Non-Current Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations
Non-Current Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations
Operations
Challenges in applying IFRS 5
May 2008
Challenges in applying IFRS 5 1
These decisions are also likely to have a significant effect on an entity's results and net assets. The impact
of these events and the way in which they are reported is therefore of much interest to investors, analysts,
regulators and other financial statement users. This is also the subject of a specific International Financial
Reporting Standard: IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (IFRS 5).
IFRS 5 can have a significant effect on a company's profit or loss, the carrying values of its assets and on
the presentation of results. The financial statement impacts may extend to prior and future accounting
periods. IFRS 5 is not a new standard but experience has shown that implementation can be a complex
Management and auditors should therefore assess the impact of IFRS 5 as soon as they become aware that
it may be relevant.
Section A addresses when assets (and related liabilities) are classified as held for sale;
Section B sets out the circumstances in which a planned or completed disposal gives rise to a
discontinued operation;
Section D provides guidance on the application of IFRS 5's requirements on presenting discontinued
operations and assets held for sale and related disclosures; and
Section E provides specific guidance on many of the common practical and interpretive issues
All references in this guide to IAS 1 are based on the 2007 version of this standard. The revised version of
IAS 1 introduced, amongst other amendments, various changes in the financial statement terminology.
For example, IAS 1 uses the term statement of financial position instead of balance sheet and statement of
cash flows instead of cash flow statements . This guide reflects these recent changes to the IFRS
terminology.
Contents
Page
Introduction 1
1. Definitions 5
B. Discontinued operations 14
1. Definitions 14
2.3 Discontinued operations and the asset(s) held for sale classification 15
D. Presenting discontinued operations and assets held for sale, and related disclosure requirements 24
1. Assets held for sale and disposal groups: Presentation and disclosures 24
1.2 Disclosures 25
2.2 Comparatives 26
2.3 Disclosures 27
1.6 Disclosures 36
2. Part-disposal of a subsidiary 37
classified as held for sale. Held for sale classification is not an accounting policy choice; it is mandatory
when certain conditions apply, namely if the asset(s) in question is (are) available for immediate sale and
the sale is highly probable. Very often, a planned sale involves a group of assets (and possibly liabilities).
This section discusses the requirements to meet the held for sale classification. The measurement
requirements that apply when this classification takes effect are discussed in Section C.
1. Definitions
An entity shall classify a non-current asset (or disposal group) as held for sale if its carrying amount will be recovered
Typically, this definition captures individual assets that the entity seeks to dispose of in a sale transaction,
such as: Property, plant and equipment; Intangible assets; Investment property, Biological assets; and
Assets that are to be abandoned or scrapped (rather than sold) are not classified as assets held for sale
(IFRS 5.13-14). Assets that will be derecognized due to an exchange of non-current assets with a third
party are covered by IFRS 5 unless the exchange lacks commercial substance. Sale and leaseback
transactions are outside the scope of IFRS 5 and are covered by IAS 17 Leases. Sales of machinery,
vehicles and other equipment, which have been replaced by new items and sales of surplus property are
very common examples of transactions where IFRS 5 applies even where the disposed assets do not form
a disposal group.
A group of assets to be disposed of, by sale or otherwise, together as a group in a single transaction, and liabilities
directly associated with those assets that will be transferred in the transaction. The group includes goodwill acquired
in a business combination if the group is a cash-generating unit to which goodwill has been allocated in accordance
with the requirements of paragraphs 80 87 of IAS 36 Impairment of Assets (as revised in 2004) or if it is an operation
Examples of a disposal group include a subsidiary or an operating segment or a cash generating unit
(CGU). A disposal group is sometimes but not always a discontinued operation (see page 15).
IFRS 5 specifies two main requirements to initially classify asset(s) as held for sale. Firstly, the asset(s)
must be available for immediate sale in its (their) present condition. Secondly, the sale must be highly
probable.
The term available for immediate sale requires some interpretation. An asset is available for immediate
sale if there is no significant reason why the sale could not take place immediately.
Terms that are usual and customary for similar sales and are not likely to cause a material delay do not
The Implementation Guidance to IFRS 5 sets out a number of examples to illustrate these concepts.
Assets are not available for immediate sale if they continue to be needed for the entity's ongoing
operations (IFRS 5.IG examples 1b and 2b) or are being refurbished to enhance their value (IFRS 5.IG
example 3a). Held for sale classification is then delayed until the assets under review are available for
immediate sale.
