Quantitative thresholds 47
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As a response to fight against COVID-19, Government announced lockdown and the need to
maintain social distancing and other measures for several months. This will result into severe
business disturbances, affecting profitability, cash flows, ability to meet financial and other
obligations of the entity, and in extreme situation inability of the entity to continue as a going
concern.
Implementation Guidelines
In normal situation, the assessment of going concern assumption is pretty simple if an entity
has the history of making profits and ready access to financial resources because in such case
the conclusion without detailed analysis is that the going concern assumption is appropriate.
But due to impact of COVID-19, various scenarios and probabilities taking into account all
information available for at least, but not limited to, twelve months' period from the end of
reporting period, needs to be analyzed to forecast future profitability, ability to discharge
obligations when due, reliefs and concessions provided by the Government and creditors,
potential sources of financing, plan to mitigate the risk of inability to continue as a going
concern etc.
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The key consideration for assessment of going concern by management are summarized in
the table below:
Management’s Plan Work from home, online trading and work at reduced
to mitigate capacity to survive for at least 12 months
uncertainties Search of new/replacing suppliers and workforce
Negotiation with workforce, creditors and bankers
Rescheduling of debts
Preparation to abide by conditions to obtain reliefs and
concessions offered by Government, local bank and
creditors
The various outcome of assessment of going concern, the respective basis of preparation of
financial statements and respective disclosure requirements are presented in the table below
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Material uncertainty exists Other than going Disclose the fact that financial statements
about Going Concern and concern basis of have not been prepared on going concern
management plans would accounting basis. Disclose the basis of preparation used.
not be able to mitigate the Disclose the reasons why the entity is not
uncertainties/Going considered as a going concern.
Concern basis is
inappropriate
Comparative Information
NAS-1.38: Except when NFRSs permit or require otherwise, an entity shall disclose
comparative information in respect of the previous period for all amounts reported in the
current period's financial statements. An entity shall include comparative information for
narrative and descriptive information when it is relevant to an understanding of the current
period's financial statements.
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current period. For example, an entity may not have collected data in the prior period(s) in a
way that allows reclassification, and it may be impracticable to recreate the information.
The financial performance and financial position of the entities in the current fiscal year may
be highly impacted due to business disruptions for extended period. So, the financial
information of the current year, which is not normal year of operation, may not be fully
comparable with the previous years, normal year of operation.
Implementation Guidelines
Preparers should consider making adequate disclosures and explanatory notes regarding the
impact of COVID-19 on its financial position, performance and cash flows to explain to the
users of the financial statements with reference to the corresponding information of the
previous year. This disclosure and explanation will help users in making informed decisions
when they use financial information of the entity for trend and other analysis.
NAS-1.73: If an entity expects, and has the discretion, to refinance or roll over an obligation
for at least twelve months after the reporting period under an existing loan facility, it
classifies the obligation as non-current, even if it would otherwise be due within a shorter
period. However, when refinancing or rolling over the obligation is not at the discretion of the
entity (for example, there is no arrangement for refinancing), the entity does not consider the
potential to refinance the obligation and classifies the obligation as current.
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NAS-1.75: However, an entity classifies the liability as non-current if the lender agreed by the
end of the reporting period to provide a period of grace ending at least twelve months after
the reporting period, within which the entity can rectify the breach and during which the
lender cannot demand immediate repayment.
NAS-1.76: In respect of loans classified as current liabilities, if the following events occur
between the end of the reporting period and the date the financial statements are authorized
for issue, those events are disclosed as non-adjusting events in accordance with NAS 10
Events after the Reporting Period:
(c) the granting by the lender of a period of grace to rectify a breach of a long-term loan
arrangement ending at least twelve months after the reporting period.
An entity may experience difficulties in meeting its debt obligation due to prolonged business
disturbances and may default in principal and interest payments. Government and regulators
and in some cases lenders may suo motu, provide relaxations to borrowers in
payment/settlement of dues. Such situation may affect current/non-current status of
liabilities.
Implementation Guidelines
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NAS 2 Inventories
Measurement of inventories
NAS-2.9: Inventories shall be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value.
NAS-2.10: The cost of inventories shall comprise all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and
other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition.
NAS-2.13: The allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion is based on
the normal capacity of the production facilities. Normal capacity is the production expected
to be achieved on average over a number of periods or seasons under normal circumstances,
taking into account the loss of capacity resulting from planned maintenance. The actual level
of production may be used if it approximates normal capacity. The amount of fixed overhead
allocated to each unit of production is not increased as a consequence of low production or
idle plant. Unallocated overheads are recognized as an expense in the period in which they
are incurred. In periods of abnormally high production, the amount of fixed overhead
allocated to each unit of production is decreased so that inventories are not measured above
cost. Variable production overheads are allocated to each unit of production on the basis of
the actual use of the production facilities.
NAS-2.16: Examples of costs excluded from the cost of inventories and recognized as
expenses in the period in which they are incurred are:
NAS-2.28: The cost of inventories may not be recoverable if those inventories are damaged, if
they have become wholly or partially obsolete, or if their selling prices have declined. The
cost of inventories may also not be recoverable if the estimated costs of completion or the
estimated costs to be incurred to make the sale have increased. The practice of writing
inventories down below cost to net realizable value is consistent with the view that assets
should not be carried in excess of amounts expected to be realized from their sale or use.
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Various entities may not operate at full capacity due to reduced demand, disruption in supply
chain, shortage in workforce and lockdown effects. However, the fixed costs will continue to
be incurred and in such situation, determination of cost of inventories needs to take into
account the costs to be included in inventory costs to be charged as expenses. Further, due to
liquidity crisis an entity may purchase goods under deferred settlement terms and cost of
purchase may include financing cost which should be properly dealt with in determination of
cost of inventories. Moreover, the net realizable value of inventories may be impacted due to
seasonal nature of some inventories and perishable products might be exposed to the risk of
loss due to damage, contamination, physical deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price
levels or other causes. In addition to these impacts, estimating net realizable value in such
volatile market conditions also poses challenges, on account of the uncertainties presented
by the pandemic.
Implementation Guidelines
Fixed production overheads costs should be absorbed on the basis of normal production
level. Due to low production level, compared to normal production level, some fixed
production overhead costs may not be absorbed by produced units. Such unabsorbed
production cost shall be charged as expenses and inventory cost shall be determined on the
basis of normal production level. In case of purchase of goods under deferred settlement
terms, the financing costs should be determined as excess of cost of purchases over cost of
goods purchased under normal credit terms. Such excess costs (financing cost) should be
recognized as financing expenses rather than cost of produced units.
Further, net realizable value of inventories should be estimated using the best judgement on
the basis of available information and considering the events after reporting period which
provides further evidence of the condition existed at the reporting date. Due to reduced
demand, perishable nature of some goods, seasonal effect and other reasons, net realizable
value of some goods may be less than their cost. In such situation, inventories should be
written down to net realizable value.
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NAS- 8.32: As a result of the uncertainties inherent in business activities, many items in
financial statement cannot be measured with precision but can only be estimated. The
estimation involves judgments based on the latest available reliable information. For
example, estimates may be required of
NAS-8.36: The effect of a change in an accounting estimate, other than a change to which
paragraph 37 applies, shall be recognized prospectively by including it in profit or loss in:
(a) the period of the change, if the change affects that period only; or
(b) the period of the change and future periods, if the change affects both.
NAS-8.37: To the extent that a change in an accounting estimate gives rise to changes in
assets and liabilities, or related to an item of equity, it shall be recognized by adjusting the
carrying amount of the related asset, liability or equity item in the period of the change.
NAS-8.39: An entity shall disclose the nature and amount of a change in an accounting
estimate that has an effect in the current period or is expected to have an effect in future
periods, except for the disclosure of the effect on future periods when it is impracticable to
estimate that effect.
NAS-8.40: If the amount of the effect in future periods is not disclosed because estimating it
is impracticable, an entity shall disclose that fact.
The current economic situation and its impacts on businesses has drastically increased the
uncertainty about future market scenario. These uncertainties may impact the estimates and
management judgments in a great deal. Estimates and judgments that are based on highly
subjective assumptions (e.g., a valuation of financial instruments that is not
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based on observable market information, assumptions about future events and conditions)
may be challenging. Similarly, the COVID-19 Impact may have affected the expected useful
life and residual life of PPEs, inventory obsolescence, Bad debt estimation, etc.
