CPA Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) : Asset Impairment

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Asset Impairment

A company has a tangible manufacturing asset and is trying to determine whether the asset needs to be evaluated for impairment. Which of the following would not indicate a need to perform this test?

Possible Answers:

The company has experienced an operational loss for the past 3 years

The asset is being depreciated over 12 years but the company now believes the asset will be sold long before that

The use of the asset changed significantly during the current year

The cost of constructing the asset was significantly more than anticipated

Correct answer:

The company has experienced an operational loss for the past 3 years

Explanation:

Operational losses do not indicate that the fair value of the asset is less than the asset's carrying value. The other choices indicate that the asset's fair value could be less than it's carrying value.

Example Question #2 : Asset Impairment

Which of the following is correct, under US GAAP, regarding impairment losses?

Possible Answers:

Losses reduce the carrying value of an asset due to the book value of an asset falling below its fair value

Neither of the above

Both of the above

Losses are reported before tax if the impairment loss relates to discontinued operations

Correct answer:

Neither of the above

Explanation:

Impairment losses on discontinued operations are presented after-tax; Impairment losses are recorded when the fair value of an asset falls below its carrying value, not the other way around.

Example Question #3 : Asset Impairment

The Mallory Corp has a fixed asset with a carrying value of $100,000, expected future cash flows of $90,000, present value of expected future cash flows of $70,000, and a market value of $75,000. What amount of impairment loss should Mallory record for this asset?

Possible Answers:

$30,000

$25,000

$10,000

$0

Correct answer:

$25,000

Explanation:

Because expected future cash flows of $90K are lower than the asset's carrying value of $100K, impairment should be recorded. The amount of impairment loss recorded will be equal to the carrying value of $100K - the asset's fair value of $75K.

Example Question #4 : Asset Impairment

After an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of the intangible asset shall be its new accounting basis. Which of the following statements about subsequent reversal of a previously recognized impairment loss is correct under US GAAP?

Possible Answers:

It is encouraged but not required

It is prohibited

It must be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements

It is required when the reversal is considered permanent

Correct answer:

It is prohibited

Explanation:

Under US GAAP, subsequent reversal of intangible asset impairment losses is prohibited unless the intangible asset is held for sale.

Example Question #5 : Asset Impairment

Of the following, which is a pair of value that are compared to determined the amount of a possible impairment loss on an intangible asset, with an indefinite life, other than goodwill?

Possible Answers:

Fair value, present value

Future value, carrying value

Carrying value, book value

Fair value, carrying value

Correct answer:

Fair value, carrying value

Explanation:

An intangible asset with an indefinite life is tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of the intangible asset to its carrying amount.

Example Question #6 : Asset Impairment

Under US GAAP, long term fixed assets that are impaired can only have their carrying value reinstated if they are:

Possible Answers:

Held for disposal

Neither

Held for use

Both

Correct answer:

Held for disposal

Explanation:

Only when these assets are held for disposal can they have their carrying values restored.

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