Examples
1. A property used as headquarters by the entity itself needs to be vacated before it can be sold.
If the property is expected to be vacated in the usual course of the sales plan, then a held for sale
classification may be appropriate in accordance with the standard. If however the property can be vacated
only after a replacement is available (eg a new building under construction or one that still needs to be
vacated by its former tenants/owners), then this may indicate that the property is not available for
2. An entity intends to sell a manufacturing facility. If the entity needs the facility to clear a backlog of
uncompleted orders, then this may indicate that the facility is not available for immediate sale. If the
entity however seeks to sell the manufacturing facility including the backlog of uncompleted orders, its
3. An entity plans to renovate some of its property to increase its value prior to selling it to a third party.
The entity is already searching for a buyer at current market values. Nevertheless, due to the plans to
renovate the property prior to sale, the property may not be available for immediate sale.
Hints
- An abandonment or unintentional loss of control over assets does not meet the held for sale classification.
- Assets that are sold in a series of transactions rather than in a single transaction need to be considered individually to determine
3) The assets are on the market at a price that is reasonable in relation to their estimated current fair
values;
4) Completion of the sales transaction is expected within one year from the initial date of
classification;
Consideration of whether these conditions have been met is based on the specific facts and circumstances
and professional judgment is necessary to determine whether a sales transaction is highly probable.
specific requirements regarding the sale s form and judgment is required to determine whether the
Sometimes a potential buyer may already have been identified and the selling plan is therefore reasonably
apparent at the balance sheet date. Indeed, the trigger for a held for sale classification is often a buyer s
An agreement with an unrelated party, binding on both parties and usually legally enforceable, that (a) specifies all
significant terms, including the price and timing of the transactions, and (b) includes a disincentive for non-
performance that is sufficiently large to make performance highly probable. (IFRS 5.A)
The substance of any arrangement between the selling entity and the probable buyer needs to consider. A
letter of intent or similar pre-contract document may or may not constitute a firm commitment for this
purpose. The enforceability of the arrangement needs to be assessed and may depend in part on the legal
environment in addition to the stated terms. Pre-contract arrangements may or may not specify a penalty
In the absence of a firm sales commitment, further analysis of the selling plan is necessary to determine
whether the anticipated transaction is highly probable. IFRS 5 sets out five conditions which need to be
met:
The appropriate level of management should be committed to the selling plan (IFRS 5.8).
Management is generally regarded as those persons with authority and responsibility for planning,
directing and controlling the activities of the entity. A sale cannot usually be considered highly probable
In our view, the entity should also consider whether shareholder approval is required to proceed with a
selling plan. Shareholder approval is, for example, sometimes necessary under applicable laws or
For a selling plan to indicate a highly probable sale, an active programme to locate a buyer and complete
the plan must have been initiated (IFRS 5.8). The entity therefore must actively market the asset(s) by
making its intention to sell known to third parties that may be interested in acquiring the asset.
In practice, the engagement of an outside selling agent to attract interest from potential buyers may be
considered as an active marketing effort by the entity. Advertisement of the intention to sell through the
media may also be considered as the beginning of active marketing efforts. However, it is generally not
necessary to announce the intention to sell to the general public or to employees of the entity that are
If an entity initiates a sale programme after the balance sheet date but before the date of authorization of
However, it may be necessary to disclose a non-adjusting event after the balance sheet date in accordance
The asset(s) must also be marketed at a suggested selling price that is reasonable compared to its fair
value (IFRS 5.8). This does not necessarily require that the asking price is announced to potential buyers.
Sometimes an asking price that exceeds fair value is announced, based on an expectation that the actual
price will be reduced to fair value in negotiation. This does not preclude the held for sale classification if
At the date of initial classification of one or more assets as held for sale it should be reasonable to expect
that the selling plan is completed within one year (IFRS 5.8). In our view, a selling plan is completed only
when the assets (and liabilities if applicable) qualify for de-recognition in accordance with applicable
IFRS.
The only exception to this one year timeframe arises in circumstances in which the entity expects an
outside party (not the buyer) to impose conditions on the transfer of assets that will extend the period to
complete the sale (e.g. regulatory approval). Held for sale classification is then appropriate if the entity
can address the imposed conditions only after a firm purchase commitment has been obtained and if a
firm purchase commitment is highly probable within one year (IFRS 5.9 and IFRS 5.B1 (a)).
Other factors to consider in assessing the probability of a sale within one year include the number of
potential buyers, the nature and value of the asset in question (including the extent to which it has
specialized use), market conditions and past experience in selling similar assets.
Actions taken to complete the selling plan and events since the held for sale classification was initiated
should indicate whether or not the sale is likely to occur according to plan. If there are indicators that
significant changes to the selling plan will be necessary or if a withdrawal from the selling plan is likely,
the sale should not be considered highly probable and hence, the asset(s) under review should not be
classified as held for sale (IFRS 5.8). Indicators that should be considered include a downturn in the
relevant market sector, increases in interest rates (which affect financing costs of a potential buyer) and
This requirement for a held for sale classification needs to be considered independently from the right to sell the assets under
review. If a sale is not possible eg due to physical constraints, immediate availability for sale should not be assumed and
A careful analysis is necessary to assess whether deferred taxes are directly associated with a disposal
Temporary differences that directly relate to assets and liabilities inside the disposal group (sometimes
referred to as inside basis differences) give rise to deferred taxes that belong to the disposal group.