Implementation Guidelines
The management shall give due consideration to the COVID 19 impact while making
estimates and judgment for valuation of financial instruments, expected useful life and
residual life of PPEs, inventory obsolescence, bad debts, warranty obligations etc. While
making estimates and judgments, if expectations differ from previous estimates, it is
appropriate to account for the change(s) as an accounting estimate in accordance with
paragraphs NAS-8.36 and 8.37.
Due to current market conditions, apart from the disclosures required by paragraphs NAS-
8.39 and 8.40, it may be necessary for the entities to make additional disclosures about
significant accounting estimates and management judgments to enable the users of the
financial statements to understand those statements correctly. The entity shall also disclose
information about the assumptions it makes about the future, and other major sources of
estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period, that have a significant risk of
resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the
next financial year.
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NAS-10.3: Events after the reporting period are those events, favorable and un-favorable,
that occur between the end of the reporting period and the date when the financial
statements are authorized for issue. Two types of events can be identified:
(a) those that provide evidence of conditions that existed at the end of the reporting period
(adjusting events after the reporting period); and
(b) those that are indicative of conditions that arose after the reporting period (non-adjusting
events after the reporting period).
NAS-10.8: An entity shall adjust the amounts recognized in its financial statements to reflect
adjusting events after the reporting period.
NAS-10.14: An entity shall not prepare its financial statements on a going concern basis if
management determines after the reporting period either that it intends to liquidate the
entity or to cease trading, or that it has no realistic alternative but to do so.
NAS-10.21: If non-adjusting events after the reporting period are material, non-disclosure
could influence the economic decisions that users make on the basis of the financial
statements. Accordingly, an entity shall disclose the following for each material category of
non-adjusting event after the reporting period:
The first infected case was identified on 23 January 2020 in Nepal and complete lockdown
was announced by the Government from 24 March 2020 after identifying second case to
contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country. The adverse economic impact of COVID-19
will go long beyond reporting period i.e. Ashadh end of FY 2076/77, which in turn will affect
going concern aspects of many entities. Further, other significant events may occur even after
Ashadh end, for example bankruptcy of major debtors due to COVID-19 which needs to be
analyzed to decide whether the events are adjusting event or non-adjusting events.
Implementation Guidelines
There is no specific prescription at which entities should view all COVID‑19 related impacts to
be adjusting events. Instead, each event should be assessed to determine whether it provides
evidence of conditions that existed at the end of the reporting period or
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whether it reflects a change in conditions after the reporting date. If the event is determined
as adjusting event, the financial impact of such events shall be adjusted in the financial
statements for the year ended Ashad 2077. For example, a major debtor could not pay his
due liabilities by Ashad end 2077 due to his deteriorated financial condition caused from
COVID-19 and after the end of the Ashad he was declared as insolvent.
In case of non-adjusting event, an entity shall disclose the nature of material non-adjusting
event along with its estimated financial effect. The estimate does not need to be precise. It is
preferable to provide a range of estimated effects as an indication of impact as compared to
not providing any quantitative information at all. However, where quantitative effect cannot
be reasonably estimated, qualitative description should be provided, along with a statement
that it is not possible to estimate the effect.
Management shall assess and evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on its business environment.
Even after the reporting period, management may intend to liquidate its business or to cease
trading or it has no realistic alternative but to do so. In such circumstances, management
should not prepare its financial statement on going concern basis.
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NAS-11.12: Contract revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or
receivable. The measurement of contract revenue is affected by a variety of uncertainties
that depend on the outcome of future events. The estimates often need to be revised as
events occur and uncertainties are resolved. Therefore, the amount of contract revenue may
increase or decrease from one period to the next. For example:
(a) a contractor and a customer may agree variations or claims that increase or decrease
contract revenue in a period subsequent to that in which the contract was initially agreed;
(b) the amount of revenue agreed in a fixed price contract may increase as a result of cost
escalation clauses;
(c) the amount of contract revenue may decrease as a result of penalties arising from delays
caused by the contractor in the completion of the contract; or
(d) when a fixed price contract involves a fixed price per unit of output, contract revenue
increases as the number of units is increased.
The uncertainties associated with construction contract are likely to be amplified in the
current situation and estimates of contract revenue needs to be revised.
Some of the situations which may result into the need of revision of contract revenue
includes:
Increase in fixed price contract as a result of cost escalation clause (cost of material and
labor may increase due to supply chain disruption and workforce shortage)
Decrease in contract revenue as a result of penalty due to delay in execution of contract
resulting from lockdown, imposed restriction affecting business and similar other effects
as a response to fight against COVID-19
Implementation Guidelines
The management should analyze all possible situations surrounding the uncertainties and
calculate the revised estimate of contract revenue which is useful in estimating reliably the
outcome of a construction contract.
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Contract Costs
NAS-11.18: Costs that may be attributable to contract activity in general and can be allocated
to specific contracts include:
(a) insurance;
(b) costs of design and technical assistance that are not directly related to a specific contract;
and
(c) construction overheads.
Such costs are allocated using methods that are systematic and rational and are applied
consistently to all costs having similar characteristics. The allocation is based on the normal
level of construction activity. Construction overheads include costs such as the preparation
and processing of construction personnel payroll. Costs that may be attributable to contract
activity in general and can be allocated to specific contracts also include borrowing costs.
(a) general administration costs for which reimbursement is not specified in the contract;
(b) selling costs;
(c) research and development costs for which reimbursement is not specified in the contract;
and
(d) depreciation of idle plant and equipment that is not used on a particular contract.
Construction activities may be halted during lockdown and extended period but still
construction overhead (including payroll costs of construction personnel) and depreciation on
plant and equipment that is not used on a particular contract will continue to be incurred.
Implementation Guidelines
Costs which are not related to normal level of construction activity should not be charged to
the construction costs. Correct calculation of contract cost is useful in estimating reliably the
outcome of a construction contract.
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reliably, contract revenue and contract costs associated with the construction contract shall
be recognized as revenue and expenses respectively by reference to the stage of completion
of the contract activity at the end of the reporting period. An expected loss on the
construction contract shall be recognized as an expense immediately in accordance with NAS-
11.36.
(a) revenue shall be recognized only to the extent of contract costs incurred that it is probable
will be recoverable; and
(b) contract costs shall be recognized as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.
Due to uncertainties, the outcome of a contract may not be estimated reliably in various
circumstances. Further, financial difficulty and liquidity issues of several entities may cause
uncertainty about the collectability of contract revenue already recognized in profit or loss.
Implementation Guidelines
A contractor can reliably estimate the outcome of a contract if following conditions are met:
When outcome of a contract cannot be estimated reliably, the contract revenue shall be
recognized only to the extent of contract costs that are probable of being recovered.
Further, the uncollectible amount or the amount in respect of which recovery has ceased to
be probable should be recognized as an expense rather than as an adjustment of the amount
of contract revenue already recognized in accordance with NAS-11.28.
NAS-11.36: When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue,
the expected loss shall be recognized as an expense immediately.
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The uncertainties may result into revision in estimate of total contract revenue and total
contract cost. The revised estimate may indicate expected loss from a contract, which was
estimated as expected profit before considering the impact of COVID-19.
Implementation Guidelines
If the revised estimate indicates expected loss from a contract, it should be recognized as
expense immediately.
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NAS-12.24:A deferred tax asset shall be recognized for all deductible temporary differences
to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the
deductible temporary difference can be utilized.
NAS-12.34:A deferred tax asset shall be recognized for the carry forward of unused tax losses
and unused tax credits to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be
available against which the unused tax losses and unused tax credits can be utilized.
Most of the entities are likely to face adverse impact on its profitability in the current year
and in years to come. Therefore, there may be a need to revisit the assumptions about
assessing the likelihood that the entity will have sufficient future taxable profit.
Implementation Guidelines
An entity should assess the probability that taxable profit will be available against which
deductible temporary differences or unused tax losses and unused tax credits can be utilized.
While assessing the possible future taxable profit of an entity, an entity should consider tax
waivers or deferrals or relief packages offered to the industry to which entity belongs. The
existence of unused tax loss even in pre COVID situation could be a strong indication that the
entity may not have sufficient taxable profit in future against which unused tax loss can be
utilized. Accordingly, in case an entity does not foresee the availability of future taxable
profit, deferred tax assets should not be recognized or deferred tax assets recognized in
previous year shall be derecognized to the extent that it cannot be recovered.
When assessing probable future taxable profits, an entity should also ensure the
reasonableness of its business plan and its impact on future taxable profits and the
consistency of assumptions compared to projections used in other financial statements
estimates for elements that should be comparable. The assumptions used should reflect the
conditions in existence at the reporting date after considering the most recent available
information.
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NAS-16.51: The residual value and the useful life of an asset shall be reviewed at least at each
financial year end, if expectations differ from previous estimates, the change(s) shall be
accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate in accordance with NAS 8.
NAS-16.55: Depreciation of an asset begins when it is available for use, i.e. when it is in the
location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by
management. Depreciation of an asset ceases at the earlier of the date that the asset is
classified as held for sale (or included in a disposal group that is classified as held for sale) in
accordance with NFRS-5 and the date that the asset is derecognized. Therefore, depreciation
does not cease when the asset becomes idle or is retired from active use unless the asset is
fully depreciated. However, under usage methods of depreciation the depreciation charge
can be zero while there is no production.
Property Plant and Equipment (PPE) may remain idle or not utilized for certain period of time
due to lockdown or other disruptions resulting from COVID. Further, the useful life and use
pattern of assets may change in the changed circumstances; e.g. due to lack of scheduled
maintenance during lockdown, change in expected use of the asset etc.
Implementation Guideline
Depreciation does not cease when the asset becomes idle or is retired from active use unless
the asset is derecognized or held for sale in accordance with NFRS-5. However, under usage
methods of depreciation the depreciation charge can be zero while there is no production.
The management should reassess whether there is any change required in the useful
life/residual life of property, plant and equipment. Mostly affected sectors like; tourism, tour
& travels, transportation, aviation, hospitality, entertainment etc. should be careful while
assessing the fair value, useful life and impairment losses of their PPE. The management may
review the residual value and the useful life of an asset due to COVID-19 and, if expectations
differ from previous estimates, it is appropriate to account for the change(s) as an accounting
estimate.
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NAS 17 Leases
Modification in Lease
Various lessors may provide concessions on lease rent (e.g. in the form of waiver of rent for
few months, reduced lease rent for certain months or deferment of rent for few months) to
lessee taking into account deteriorating financial condition of lessee or due to Government
order or other consideration. So, the situation results into modification in the lease. There
could be following issues arising from this situation:
Implementation Guidelines
The accounting to deal with issues arising out of modification in lease could be complex and
non-comparable amongst the entities in the absence of clear guidelines and hence as a
practical expedient, the Board requires the recognition of income/expenses as a result of
above concessions on lease rent in the period in which it arises along with appropriate
disclosure. This requirement is however applicable for concessions on lease rent as a
response to COVID-19 up to 16 July 2021 only unless further extended.
For the new leases, the discount rate should consider the risks of COVID-19 and the
incremental borrowing rate of the lessee at the inception of the lease which is likely to be less
than the rate that was considered reasonable before COVID-19 impact due to economic
stimulus offered by Government.
SIC-15.3: All incentives for the agreement of a new or renewed operating lease shall be
recognized as an integral part of the net consideration agreed for the use of the leased asset,
irrespective of the incentive’s nature or form or the timing of payments.
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SIC-15.4: The lessor shall recognize the aggregate cost of incentives as a reduction of rental
income over the lease term, on a straight-line basis unless another systematic basis is
representative of the time pattern over which the benefit of the leased asset is diminished.
SIC-15.5: The lessee shall recognize the aggregate benefit of incentives as a reduction of
rental expense over the lease term, on a straight-line basis unless another systematic basis is
representative of the time pattern of the lessee’s benefit from the use of the leased asset.
Economic activity is likely to slow down and lessees may terminate the lease resulting into
pressure to lessors to find new lessees in current challenging economic environment. In order
to attract lessees for leasing assets, lessors may provide incentives (e.g. up-front cash
payment to the lessee or rent free or reduced rent for initial periods of lease term or the
reimbursement or assumption by the lessor of costs of the lessee, such as relocation costs,
leasehold improvements and costs associated with a pre-existing lease commitment of the
lessee) while negotiating a new or renewed operating lease.
Implementation Guidelines
Lessee (or lessor) shall recognize lease rental expenses (or lease rental income) on straight
line basis over the lease term, after deducting total incentives from total lease rental to arrive
at net consideration for use of leased assets. So, in effect periodic lease rental amount shall
be reduced in case incentives are provided by lessor.
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NAS 18 Revenue
Customer Loyalty programs
NAS-18.13: The recognition criteria in this Standard are usually applied separately to each
transaction. However, in certain circumstances, it is necessary to apply the recognition
criteria to the separately identifiable components of a single transaction in order to reflect
the substance of the transaction. For example, when the selling price of a product includes an
identifiable amount for subsequent servicing, that amount is deferred and recognized as
revenue over the period during which the service is performed. Conversely, the recognition
criteria are applied to two or more transactions together when they are linked in such a way
that the commercial effect cannot be understood without reference to the series of
transactions as a whole. For example, an entity may sell goods and, at the same time, enter
into a separate agreement to repurchase the goods at a later date, thus negating the
substantive effect of the transaction; in such a case, the two transactions are dealt with
together.
IFRIC-13.5: An entity shall apply NAS 18.13 and account for award credits as a separately
identifiable component of the sales transaction(s) in which they are granted (the ‘initial sale’).
The fair value of the consideration received or receivable in respect of the initial sale shall be
allocated between the award credits and the other components of the sale.
IFRIC -13.6: The consideration allocated to the award credits shall be measured by reference
to their fair value, i.e. the amount for which the award credits could be sold separately.
IFRIC-13.7: If the entity supplies the awards itself, it shall recognize the consideration
allocated to award credits as revenue when award credits are redeemed and it fulfils its
obligations to supply awards. The amount of revenue recognized shall be based on the
number of award credits that have been redeemed in exchange for awards, relative to the
total number expected to be redeemed.
IFRIC-13.8: If a third party supplies the awards, the entity shall assess whether it is collecting
the consideration allocated to the award credits on its own account (i.e. as the principal in the
transaction) or on behalf of the third party (i.e. as an agent for the third party).
(a) If the entity is collecting the consideration on behalf of the third party, it shall:
(i) measure its revenue as the net amount retained on its own account, ie the difference
between the consideration allocated to the award credits and the amount payable to
the third party for supplying the awards; and
(ii) recognize this net amount as revenue when the third party becomes obliged to supply
the awards and entitled to receive consideration for doing so. These events may occur
as soon as the award credits are granted. Alternatively, if the customer can choose to
claim awards from either the entity or a third party, these events may
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occur only when the customer chooses to claim awards from the third party.
(b) If the entity is collecting the consideration on its own account, it shall measure its revenue
as the gross consideration allocated to the award credits and recognize the revenue when
it fulfils its obligations in respect of the awards.
Demand of goods or services of an entity may fall because of reducing purchasing power of
customers. In order to increase the demand of the products of the entity, it may come up
with customer loyalty programs to provide customers with incentives to buy its goods or
services. If a customer buys goods or services, the entity grants the customer award credits
(often described as ‘points’). The customer can redeem the award credits for awards such as
free or discounted goods or services. The programs operate in a variety of ways. Customers
may be required to accumulate a specified minimum number or value of award credits before
they are able to redeem them. Award credits may be linked to individual purchases or groups
of purchases, or to continued custom over a specified period. The entity may operate the
customer loyalty program itself or participate in a program operated by a third party. The
awards offered may include goods or services supplied by the entity itself and/or rights to
claim goods or services from a third party.
Implementation Guidelines
In case of customer loyalty program, the fair value of consideration received or receivable
shall be allocated between award credit and other components of sale. The revenue in
relation to award credit shall be recognized, as per IFRIC 13, only when the award credit is
redeemed and the entity fulfills its obligation in relation to award credits. The revenue in
relation to other components of sale shall be recognized as usual in accordance with NAS-18.
NAS-18.17: If an entity retains only an insignificant risk of ownership, the transaction is a sale
and revenue is recognized. For example, a seller may retain the legal title to the goods solely
to protect the collectability of the amount due. In such a case, if the entity has transferred the
significant risks and rewards of ownership, the transaction is a sale and revenue is recognized.
Another example of an entity retaining only an insignificant risk of ownership may be a retail
sale when a refund is offered if the customer is not satisfied. Revenue in such cases is
recognized at the time of sale provided the seller can reliably estimate future returns and
recognizes a liability for returns based on previous experience and other relevant factors.