In group tax structures, temporary differences may also arise in connection with the interest in the
disposal group, but outside of the level of the investing entity. These outside basis differences should not
be included in the disposal group, as they will trigger tax payments for the continuing part of the reporting
entity.
Consideration of these matters should be based on the specific facts and circumstances and professional
judgment is often required to determine whether deferred taxes are directly associated with a disposal
group or not.
If the entity s sales plan addresses a group of assets that will be disposed of in a single transaction, the
entity classifies the group of assets as a whole as held for sale. It also presents any liabilities associated
with those assets as held for sale, if the liabilities will be transferred in the same transaction. Any
goodwill directly allocated to the group of assets to be disposed of is also treated as held for sale. This
includes sales of all or part of a CGU to which goodwill has been allocated.
These assets and the related liabilities are then referred to as a disposal group.
IFRS 5 does not provide further detailed guidance on which assets or liabilities should be included in a
disposal group. The definition above (page 6) suggests that a disposal group includes only those assets
and liabilities that will be disposed of in the single planned sales transaction. In addition to identifying
common types of non-current assets (see page 5) which should be included in the disposal group, the
following points should be considered in order to determine whether other individual assets and liabilities
The intention to carry out the sale cash and debt free indicates that cash and cash equivalents as well as
some of the group s financial liabilities may not be part of the sales transaction;
Deferred taxes recognized in connection with the assets and liabilities of a disposal group should be
included in the disposal group. The same principle applies to unused tax losses and unused tax credits that
will be transferred to a third party in the course of the anticipated sales transaction (see opposite); and
All liabilities expected to be transferred to a third party in the course of the single sales transaction should
be included in the disposal group. This may include, in particular, non-current liabilities such as
Two approaches are applied in practice, which both appear acceptable under IFRS 5.
One approach would be to focus on the definition of the disposal group. This definition refers to assets
that will be disposed of, by sale or otherwise, together as a group in a single transaction (IFRS 5.A). This
appears to exclude assets and liabilities that will no longer exist at the expected date of this single
transaction because they have been sold, transferred, realized or settled before that date. Where the
disposal group represents a CGU, subsidiary or similar unit of the entity, an analysis of its current assets
and liabilities is therefore necessary to exclude items not expected to be part of the single sales
transaction. Related deferred tax assets and liabilities also need to be excluded.
Another approach focuses on IFRS 5.4, which states that a disposal group may include any assets and any
liabilities of the entity including current assets . This approach leads to the inclusion of all of the
categories of asset and liability expected to be disposed of in the single transaction. It does not look to the
individual assets and liabilities within those categories. All current assets and liabilities that can be
allocated to the disposal group at the balance sheet date are therefore included in the disposal group
Entity A currently controls subsidiary B for which it is actively seeking a buyer. The subsidiary is
available for immediate sale and the sale is considered highly probable. In the consolidated accounts of
the A-group, the following assets and liabilities are held and assumed by B:
Entity A is currently considering offers for subsidiary B and expects that the sales transaction will be
completed in 5 months. Current discussions focus on a sale of the subsidiary cash and debt free, so its
long-term borrowings and the cash held directly by subsidiary B are not considered to be part of the
disposal group.
An analysis of deferred tax liabilities shows that they are mainly related to temporary differences arising
in conjunction with intangible assets and subsidiary Bs property, plant and equipment. It is therefore
concluded that the deferred tax liabilities should be included in the disposal group.
Entity A expects that all of the inventories, trade receivables and trade payables will be sold or settled
within the next five months. As discussed above, it is therefore an interpretation issue as to whether these
current items are included or excluded from the disposal group. In this case,
Entity A has made an accounting policy choice in a previous transaction to include all assets and
liabilities in a disposal group based in the circumstances at the balance sheet date. Its disposal group
3,200 2,250
Sales transactions may sometimes not proceed as initially planned, for example, where a buyer cannot be
found or regulatory approval is required. A review of the selling plan is generally necessary at subsequent
balance sheet dates to ensure that the held for sale criteria continue to be met.
If the sales transaction is delayed beyond the initial one-year period, it is necessary to consider the
reasons for the delay. IFRS 5 allows an extension of the held for sale classification only if the delay is
caused by events or circumstances beyond the entity s control and there is sufficient evidence that the
entity remains committed to its plan to sell the asset (or disposal group) (IFRS 5.9). The standard
identifies only three scenarios in which a delay is considered to be beyond the entity s control and the
held for sale classification may be continued (provided that the sales transaction is still highly probable
and that the asset(s) is (are) still available for immediate sale).
The selling entity has obtained a firm purchase commitment at the end of the initial one-year period.