NAS-18.18: Revenue is recognized only when it is probable that the economic benefits
associated with the transaction will flow to the entity. In some cases, this may not be
probable until the consideration is received or until an uncertainty is removed. For example, it
may be uncertain that a foreign governmental authority will grant permission to remit the
consideration from a sale in a foreign country. When the
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permission is granted, the uncertainty is removed and revenue is recognized. However, when
an uncertainty arises about the collectability of an amount already included in revenue, the
uncollectible amount or the amount in respect of which recovery has ceased to be probable is
recognized as an expense, rather than as an adjustment of the amount of revenue originally
recognized.
Due to challenging situation, an entity may not be able to deliver goods and services to the
satisfaction of customers and sales return is expected to increase. Further after recognition of
revenue, due to worsening economic conditions of customers, collectability of already
recognized revenue may be uncertain.
Implementation Guidelines
The seller can recognize full sales but reasonable estimate of sales return should be made
considering factors like subsequent events and liability for returns should be recognized (if
sales are in credit and sufficient amounts are still receivable as on year end date, adjustment
of receivables).
One of criteria to be fulfilled for recognition of sale of goods or service is that there should be
probability that the economic benefits with the transaction will flow to the entity. Even
though there is general presumption that at time of sales this condition is met, in current
COVID 19 situation where there could be customer with difficult/deteriorating financial
condition with high probability of default at the time of sale, careful consideration needs to
be given in making assessment whether economic benefits attached to sale will flow to entity
or not before recognizing transfer/sale of goods or service as revenue.
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NAS-19.165: An entity shall recognize a liability and expense for termination benefits at the
earlier of the following dates:
(a) when the entity can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits; and
(b) when the entity recognizes costs for a restructuring that is within the scope of NAS 37 and
involves the payment of termination benefits.
NAS-19.169: An entity shall measure termination benefits on initial recognition, and shall
measure and recognize subsequent changes, in accordance with the nature of the employee
benefit, provided that if the termination benefits are an enhancement to post-employment
benefits, the entity shall apply the requirements for post-employment benefits. Otherwise:
(a) if the termination benefits are expected to be settled wholly before twelve months after
the end of the annual reporting period in which the termination benefit isrecognized, the
entity shall apply the requirements for short-term employee benefits.
(b) if the termination benefits are not expected to be settled wholly before twelve months
after the end of the annual reporting period, the entity shall apply the requirements for
other long term employee benefits.
a) as a liability (accrued expense), after deducting any amount already paid. If the amount
already paid exceeds the undiscounted amount of the benefits, an entity shall recognize
that excess as an asset (prepaid expense) to the extent that the prepayment will lead to,
for example, a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.
b) as an expense, unless another NFRS requires or permits the inclusion of the benefits in
the cost of an asset (see, for example, NAS 2 and NAS 16).
Possible Impact due to COVID-19
Due to reduced demand, liquidity crunch and difficult work environment in current situations,
various entities may:
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suspend employees for certain period by paying at reduced rate or full rate to ensure that
those experienced employees will be available for work at latter date when business
peaks up.
provide special bonuses to employees as a reward for working in difficult conditions
Implementation Guidelines
Termination: NAS-19 deals with termination benefit separately from other employee benefits
because it relates to the cost and obligation of entity in relation to termination of employee
rather than from employee service. Termination benefits should be distinguished from
employee benefits arising due to acceptance of employee’s decision to leave the organization
without the offer of the organization or as a result of mandatory retirement requirement,
which is post-employment benefit. Termination benefits result from either an entity’s
decision to terminate the employment or an employee’s decision to accept an entity’s offer
of benefits in exchange for termination of employment. The expenses and the liability of
termination benefit shall be recognized when entity’s offer of termination is accepted by
employees or when restructuring obligation relating to termination is recognized as per NAS -
37. The measurement of termination benefits depends upon the nature of the benefit as
summarized in the table below:
Nature of employee benefit Measurement guidance
Enhancement to defined benefit plan Requirements relating to post-employment
benefits are applied for measuring termination
benefits; i.e. discounting of liabilities and other
complex measurement procedure with
actuarial assumptions.
Benefits are expected to be settled fully Requirements relating to short term employee
within 12 months of annual reporting benefits are applied for measuring termination
period end date benefits; i.e. no discounting of liabilities
Benefits are not expected to be settled Requirements relating to long term employee
fully within 12 months of annual reporting benefits are applied for measuring termination
period end date benefits; i.e. discounting of liabilities but
simplified method of accounting.
Reduced salary payment and temporary suspension: Salary is a short term employee benefit
and hence reduced salary payment (or payment of salary during suspension) shall be
recognized as expenses in the period with corresponding liability (if not already paid) or asset
(if salary paid in advance) without discounting. There is no difference in accounting and
presentation of reduced salary compared to the full salary of previous period.
Stay Bonus: Bonus is mostly short term employee benefit (if expected payment is after 12
months from the end of annual reporting period, it could be long term employee benefit).
Payments of bonuses (other than statutory bonus which is regulated as per Bonus Act) may
be contingent on the employees continuing to provide services until a certain date. In such
circumstances, the plan creates a constructive obligation as employees render service that
increases the amount to be paid if they remain in service until the end of that specified date.
The fact that some employees may leave without receiving payments offered under the
bonus plans is considered in the measurement of the obligation. It is not appropriate to defer
recognition of the obligation until the employee completes the entitlement period.
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NAS-20.7: Government grants, including non-monetary grants at fair value, shall not be
recognized until there is reasonable assurance that:
(a) the entity will comply with the conditions attaching to them; and
(b) the grants will be received.
NAS-20.12: Government grants shall be recognized in profit or loss on a systematic basis over
the periods in which the entity recognizes as expenses the related costs for which the grants
are intended to compensate.
NAS-20.21: In some circumstances, a government grant may be awarded for the purpose of
giving immediate financial support to an entity rather than as an incentive to undertake
specific expenditure. Such grants may be confined to a particular entity and may not be
available to a whole class of beneficiaries. These circumstances may warrant recognizing a
grant in profit or loss of the period in which the entity qualifies to receive it, with disclosure to
ensure that its effect is clearly understood.
To limit the adverse economic impact, the Government has responded/ may respond by
providing various assistance (e.g. reduced interest rate for certain sector and certain size of
entities, contribution to social security fund for certain period by SSF itself etc.) to entities.
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Implementation Guidelines
The management should assess whether there are any conditions to be fulfilled to avail the
benefit of Government grant. If the grant is for compensating the loss and past costs incurred
or to provide immediate financial support without any future associated costs, the grant shall
be recognized as income in the statement of profit or loss in the period in which it becomes
receivable.
However, if future costs are expected to be incurred to meet the conditions associated with
the grant, it shall be recognized as income over the period in which costs will be incurred in
proportion of the cost. In such situation the entity has the option to choose the policy of
presenting the grant income as other income or alternatively as deduction from associated
cost.
If the Government assistance is for the benefit in determination of taxable profit (e.g. income
tax holidays, reduced income tax rate), NAS-12 shall be applied for accounting of such
Government assistance.
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NAS-23.20: An entity shall suspend capitalization of borrowing costs during extended periods
in which it suspends active development of a qualifying asset.
NAS-23.21: An entity may incur borrowing costs during an extended period in which it
suspends the activities necessary to prepare an asset for its intended use or sale. Such costs
are costs of holding partially completed assets and do not qualify for capitalization. However,
an entity does not normally suspend capitalizing borrowing cost during a period when it
carries out substantial technical and administrative work. An entity also does not suspend
capitalizing borrowing costs when a temporary delay is a necessary part of the process of
getting an asset ready for its intended use or sale.
Economic disturbance arising from the COVID-19 pandemic might have led to the suspension
of the active development of the qualifying assets. Further modification of borrowing terms,
arising out of negotiations or from government’s relief program may change the amount of
borrowing cost too. Moreover, government and regulators and in some cases lenders may
suo motu, provide relaxations in payment of interest or option of capitalization of interest.
Such situation may affect the status of liabilities and treatment of interest portion.
Implementation Guidelines
The management shall reassess whether active development of the qualifying assets on
which borrowing costs are capitalized are being suspended for a specific time period because
of the COVID-19 outbreak. If so, the management shall consider suspending the capitalization
of borrowing cost for such specific period of time.
However, entities can continue to capitalize borrowing costs if; (a) the interruption is for
short duration, as a practical expedient; (b) it continues to perform substantial administrative
or technical work and (c) temporary delay is a necessary part of the process of getting an
asset ready for its intended use or sale. If the management’s assessment justifies continuance
of capitalization of borrowing cost, modification, if any, of borrowing terms arising out of
negotiations or from government’s relief program shall be considered while calculating the
amount of the borrowing cost.