As initially expected, a party other than the potential buyer has imposed conditions on the transfer of the
asset(s). This outside party may, for example, be a regulatory body such as a government anti-trust
agency or similar oversight body and actions necessary to respond to these conditions could not be
initiated until a firm purchase commitment from a potential buyer was obtained. As the selling entity is
dealing with the imposed conditions, completion of the sales transaction is expected after more than one
The held for sale classification is continued in this scenario if actions to respond to conditions imposed on
The potential buyer or another party has imposed conditions on the transfer of assets that will delay
completion of the selling process. The conditions were not expected at the initial classification date.
The entity, however, has obtained a firm purchase commitment. In this scenario, the asset(s) only
The entity has taken timely actions to respond to the conditions (IFRS 5.B1 (b) (i)); and
It is expected that the delaying factors will be resolved to allow completion of the selling plan (IFRS 5.B1
(b) (ii)).
Review within the initial one-year period within the one-year period, the classification is continued if all the initial classification
requirements of IFRS 5.8 are still met. If the assets are no longer available for immediate sale or if a sales transaction is no longer
highly probable, the classification is to be ceased. The entity then needs to reclassify the assets in accordance with applicable
IFRS (IFRS 5.26) and modify the measurement of the asset(s) under review in accordance with IFRS 5.27-29.
Other events that were not considered likely at the date of initial classification resulted in a delay beyond
the one year period. Examples include circumstances in which the relevant market has unexpectedly dried
up or where the asset(s) concerned have rapidly lost their appeal to potential buyers due to technological
obsolescence or similar developments. In this scenario, the selling entity may only continue to classify the
asset(s) concerned as held for sale if the delay is due to developments outside the entity s control. Factors
Whether the entity took the action during the initial one-year period that was necessary to respond to
changes in circumstances that were initially considered unlikely, but that in fact contributed to the delay
(IFRS 5.B1 (c) (i)).Whether the asset(s) were actively marketed at a price reasonable given the changes in
circumstances (IFRS 5.B1 (c) (ii)). In practice, the entity should have contacted either directly or
indirectly through a selling agent potential buyers and conducted reasonable effort to complete the sales
transaction. Whether a sale is still considered highly probable and the asset(s) continue to be available for
immediate sale in their current condition (IFRS 5.B1 (c) (ii)). Where the asset(s) concerned have been
damaged in the meantime or are used again in the entity s continuing operations, this may indicate that
they are not available for immediate sale and the held for sale classification should cease.
IFRS 5 is not entirely clear on whether the initial one year period may be extended only once, or more often. In practice, repeated
delays are in any case likely to cast significant doubt on the completion of the sales transaction according to plan.
Discontinued operations
IFRS 5 also addresses the concept of discontinued operations. This concept is not the same as the held for
sale classification, although the concepts are linked. Discontinued operations give rise to specific
presentation requirements rather than remeasurements. Discontinued operations are presented separately
in an entity s statement of comprehensive income and also require preparers to compute and disclose
additional measures of earnings per share (EPS). Mandatory disclosures are provided to further explain
This section explains the conditions that trigger the presentation of a discontinued operation. The
interaction with the held for sale classification is also addressed. The presentation requirements are
illustrated in Section D.
1. Definitions
IFRS 5 applies to a variety of situations in which an entity ceases separately identifiable activities. IFRS 5
A component of an entity that either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale and:
(b) Is part of a single co-ordinate plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographical area of
operations or
Operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished operationally and for financial reporting purposes from
Depending on the facts and circumstances of each transaction, it may not be appropriate to present every
ceased activity of the reporting entity as a discontinued operation. Rather the entity should focus on
The standard explains that discontinued operations usually will have been a cash-generating unit or a
group of cash-generating units while being held for use (IFRS 5.31). A CGU is therefore likely to be the
smallest component of an entity whose disposal might give rise to a discontinued operation.
The disposal of a reportable segment is likely to give rise to a discontinued operation. Presenting a
reportable segment in accordance with IFRS 8 Operating Segments indicates its significance and also
confirms that discrete financial information is available. Moreover, the definition of operating segments
under IFRS 8 also relates to a component of an entity (IFRS 8.5), which is similar to the definition of a
discontinued operation under IFRS 5. This also applies to reported segments that no longer meet the
quantitative thresholds but are presented separately because of their continued significance in accordance
operation by definition. The financial results of an entity that acquires a business and resells parts of it in
the aftermath of the business combination may therefore be presented as a discontinued operation.
In contrast, a group of productive assets such as a factory that was a component of a CGU and has not
been reported as an operating segment would not (if disposed of) be a discontinued operation.
To be considered discontinued, the component in question must be either: classified as held for sale; or
If a group of assets (and liabilities) meets the conditions to be classified as held for sale and also
represents a major operation, as discussed above, both a disposal group and a discontinued operation
arise. However, the linkages between discontinued operations and the held for sale classification are not
always so clear.
For example:
A co-ordinate but piecemeal sale of a group of assets and liabilities might represent a discontinued
operation, but would not give rise to a disposal group; or a plan to abandon an operation (rather than sell
IFRS 5 does not clarify the conditions for presenting business activities as discontinued operations further
than in the basic definitions stated above. This leaves some judgment as to whether the operation is
or with similar organizational terms. The sale or discontinuation of one or more cash generating units (CGUs), as defined in
accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets, may also indicate the need to present discontinued operations.
The following table summarizes the relationship between the two concepts:
Entity disposes of a discontinued operation by selling the underlying assets. The sales transaction, however, is incomplete at the
Entity has ceased activities that meet the definition of a discontinued operation without selling any assets. Yes No
Entity ceases activities and has already completed the sale of the underlying assets or disposal group at the balance sheet date
Yes No
Entity will sell or has sold assets that are within the scope of
measured in accordance with applicable IFRS (IFRS 5.18). Plans to dispose of assets may be an indicator
that the asset(s) may be impaired and may accordingly trigger impairment testing procedures. Any
impairments (or reversals of previous impairments) are recognized before the entity classifies the asset(s)
It is only after the entity meets the held for sale classification criteria that IFRS 5 s rules on measurement
apply. Assets that are held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amounts (which are not
depreciated or amortized) and their fair value less costs to sell. A number of exemptions apply however.
This section explains the measurement effects of IFRS 5 at the initial date of the held for sale
(IFRS 5.2). However, not all assets that are classified as held for sale in a disposal group are within the
The measurement provisions of this IFRS do not apply to the following assets, which are covered by the
(c) Financial assets within the scope of IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.
(d) Non-current assets that are accounted for in accordance with the fair value model in IAS 40 Investment Property.
(e) Non-current assets that are measured at fair value less estimated point-of-sale costs in accordance with IAS 41
Agriculture.
(f) Contractual rights under insurance contracts as defined in IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts (IFRS 5.5).
The types of assets mentioned above are measured in accordance with applicable IFRSs and the entity's
normal accounting policies even if they are classified as held for sale. An intention to sell such an asset
Another rule in IFRS 5.4 scopes in a number of assets in situations in which an entity has identified and
( ) If a non-current asset within the scope of the measurement requirements of this IFRS is part of a disposal group,
the measurement requirements of this IFRS apply to the group as a whole, so that the group is measured at the lower
Hence, if an entity classifies a CGU, a group of CGUs or similar group of assets as held for sale, the
entity measures the disposal group as a whole in accordance with IFRS 5. Any type of asset that is then
not specifically excluded from the scope of this standard by IFRS 5.5 is not measured individually, but as
part of the disposal group. This may for example include inventories that are part of a disposal group and
other current assets (see page 9 for a discussion of the composition of a disposal group).
scope of IFRS 5, the assets are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to
sell (IFRS 5.15). This "IFRS 5 remeasurement" is carried out on the initial held for sale classification and
at subsequent reporting dates. Held for sale assets that are within the measurement scope of IFRS 5 are
not subsequently amortized or depreciated (IFRS 5.25) unless the entity withdraws from its plan to sell
IFRS 5 s guidance on how the entity should determine fair value less cost to sell is limited.
The amount for which an asset could be exchanged or a liability settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an
The incremental costs directly attributable to the disposal of an asset (or disposal group), excluding finance costs
Costs to sell need to be discounted if a sale is expected to occur beyond one year. The unwinding of the
discount over subsequent reporting periods is then recognized as a finance cost in profit or loss (IFRS
5.17). In practice, discounting selling costs is usually not necessary. A held for sale classification
generally requires a completed disposal within a one year period. Discounting may therefore only occur
in situations in which the sales transaction is delayed beyond one year in accordance with IFRS 5.9.
In practice, fair value less costs to sell is normally determined in accordance with the measurement
guidance given in IAS 36, which also refers to fair value less costs to sell . In the absence of relevant
market quotes, valuation techniques based on discounted cash flows are therefore normally used to
estimate the fair value of the asset(s) under review. IAS 36 and IFRS 5 may however result in different
relevant values. IAS 36 generally requires measurement at the lower of the carrying amount and the
recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of value in use and fair value less cost to sell.
IFRS 5, on the other hand, requires measurement at the lower of the carrying amount and fair value less
cost to sell and value in use is not considered as the entity intends to sell rather than use the asset(s).
At the initial classification of assets or disposal groups as held for sale, the entity records the book value of the asset(s) under
review as well as any impairment losses that have previously reduced their carrying amount(s). This information is an important
input for calculating the amount of any future reversals of previous impairment losses.