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NAS-28.41: The entity also applies NAS 39 to determine whether any additional impairment
loss is recognized with respect to its interest in the associate or joint venture that does not
constitute part of the net investment and the amount of that impairment loss.
NAS-28.42: Because goodwill that forms part of the carrying amount of an investment in an
associate or a joint venture is not separately recognized, it is not tested for impairment
separately by applying the requirements for impairment testing goodwill in NAS 36
Impairment of Assets. Instead, the entire carrying amount of the investment is tested for
impairment in accordance with NAS 36 as a single asset, by comparing its recoverable amount
(higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell) with its carrying amount, whenever
application of NAS 39 indicates that the investment may be impaired. An impairment loss
recognized in those circumstances is not allocated to any asset, including goodwill, that forms
part of the carrying amount of the investment in the associate or joint venture. Accordingly,
any reversal of that impairment loss is recognized in accordance with NAS 36 to the extent
that the recoverable amount of the investment subsequently increases. In determining the
value in use of the investment, an entity estimates:
(a) its share of the present value of the estimated future cash flows expected to be generated
by the associate or joint venture, including the cash flows from the operations of the
associate or joint venture and the proceeds from the ultimate disposal of the investment;
or
(b) the present value of the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from dividends to
be received from the investment and from its ultimate disposal.
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an indication of impairment. Therefore, entities that apply equity method accounting for joint
ventures or significant influence investees (associates) may need to evaluate the impact that
COVID-19 has on their investments and determine if there is an indication of impairment.
Implementation Guidelines
While recognizing the associate's or joint venture's losses, the entity applies NAS 39 Financial
Instruments: Recognition and Measurement to determine whether it is necessary to
recognize any additional impairment loss with respect to its net investment in the associate
or joint venture.
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NAS-34.12: NAS 1 (as revised in 2008) provides guidance on the structure of financial
statements. The Implementation Guidance for NAS 1 illustrates ways in which the statement
of financial position, statement of comprehensive income and statement of changes in equity
may be presented.
NAS- 1.4: This Standard does not apply to the structure and content of condensed interim
financial statements prepared in accordance with NAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting.
However, paragraphs 15–35 apply to such financial statements.
NAS-34.15: An entity shall include in its interim financial report an explanation of events and
transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in financial position and
performance of the entity since the end of the last annual reporting period. Information
disclosed in relation to those events and transactions shall update the relevant information
presented in the most recent annual financial report.
NAS-34.15B: The following is a list of events and transactions for which disclosures would be
required if they are significant: the list is not exhaustive.
(h) changes in the business or economic circumstances that affect the fair value of the entity’s
financial assets and financial liabilities, whether those assets or liabilities are recognized at
fair value or amortized cost;
NAS-34.15C: Individual NFRSs provide guidance regarding disclosure requirements for many
of the items listed in paragraph 15B. When an event or transaction is significant to an
understanding of the changes in an entity’s financial position or performance since the last
annual reporting period, its interim financial report should provide an explanation of and an
update to the relevant information included in the financial statements of the last annual
reporting period.
(c) the nature and amount of items affecting assets, liabilities, equity, net income or cash
flows that are unusual because of their nature, size or incidence.
(d) the nature and amount of changes in estimates of amounts reported in prior interim
periods of the current financial year or changes in estimates of amounts reported in prior
financial years.
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Management’s going concern assessment may be significantly affected due to this COVID-19
environment. The considerations that apply for the going concern assessment when
preparing annual financial statements also apply for interim financial statements.
Implementation Guidelines
While preparing interim financial statements, entities should give due care to the recognition
and measurement guidance for financial items and presentation of financial statements
described in respective NFRSs including impact of COVID-19.
If there is a material uncertainty about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern at
the date on which the interim financial statements are authorized for issue, then that
uncertainty is disclosed in those interim financial statements.
In preparing interim financial statement, the standard requires to disclose the circumstances,
events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in financial
position and performance of the entity since the end of the last annual reporting period.
Further, the entity shall also disclose the nature and the amount of items affecting assets,
liabilities, equity, net income or cash flows that are unusual because of their nature, size or
incidence. Management shall take due care of these requirement while preparing interim
financial reporting.
Entities should ensure that the estimates made are reliable and that all relevant information
is disclosed.
Where significant, the disclosures required by paragraph 15B in NAS 34 should be included,
together with additional disclosures such as:
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NAS -36.9: An entity shall assess at the end of each reporting period whether there is any
indication that an asset (non financial assets including Cash Generating Unit CGU) may be
impaired. If any such indication exists, the entity shall estimate the recoverable amount of the
asset.
NAS-36.12: In assessing whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired, an
entity shall consider, as a minimum, the following indications:
(a) there are observable indications that the asset’s value has declined during the period
significantly more than would be expected as a result of the passage of time or normal
use.
(b) significant changes with an adverse effect on the entity have taken place during the
period, or will take place in the near future, in the technological, market, economic or
legal environment in which the entity operates or in the market to which an asset is
dedicated.
(c) market interest rates or other market rates of return on investments have increased
during the period, and those increases are likely to affect the discount rate used in
calculating an asset’s value in use and decrease the asset’s recoverable amount
materially.
(d) the carrying amount of the net assets of the entity is more than its market capitalization.
(h) for an investment in a subsidiary, joint venture or associate, the investor recognizes a
dividend from the investment and evidence is available that:
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(i) the carrying amount of the investment in the separate financial statements exceeds the
carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements of the investee’s net assets,
including associated goodwill; or
(j) the dividend exceeds the total comprehensive income of the subsidiary, joint venture or
associate in the period the dividend is declared.
NAS-36.30: The following elements shall be reflected in the calculation of an asset’s value in
use:
(a) an estimate of the future cash flows the entity expects to derive from the asset;
(b) expectations about possible variations in the amount or timing of those future cash flows;
(c) the time value of money, represented by the current market risk-free rate of interest;
(d) the price for bearing the uncertainty inherent in the asset; and
(e) other factors, such as illiquidity, that market participants would reflect in pricing the
future cash flows the entity expects to derive from the asset.
The current development in this pandemic has shown evidences of impairment indicators on
both the internal and external sources. Decline of the stock market, decrease in interest rates,
uncertainty in the market commodity prices, import and export barriers and lockdown
situation of the economies are some of the external indications that provide evidence on the
need to do an assessment for impairment. On the other hand, the idle assets, non-moving
stocks, non-operating properties and other manufacturing plants, less production and drop in
the selling prices will create a need to test the impairment from the internal side.
One of the challenges of COVID -19 for the entities will be the impairment testing of its non-
financial assets. The impairment test for these assets often requires the development of cash
flow projections that are subject to the significant uncertainties amid this COVID-19
environment. Normally an entity estimates the recoverable amount of the asset for
impairment testing. Recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less costs of disposal
(FVLCD) and the value in use (VIU). Value in use is defined as the present value of the future
cash flows expected to be derived from an asset or cash-generating unit. The calculation of an
asset’s value in use incorporates an estimate of expected future cash flows and expectations
about possible variations of such cash flows.
COVID 19 might have a significant impact on the risk-free rate and on entity-specific risk
premiums (e.g. financing risk, country risk and forecasting risk) used in determining the
appropriate discount rate to discount future cash flows.
Implementation Guidelines
The management shall assess and determine whether COVID-19 has drastically impacted its
business and is there any indication (triggering event) that the assets are impaired.
If management is confirmed that the indication for assets impairment exists, then it shall
calculate the impairment loss by deducting the carrying amount from
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The entity shall consider whether market assumptions used to determine fair value for
recoverable amounts needs reconsideration as per NFRS 13: Fair Value.
The entity shall ensure that reasonable assumptions are taken in estimating the value-in-use
and fair value less costs of disposal and ensure that the impairment loss, if any, is estimated
reliably.
The entity shall consider enhancing sensitivity disclosures and disclosures about the key
assumptions and major sources of estimation uncertainty in interim and annual reports.
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(a) an entity has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event;
(b) it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required
to settle the obligation; and
(c) a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
An entity may not be able to meet the agreed terms of contract and legal or constructive
obligation may arise. But Government, regulator or contractors at suo motu may relax the
requirement of the contract in the current circumstance and despite the non-compliance with
the terms of contract, obligation may not arise.
Implementation Guidelines
Reimbursements
NAS-37.53: Where some or all of the expenditure required to settle a provision is expected to
be reimbursed by another party, the reimbursement shall be recognized when, and only
when, it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received if the entity settles the
obligation. The reimbursement shall be treated as a separate asset. The amount recognized
for the reimbursement shall not exceed the amount of the provision.