An impairment loss is recorded if the assets or disposal group s fair value less cost to sell is lower than its
carrying amount. The actual impairment loss is determined after the subsequent remeasurement of assets
outside the measurement scope of IFRS 5 (IFRS 5.20). In other words, the entity determines the carrying
amount of held for sale assets that are outside the measurement scope of IFRS 5 (if any); Adds these
remeasured amounts to the current carrying amounts of assets that are within the measurement scope of
IFRS 5; and Compares the total carrying amount of the held for sale assets with their fair value less costs
to sell.
A write-down of a group of held for sale assets generally follows the impairment loss allocation rules of
IAS 36 (IFRS 5.23). Any impairment loss under IFRS 5 is therefore allocated initially to disposal group s
goodwill (if any). If the write down exceeds the amount recognised as goodwill, the remaining loss is
allocated on a pro-rata basis to the disposal group s non-current assets. This order of allocation is also
IFRS 5 does not specify how a write down to fair value less costs to sell is recognised if it exceeds the
carrying amount of goodwill and other non-current assets within the measurement scope of the standard.
In our view any remaining impairment loss should be allocated on a pro-rata basis to any other current
assets that are not specifically excluded from the measurement scope of the standard.
This may for example result in the additional write-down of inventories that are part of the disposal
group.
date. However, the disposal group that constitutes B also includes goodwill and other assets that are in the
scope of IAS 36. Entity A therefore firstly carries out regular impairment testing procedures in
accordance with IAS 36 and then measures the disposal group at the lower of its carrying amount or fair
Measurement procedure Carrying amount Gain / (loss) Subsequent measurement - in accordance with individual IFRSs
CU 9,000 -
Impairment testing (IAS 36) - lower of carrying amount and recoverable amount Recoverable amount (value in use) is determined
Held for sale measurement (IFRS 5) – Lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell Fair value less cost to sell is
In the above example, if subsidiary B is also considered to be a discontinued operation, any loss as a
result of impairment testing in accordance with IAS 36 would be presented as a loss from continuing
operations, whereas the IFRS 5 loss may be presented within the net result from discontinued operations.
The fair value less costs to sell of assets included in a disposal group has been determined at CU 2,500.
Prior to the held for sale classification, but after regular impairment testing procedures, the carrying
amount of the assets was determined at CU 7,500. The following table illustrates the situation prior to and
Goodwill 1,500 0
7,500 2,500
A write-down of CU 5,000 needs to be allocated to the assets of the disposal group. The impairment loss
is firstly allocated to goodwill and allocated on a pro-rata basis to the other intangible assets and property,
plant and equipment which represent the disposal group s noncurrent assets. This reflects a write down of
CU 4,500. The remainder of the impairment loss is allocated to inventories, as trade receivables are
An entity should not record additional losses to the effect that the assets fair value less selling costs is
negative. Any additional loss is recognized at the date of derecognition of the asset(s) (IFRS 5.24) on the
basis of the actual selling proceeds. A binding contract, which indicates a negative value of the asset or
disposal group, may give rise to a financial liability or an onerous contract. Such a liability needs to be
recognized separately outside of the disposal group in accordance with other IFRS, eg IAS 37 Provisions,
Fair value less costs to sell of assets held for sale may exceed the asset s carrying amounts either at the
initial classification date or on subsequent remeasurement under IFRS 5. In these circumstances, the
entity may need to record a gain arising from the reversal of previous impairment losses but with the
following conditions:
An impairment loss recorded under IAS 36 (prior to the held for sale classification) or under
IFRS 5 (at or after the classification) has previously reduced the carrying amounts of the assets under
review;
The potential gain does not exceed cumulative impairment losses previously recognized under
The carrying amounts of assets excluded from the measurement scope of IFRS 5 are not affected by a
reversal of a previous write-down of other assets; and a previous write-down of goodwill is not reversed.
In summary, reversal of previous impairment losses may only be recognized in relation to nongoodwill
longer appropriate, it needs to reclassify the assets and liabilities. Firstly, the entity stops presenting the
assets and related liabilities as held for sale. This change is made prospectively (ie without adjustments to
comparatives). The assets and liabilities are reclassified based on their normal IFRS presentation.