NAS-37.55: Sometimes, an entity is able to look to another party to pay part or all of the
expenditure required to settle a provision (for example, through insurance contracts,
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indemnity clauses or suppliers’ warranties). The other party may either reimburse amounts
paid by the entity or pay the amounts directly.
NAS-37.56: In most cases the entity will remain liable for the whole of the amount in question
so that the entity would have to settle the full amount if the third party failed to pay for any
reason. In this situation, a provision is recognized for the full amount of the liability, and a
separate asset for the expected reimbursement is recognized when it is virtually certain that
reimbursement will be received if the entity settles the liability.
Due to financial and other difficulties, an entity may be obliged to pay to third parties for non-
compliance with agreed terms. However, the entity might have arrangement with another
parties to get reimbursement in such a situation.
Implementation Guidelines
If an entity fails to meet its obligation to third party, the full amount of obligation shall be
recognized in accordance with recognition criteria of the provision. If the entity has right to
get reimbursement from another party (e.g. insurer or suppliers warranty) in relation to such
obligation, the entity shall recognize the reimbursement as a separate asset (not to be
deducted from provision) if the reimbursement is virtually certain.
NAS-37.64: Future operating losses do not meet the definition of a liability in paragraph 10
and the general recognition criteria set out for provisions in paragraph 14.
Most of the entities are likely to face operating losses in days to come because fixed costs will
continue to be incurred whereas revenue will be lost for prolonged period due to reduced
purchasing power of customer and business disruptions.
Implementation Guidelines
Provision for such future operating losses are not to be recognized because future operating
losses are not present obligation of the entity and hence it does not meet the definition and
recognition criteria for provision. However, future operating losses indicates that some assets
might be impaired and hence impairment testing of assets shall be performed in accordance
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Onerous contracts
NAS-37.66: If an entity has a contract that is onerous, the present obligation under the
contract shall be recognized and measured as a provision.
NAS-37.67: Many contracts (for example, some routine purchase orders) can be cancelled
without paying compensation to the other party, and therefore there is no obligation. Other
contracts establish both rights and obligations for each of the contracting parties. Where
events make such a contract onerous, the contract falls within the scope of this Standard and
a liability exists which is recognized. Executory contracts that are not onerous fall outside the
scope of this Standard.
NAS-37.68: This Standard defines an onerous contract as a contract in which the unavoidable
costs of meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the economic benefits expected
to be received under it. The unavoidable costs under a contract reflect the least net cost of
exiting from the contract, which is the lower of the cost of fulfilling it and any compensation
or penalties arising from failure to fulfil it.
Due to difficulties faced by entity, it may breach certain contracts (e.g. unable to deliver
agreed quality of goods or services within the agreed time frame) resulting into obligation of
the entity and the unavoidable costs of those obligations under the contract may exceed the
expected economic benefits under the contract.
Implementation Guidelines
The entity shall analyze the unavoidable costs from breach of a contract and expected
economic benefit from the contract. If the contract is onerous; i.e. there is an obligation of
the entity and the unavoidable costs of those obligations under the contract is expected to
exceed the expected economic benefits under the contract, the entity should recognize the
loss immediately from such onerous contract and accordingly recognize provision.
Restructuring
NAS-37.70: The following are examples of events that may fall under the definition of
restructuring:
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Various entities may undergo restructuring of various forms to survive in difficult time or to
take benefit of the opportunity arising from changed scenario as a result of COVID-19.
Implementation Guidelines
Restructuring provision shall be recognized if an entity has a detailed formal plan for the
restructuring and has raised a valid expectation in those affected that it will carry out the
restructuring by starting to implement that plan or announcing its main features to those
affected by it. A restructuring provision shall include only the direct expenditures arising from
the restructuring (i.e. necessarily entailed by the restructuring and not associated with
ongoing activities of entity) and it does not include expenditures relating to future conduct of
business (e.g. retraining or reallocating staff, marketing, investment in new system)
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NAS-38.97: The depreciable amount of an intangible asset with a finite useful life shall be
allocated on a systematic basis over its useful life. Amortization shall begin when the asset is
available for use, i.e. when it is in the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of
operating in the manner intended by management. Amortization shall cease at the earlier of
the date that the asset is classified as held for sale (or included in a disposal group that is
classified as held for sale) in accordance with NFRS 5 and the date that the asset is
derecognized. The amortization method used shall reflect the pattern in which the asset’s
future economic benefits are expected to be consumed by the entity. If that pattern cannot
be determined reliably, the straight-line method shall be used. The amortization charge for
each period shall be recognized in profit or loss unless this or another Standard permits or
requires it to be included in the carrying amount of another asset.
NAS-38.104: The amortization period and the amortization method for an intangible asset
with a finite useful life shall be reviewed at least at each financial year-end. If the expected
useful life of the asset is different from previous estimates, the amortization period shall be
changed accordingly. If there has been a change in the expected pattern of consumption of
the future economic benefits embodied in the asset, the amortization method shall be
changed to reflect the changed pattern. Such changes shall be accounted for as changes in
accounting estimates in accordance with NAS 8.
NAS-38.105: During the life of an intangible asset, it may become apparent that the estimate
of its useful life is inappropriate. For example, the recognition of an impairment loss may
indicate that the amortization period needs to be changed.
Intangible assets may not be in use for a long time due to lockdown and other reasons. Due
to non-use of the assets and the need to change the use pattern of assets in the changed
circumstances, management may consider to revise the useful life of assets.
Implementation Guidelines
Even during the period in which the assets were not used, the amortization shall continue
unless the intangible assets are classified as held for sale in accordance with NFRS 5 or
derecognized on disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or
disposal.
Further, the change in useful life of intangible assets or expected pattern of use of assets
warrants change in amortization period and/or amortization method for intangible assets
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NAS-39.58: An entity shall assess at the end of each reporting period whether there is any
objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets measured at amortized
cost is impaired. If any such evidence exists, the entity shall apply paragraph 63 to determine
the amount of any impairment loss.
NAS-39.59: A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses
are incurred if, and only if, there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or
more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a ‘loss event’) and that
loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset
or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated. It may not be possible to identify a
single, discrete event that caused the impairment. Rather the combined effect of several
events may have caused the impairment. Losses expected as a result of future events, no
matter how likely, are not recognized. Objective evidence that a financial asset or group of
assets is impaired includes observable data that comes to the attention of the holder of the
asset about the following loss events:
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NAS-39.65: If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the
decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was
recognized (such as an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the previously recognized
impairment loss shall be reversed either directly or by adjusting an allowance account. The
reversal shall not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the
amortized cost would have been had the impairment not been recognized at the date the
impairment is reversed. The amount of the reversal shall be recognized in profit or loss.
Impairment charges on financial assets are likely to increase as a result of COVID-19. The
borrowers may come under huge financial difficulties and may default in principal and
interest payments. Some borrowers may even enter bankruptcy. Lenders may be required to
grant concession to the borrowers. Further, the active market for any financial asset may
disappear.
Under NAS 39, a financial asset is impaired and impairment losses are incurred if, and only if,
there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred
after the asset’s initial recognition (a ‘loss event’). For example:
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Implementation Guidelines
If the entity concludes that there is objective evidence of impairment of its financial assets
measured at amortized cost due to COVID-19, then it shall apply para 63 to determine the
amount of impairment loss. The carrying amount of the asset shall be reduced either directly
or through use of an impairment allowance account and the amount of loss shall be
recognized in profit or loss. In case of determining recoverable amount of loan to default
borrowers (financial asset), fair value of collateral shall also be considered as expected cash
inflows, however careful consideration needs to be given while determining fair value of
collaterals such as land and building for which price may have declined due to decrease in
purchasing power of people/entity on account of economic loss from COVID 19 pandemic
situation.
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NFRS-7.18: For loans payable recognized at the end of the reporting period, an entity shall
disclose:
(a) details of any defaults during the period of principal, interest, sinking fund, or redemption
terms of those loans payable;
(b) the carrying amount of the loans payable in default at the end of the reporting period;
and
(c) whether the default was remedied, or the terms of the loans payable were renegotiated,
before the financial statements were authorized for issue.
NFRS-7.19: If, during the period, there were breaches of loan agreement terms other than
those described in paragraph 18, an entity shall disclose the same information as required by
paragraph 18 if those breaches permitted the lender to demand accelerated repayment
(unless the breaches were remedied, or the terms of the loan were renegotiated, on or
before the end of the reporting period).