Fair value less costs to sell of a disposal group s assets has been determined at CU 12,000. The current
carrying amount of the assets has been determined at CU 8,200, which already reflects the remeasurement
of all assets that are excluded from the scope of IFRS 5. An analysis of the individual carrying amounts
Prior to IFRS 5 reversal previously recognized write-down on assets After IFRS 5 reversal
The middle column summarizes write-downs that have previously been allocated to the individual
categories of assets. Goodwill impairment losses are never reversed. The carrying amount of goodwill
therefore remains at CU 1,500. Previous write-downs of the deferred tax asset or the trade receivable are
outside the measurement scope of IFRS 5 and have already been remeasured in accordance with IAS 12
and IAS 39, respectively. Further changes in the carrying amount of these assets are therefore not
permitted. The entity should only book a reversal of a previously recognised impairment loss for other
intangible assets (CU 500) and property, plant and equipment (CU 2,000). This increases the carrying
amount of the disposal group to CU 10,700, which is the upper limit set by IFRS 5 despite the disposal
the assets would have had in the absence of the held for sale classification. The entity therefore
a The recoverable amount of the assets under review (ie the higher of value in use and fair value less
b The carrying amount the assets would have been recorded at in the absence of their classification as
held for sale, thus reflecting potential depreciation, amortisation or revaluation not booked because of
IFRS 5.
The assets (including goodwill, if any) are recorded at the lower of the two amounts (IFRS 5.27).
This requirement also applies to individual assets that are removed from a disposal group while the
individual assets within the measurement scope of IFRS 5 is necessary in circumstances in which the
entity continues to present only individual assets as held for sale, rather than a disposal group.
Any resulting gain or loss should be presented in line with the general requirements set out by IAS 1
Presentation of Financial Statements and other standards in the period that the change in the selling plan
occurs. Gains or losses should be presented as part of the results of continuing operations, except where
the gain or loss relates to assets that are accounted for in accordance with the revaluation model in IAS 16
Property, Plant & Equipment or IAS 38 Intangible Assets. In this case, the gain or loss is treated as a
Entity A has changed its intentions regarding the disposal of its subsidiary B. For the
remeasurement of the disposal group s assets, an analysis of the assets' carrying amounts under IFRS 5
and a remeasurement to the recoverable amount of the assets in accordance with IAS 36 is carried out.
The recoverable amount of the assets is estimated at CU 8,900. Entity A also assesses how much
depreciation, amortisation or revaluation would have been recognised for the assets concerned if they had
not been classified as held for sale. This information is reconciled to the assets' new carrying amounts as
follows:
Carrying amount under IFRS 5 Impairment losses recognized under IFRS 5 Depreciation & amortization New carrying
amount
equipment
The impairment losses recognised under IFRS 5 for the other intangible assets and property,
plant and equipment are reversed in full. The depreciation and amortisation charge that
would have been recognised without their classification as held for sale in turn reduces their
carrying amounts.
Given the recoverable amount of the disposal group s assets, the amount recognised for
goodwill is fully restated to its carrying amount directly before it was classified as held for
sale. If the recoverable amount had been lower, goodwill would have been restated to the
extent that the total carrying amount of the former disposal group would not exceed its
recoverable amount. However, an entity should not under any circumstances reverse an
impairment loss that was recognised under IAS 36 prior to the disposal group s held for sale
classification.
the standard s rules on classification and measurement is necessary before the resulting presentation
and disclosure requirements are applied. IFRS 5 contains detailed presentation and disclosure
requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the effects of assets held for sale
If an entity classifies assets as held for sale, the main rules for their presentation in the entity s
financial statements and the related disclosures are set out in IFRS 5.38-42. Classifying assets as
held for sale also triggers a number of disclosure requirements that are set out by other standards.
If the entity identifies discontinued operations, IFRS 5.33-36 set out the main requirements for
presentation and the related disclosures. Additional requirements arise from other standards.
Some of the disclosures also depend on whether an entity presents both discontinued operations
and assets held for sale and how these are related to one another.
1. Assets held for sale and disposal groups: Presentation and disclosures
The minimum presentation requirements for assets held for sale and disposal groups are set out in
IFRS 5.38:
An entity shall present a non-current asset classified as held for sale and the assets of a disposal group
classified as held for sale separately from other assets in the statement of financial position.
The liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale shall be presented separately from other
Those assets and liabilities shall not be offset and presented as a single amount.
The major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale shall be separately disclosed
either in the statement of financial position or in the notes, except as permitted by paragraph 39.
An entity shall present separately any cumulative income or expense recognised in other
comprehensive income relating to a non-current asset (or disposal group) classified as held for sale.