NFRS-7.20A: An entity shall disclose an analysis of the gain or loss recognized in the
statement of comprehensive income arising from the derecognition of financial assets
measured at amortized cost, showing separately gains and losses arising from derecognition
of those financial assets. This disclosure shall include the reasons for derecognizing those
financial assets.
NFRS-7.31: An entity shall disclose information that enables users of its financial statements
to evaluate the nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments to which the
entity is exposed at the end of the reporting period.
NFRS-7.32: The disclosures required by paragraphs 33–42 focus on the risks that arise from
financial instruments and how they have been managed. These risks typically include, but are
not limited to, credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk.
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Management of credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk may become a great challenge for
the entities. Concentration risk may be particularly significant to some entities when
customers are concentrated in an adversely affected industry such as the hospitality and
tourism and airline industries.
Implementation Guidelines
NFRS 7 requires an entity to disclose the nature and extent of risks arising from financial
instruments and how it manages those risks. Therefore, the entity would need to explain the
significant impact (including the potential impact) of COVID 19 on the risks arising from
financial instruments and how it intends to manage those risks. It will need to use judgement
to determine the specific disclosures that are relevant to its business and necessary to meet
these objectives. Accordingly, an entity needs to provide extensive disclosures in relation to
the exposures to credit risks as a result of significant judgments and estimates on the
possibilities of defaults and breaches of contracts; liquidity risks due to liquidity issues that
affect continuity of operations; and market risks due to factors such as exchange rates,
interest rates and other price risks supported by sensitivity analyses. The entity shall also
disclose the risk management plans against those risks.
Entities should also consider the specific disclosure requirements for transfers of financial
assets when financial assets are sold to fund the working capital needs. Further, entity should
also consider the disclosure of defaults and breaches of loans payable, of gains and losses
arising from derecognition or modification.
When an entity breaches a debt covenant relating to borrowings recognized during and at the
end of the reporting period, NFRS 7 para18-19 requires specific disclosures in the financial
statements.
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Reportable segments
NFRS-8.9: An entity shall report separately information about each operating segment that:
(a) has been identified in accordance with paragraphs 5-10 or results from aggregating two or
more of those segments in accordance with paragraph 12, and
(b) exceeds the quantitative thresholds in paragraph 13.
Paragraphs 14-19 specify other situations in which separate information about an operating
segment shall be reported.
Quantitative thresholds
NFRS- 8.13: An entity shall report separately information about an operating segment that
meets any of the following quantitative thresholds:
(a) Its reported revenue, including both sales to external customers and intersegment sales
or transfers, is 10 per cent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all
operating segments.
(b) The absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 per cent or more of the greater, in
absolute amount, of (i) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did
not report a loss and (ii) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that
reported a loss.
(c) Its assets are 10 per cent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.
Operating segments that do not meet any of the quantitative thresholds may be considered
reportable, and separately disclosed, if management believes that information about the
segment would be useful to users of the financial statements.
NFRS-8.16: Information about other business activities and operating segments that are not
reportable shall be combined and disclosed in an 'all other segments' category separately
from other reconciling items in the reconciliations required by paragraph 28. The sources of
the revenue included in the 'all other segments' category shall be described.
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As the government has imposed lockdown across the country many entities may be
experiencing serious business disruptions. However, some essential services like health,
medicines, bio-medical supplies and other allied business have continued to serve the people
in need. Further, with the partial release of the lockdown some more business might start
operating though within a limited jurisdiction.
It is obvious that it may not be pertinent to all the entities but those entities doing business in
variety of goods or classes of services may require reviewing the operating segments for the
purpose of disclosure and comparability in segment profitability.
Implementation Guidelines
The operating segments that do not meet any of the quantitative thresholds may be
considered reportable, and separately disclosed, if management believes that information
about the segment would be useful to users of the financial statements.
Further, information about other business activities and operating segments that are not
reportable shall be combined and disclosed in an 'all other segments' category separately
from other reconciling items in the reconciliations required by paragraph 28.
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NFRS-9.3.2.11: If, as a result of a transfer, a financial asset is derecognized in its entirety but
the transfer results in the entity obtaining a new financial asset or assuming a new financial
liability, or a servicing liability, the entity shall recognize the new financial asset, financial
liability or servicing liability at fair value.
NFRS-9.3.3.3: The difference between the carrying amount of a financial liability (or part of a
financial liability) extinguished or transferred to another party and the consideration paid,
including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, shall be recognized in profit
or loss.
NFRS-9.4.1.1: Unless paragraph 4.1.5 applies, an entity shall classify financial assets as
subsequently measured at either amortized cost or fair value on the basis of both:
(a) the entity’s business model for managing the financial assets and
(b) the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset.
NFRS-9.4.1.1: A financial asset shall be measured at amortized cost if both of the following
conditions are met:
(a) The asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets in order to
collect contractual cash flows.
(b) The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that
are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
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loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the financial
asset or financial liability.
NFRS-9.5.1.1A: However, if the fair value of the financial assets or financial liability at initial
recognition differs from the transaction price, an entity shall apply paragraph B5.1.2A.
NFRS-9.B3.3.6: For the purpose of paragraph 3.3.2, the terms are substantially different if the
discounted present value of the cash flows under the new terms, including any fees paid net
of any fees received and discounted using the original effective interest rate, is at least 10 per
cent different from the discounted present value of the remaining cash flows of the original
financial liability. If an exchange of debt instruments or modification of terms is accounted for
as an extinguishment, any costs or fees incurred are recognized as part of the gain or loss on
the extinguishment. If the exchange or modification is not accounted for as an
extinguishment, any costs or fees incurred adjust the carrying amount of the liability and are
amortized over the remaining term of the modified liability.
NFRS-9.B5.1.2: If an entity originates a loan that bears an off-market interest rate (e.g. 5 per
cent when the market rate for similar loans is 8 per cent), and receives an upfront fee as
compensation, the entity recognizes the loan at its fair value, i.e. net of the fee it receives.
NFRS-9.B5.1.2A: The best evidence of the fair value of a financial statement at initial
recognition is normally the transaction price (i.e. the fair value of the consideration given or
received, see also NFRS 13). If an entity determines that the fair value at initial recognition
differs from the transaction price as mentioned in paragraph 5.1.1A, the entity shall account
for that instrument at that date as follows:
(a) at the measurement required by paragraph 5.1.1 if that fair value is evidenced by quoted
price in an active market for an identical assets or liability (i.e. a Level 1 input) or based on
a valuation technique that uses only data from observable markets. An entity shall
recognize the difference between the fair value at initial recognition and the transaction
price as a gain or loss.
(b) in all other cases, at the measurement required by paragraph 5.1.1, adjusted to defer the
difference between the fair value at initial recognition and the transaction price. After
initial recognition, the entity shall recognize the deferred difference as a gain or loss only
to the extent that it arises from a change in a factor (including time) that market
participants would take into account when pricing the asset or liability.
Outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in ongoing economic downturn which could
significantly impact a borrower’s ability to repay principal and interest. Government of Nepal
may introduce some financial relief packages like interest rebate, term deferral or loan
rescheduling and restructuring for the borrowers that are affected from the lockdown. As a
result, bank & financial institutions may enter into new negotiation with their borrowers to
reschedule and restructure the existing loan. The modifications may result in simple
modification or even results in de-recognition of financial liability. Lenders may offer loans
with interest rate lower than the market rate.
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Implementation Guidelines
In exercising the professional judgement in terms of NFRS 9.3.3.2 and NFFRS 9.B3.3.6, to
determine whether there is a substantial change in the terms as a result of the modification
which results in derecognition of the financial liability; the discounted present value of the
cash flows under the new terms need to be at least 10 per cent different from the discounted
present value of the remaining cash flows of the original financial liability. Otherwise, it would
be considered as a modification of that particular financial liability.
If there is a modification gain or loss arising from a modification of any loan or advance
covered under the debt moratorium as discussed above that has to be accounted on the date
of which the revised terms and conditions have been agreed by the lending institution with
the borrower. An entity exercises judgement to determine an appropriate presentation for
the gain or loss in the statement of profit or loss. As an example, this could be presented
netting off against the interest revenue in the books of the lending institution.
When the business model is to measure financial instruments on initial recognition at fair
value and if the loan is not on normal commercial terms (e.g.: carries below market rate of
interest), the below market element of the transaction needs to be evaluated and separately
accounted for. Accordingly, the difference between the gross carrying amount of loan
proceeds and the fair value shall be reported as interest income in the statement of profit or
loss. The subsequent unwinding of discount shall be reported as interest expense in the
statement of profit or loss. However, in case of loans provided under the government
refinance scheme could be considered as special type products. In that case, the interest rate
offered by the lending institutions for that special product would be considered as applicable
market rate resulting in no fair value adjustments being needed as mentioned above.
Reclassification of financial assets is required when, and only when, an entity changes its
business model for managing the assets. In such cases, the entity is required to reclassify all
affected financial assets.
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NFRS-12.14: An entity shall disclose the terms of any contractual arrangements that could
require the parent or its subsidiaries to provide financial support to a consolidated structured
entity, including events or circumstances that could expose the reporting entity to a loss (e.g.
liquidity arrangements or credit rating triggers associated with obligations to purchase assets
of the structured entity or provide financial support).
NFRS–12.15: If during the reporting period a parent or any of its subsidiaries has, without
having a contractual obligation to do so, provided financial or other support to a consolidated
structured entity (e.g. purchasing assets of or instruments issued by the structured entity),
the entity shall disclose:
(a) the type and amount of support provided, including situations in which the parent or its
subsidiaries assisted the structured entity in obtaining financial support; and
(b) the reasons for providing the support.
NFRS-12.16: If during the reporting period a parent or any of its subsidiaries has, without
having a contractual obligation to do so, provided financial or other support to a previously
unconsolidated structured entity and that provision of support resulted in the entity
controlling the structured entity, the entity shall disclose an explanation of the relevant
factors in reaching that decision.
NFRS-12.17: An entity shall disclose any current intentions to provide financial or other
support to a consolidated structured entity, including intentions to assist the structured entity
in obtaining financial support.
NFRS-12.30: If during the reporting period an entity has, without having a contractual
obligation to do so, provided financial or other support to an unconsolidated structured entity
in which it previously had or currently has an interest (for example, purchasing assets of or
instruments issued by the structured entity), the entity shall disclose:
(a) the type and amount of support provided, including situations in which the entity assisted
the structured entity in obtaining financial support; and
(b) the reasons for providing the support.
NFRS-12.31: An entity shall disclose any current intentions to provide financial or other
support to an unconsolidated structured entity, including intentions to assist the structured
entity in obtaining financial support.
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Financial and other difficulties experienced by several entities, especially small and medium
sized entities, may push them in a situation that they are in the dire need of financial and
other support from their related parties. An entity having interest in structured entities might
have:
provided financial or other support during the reporting period to the structured entity
either as a result of contractual obligation or otherwise or
current intention to provide financial or other support to structured entity or
current intention to assist the structured entity in obtaining financial support
Implementation Guidelines
In above situations, the entity shall disclose in its financial statements, the terms of the
contractual arrangement, type and amount of support if made without contractual obligation,
the reasons of making such support and intention to make support or assist in obtaining
support.
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The transaction
NFRS-13.15: A fair value measurement assumes that the asset or liability is exchanged in an
orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability at
the measurement date under current market conditions.
NFRS-13.16: A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or
transfer the liability takes place either:
The price
NFRS-13.24: Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a
liability in an orderly transaction in the principal (or most advantageous) market at the
measurement date under current market conditions (i.e. an exit price) regardless of whether
that price is directly observable or estimated using another valuation technique.
Valuation techniques
NFRS-13.61: An entity shall use valuation techniques that are appropriate in the
circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximizing
the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.
NFRS-13.63: In some cases a single valuation technique will be appropriate (e.g. when valuing
an asset or a liability using quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities).
In other cases, multiple valuation techniques will be appropriate (e.g. that might be the case
when valuing a cash-generating unit). If multiple valuation techniques are used to measure
fair value, the results (i.e. respective indications of fair value) shall be evaluated considering
the reasonableness of the range of values indicated by those results. A fair value
measurement is the point within that range that is most representative of fair value in the
circumstances.
NFRS-13.65: Valuation techniques used to measure fair value shall be applied consistently.
However, a change in a valuation technique or its application (e.g. a change in its weighting
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NFRS-13.87: Unobservable inputs shall be used to measure fair value to the extent that
relevant observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is
little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. However, the
fair value measurement objective remains the same, i.e. an exit price at the measurement
date from the perspective of a market participant that holds the asset or owes the liability.
Therefore, unobservable inputs shall reflect the assumptions that market participants would
use when pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk.
NFRS-13.88: Assumptions about risk include the risk inherent in a particular valuation
technique used to measure fair value (such as a pricing model) and the risk inherent in the
inputs to the valuation technique. A measurement that does not include an adjustment for
risk would not represent a fair value measurement if market participants would include one
when pricing the asset or liability. For example, it might be necessary to include a risk
adjustment when there is significant measurement uncertainty (e.g. when there has been a
significant decrease in the volume or level of activity when compared with normal market
activity for the asset or liability, or similar assets or liabilities, and the entity has determined
that the transaction price or quoted price does not represent fair value, as described in
paragraphs B37–B47).
NFRS-13.89: An entity shall develop unobservable inputs using the best information available in
the circumstances, which might include the entity’s own data. In developing unobservable
inputs, an entity may begin with its own data, but it shall adjust those data if reasonably
available information indicates that other market participants would use different data or there
is something particular to the entity that is not available to other market participants (e.g. an
entity-specific synergy). An entity need not undertake exhaustive efforts to obtain information
about market participant assumptions. However, an entity shall take into account all
information about market participant assumptions that is reasonably available. Unobservable
inputs developed in the manner described above are considered market participant assumptions
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When there is a significant decrease in the volume or level of activity for the asset or liability in
relation to normal market activity, the fair value of those asset or liability may be affected. As
the stock market is closed and there is a decline in the trading, this may increase its volatility as
and when it resumes its functions. In absence of the active market or the increase in such
volatility the valuation models may pose challenges to entities and may not reflect the fair value.
Thus, because of this COVID-19 where all the major business are either shut or under limited
operation and people are under government orders to stay at home it is obvious the value of an
item (such as certain financial instruments, investment properties, and items of property, plant
and equipment) will not reflect the orderly transaction or at free market and a significant
adjustment will be required to arrive at the fair value.
Some of the key factors and risks to consider when measuring fair value using a valuation
technique may include:
Economic activity levels: Measures taken to contain the virus have led to a significant
reduction in economic activity in terms of production of and demand for goods and
services, and have a negative impact on forecast future cash flows used in a discounted
cash flow valuation method.
Credit risk and liquidity risk: The uncertain economic environment has resulted in
increases in credit risk and liquidity risk for many entities. Own credit risk and/or
counterparty credit risk used as inputs into valuation techniques may therefore increase.
Forecasting risk: There will be greater uncertainty in making economic and financial
forecasts in the near term, due to the difficulty in forecasting the magnitude and duration
of the economic impact of COVID-19.
Foreign exchange risk: Entities with significant sales or purchases in foreign currencies
may be adversely affected by exchange rate movements.
Commodity price risk: Entities in extractive industries may be significantly affected by
decreases in commodity prices. Entities in countries that are economically dependent on
these commodities may also have greater risk of adverse economic impacts.
Significant judgment may be needed to quantify risk premiums and other adjustments for
these risks. Also, the number of fair value measurements classified as Level 3 in the fair value
hierarchy may increase (e.g. due to unobservable inputs such as the credit risk becoming
significant in the current environment).
Implementation Guidelines
Fair Value Measurement is a measurement date specific exit price estimate based on
assumptions (including those about risks) that market participants would make under current
market conditions. The objective of fair value measurement is to convey the fair value of the
asset or liability that reflects conditions as of the measurement date and not a future date.
Although events and/or transactions occurring after the measurement date may provide
insight into the assumptions used in estimating fair value as of the measurement date
(especially those that are unobservable), they are only adjusted for in fair
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value to the extent where they provide additional evidence of conditions that existed at the
measurement date and these conditions were known or knowable by market participants.
The entity must ensure that the appropriate valuation techniques are applied to measure the
fair value of assets or liabilities.
• incorporates the risk premiums that would arise from the increased uncertainty and other
impacts of COVID-19.
The entity shall consider whether unobservable inputs have become significant, which would
result in a Level 3 categorization and require additional disclosures.
The entity shall also consider expanding disclosures about the key assumptions, sensitivities
and major sources of estimation uncertainty. Depending on the facts and circumstances of
each case, disclosure may be needed to enable users to understand whether or not the
impact of outbreak has been considered for the purpose of fair value measurement. Users
should understand the basis for selecting the assumptions and inputs that were used in the
fair value measurement and the related sensitivities.
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