Assets held for sale and disposal groups are commonly presented in a line item labelled "asset(s)
held for sale" or "disposal group". If the disposal group includes liabilities, these might be presented
as "disposal group liabilities" or also simply as "disposal group". These lines items should be
included within current assets or liabilities, since the entity intends to transfer them within the one
Prior period comparatives are not adjusted for current period changes in the held for sale
classification (IFRS 5.40). This restriction can cause confusion as IFRS 5 includes a requirement to
retrospectively present the results of discontinued operations by amending the prior year s statement
of comprehensive income and the related disclosures (see page 26). As explained previously, "held
for sale" and "discontinued operations" are different concepts and IFRS 5 takes different
The entity also needs to present separately any gains and losses that have been recognised outside
profit or loss in respect of held for sale assets and disposal groups. For example, if a disposal group
comprises:
available for sale financial assets as defined in IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and
Measurement;
defined benefit liabilities for which actuarial gains and losses are recognised outside profit or loss
property, plant or equipment assets that are stated at revalued amounts in accordance with
IAS 16,
the related gains, losses and income taxes are presented separately from other items in the statement
1.2 Disclosures
Disposal groups and assets held for sale should be analysed into their major classes of assets and
liabilities. This analysis may be done either on the face of the statement of financial position or in
the notes thereto. However, specific exemptions apply for subsidiaries that are newly acquired
In the period in which the entity has classified or sold the non-current asset classified as held for
(b) a description of the facts and circumstances of the sale, or leading to the expected disposal, and the
(c) the gain or loss recognised in accordance with paragraphs 20 22 and, if not separately presented on
the face of the income statement, the caption in the income statement that includes that gain or loss;
(d) if applicable, the reportable segment in which the non-current asset (or disposal group) is presented in
In summary, it is necessary to explain what the entity is selling as well as how and when it intends to
sell it. If a gain or loss has been recognised in measuring held for sale assets in accordance with
IFRS 5 the relevant amount and line item in the statement of comprehensive income is disclosed.
This amount, however, excludes any gains or losses on the remeasurement before the actual held for
sale classification or when the entity withdraws from a highly probable selling plan. If a gain or loss
on the remeasurement of assets held for sale relates to a discontinued operation, it is usually
included in net result from discontinued operations . This is further explained in the next section.
IFRS 5 and IAS 1 both specify minimum requirements for presentation of discontinued operations
(a) a single amount on the face of the income statement comprising the total of
disposal of the assets or disposal group(s) constituting the discontinued operation ( ). (Extract from
The exact description of this single line item is not prescribed by IFRS. As a generic description,
however, it is usually referred to as net result from discontinued operations . The three main
components of this line item in the statement of comprehensive income may be illustrated as
follows:
+/- Taxes relating to ordinary result from discontinued operations (if any)
for sale or disposal groups constituting the discontinued operation (if any)
C +/- Gains and losses resulting from the disposal of assets held
for sale or disposal groups constituting the discontinued operation (if any)
IFRS 5.33 (a) only relates to assets held for sale or disposal group(s) that constitute the discontinued
operation. Some gains and/or losses, however, may result from the remeasurement or the disposal
of assets held for sale that do not relate to the discontinued operation(s). If a gain or loss relates to
continuing operations, it must not be presented within discontinued operations (IFRS 5.37).
The single line item in the statement of comprehensive income and any related notes include
income taxes. As the definition of income taxes within IAS 12 encompasses both current and
deferred taxes, net result from discontinued operations should also include the effects of any
2.2 Comparatives
comparatives on the face of the statement of comprehensive income. This is intended to assist
users of the financial statements in evaluating the financial effects of discontinued operations across
reporting periods.
Net result from discontinued operations is presented for all reporting periods covered in the
statement of comprehensive income (IFRS 5.34). This affects both results from (previously)
continued operations and discontinued operations. An entity therefore needs to update all
explanatory notes relating to income and expense generated or incurred by continued operations.
This may, for example, include prior and current period disclosures about:
2.3 Disclosures
Net result from discontinued operations as presented on the face of the statement of
comprehensive income has to be further analysed into its components. At a minimum, the entity
needs to disclose:
The gain or loss recognised on the measurement at fair value less cost to sell or on the disposal of
This analysis may be set out either on the face of the statement of comprehensive income or in the
notes. Specific exemptions apply for subsidiaries that have been acquired exclusively with a view to
In practice, these minimum requirements are often met by using an amended version of the layout
used for the entity s statement of comprehensive income, which is included in the notes to the
financial statements. This format then illustrates each of the discontinued operation s line items as
IFRS 5 does not specify the exact level of detail to be provided in the analysis of net result from
discontinued operations. The standard also does not refer to situations involving more than one
discontinued operation. However, IFRS 5.33 (a) would seem to require presentation of a single
amount for the results of all discontinued operations in aggregate. In our view, the further analysis
of this single amount required by IFRS 5.33 (b) should preferably disaggregate the single amount
into each significant discontinued operation. In practice, this disaggregated information is likely to
The entity also needs to present cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities of the
discontinued operations. These amounts may either be incorporated into the statement of cash
flows or given in the notes (IFRS 5.33 (c)). This analysis is not necessary for newly acquired
requirements are
If an entity stops classifying assets as held for sale, it has to describe the facts and circumstances
that led to its withdrawal from the initial selling plan (IFRS 5.42). This explanation may for example
include the fact that no buyer could be found at an acceptable price or that conditions imposed on
the sale have resulted in the withdrawal of the asset or disposal group from the market. The entity
also describes the effect of the decision on the results of operations for all periods presented in the
financial statements (IFRS 5.42). This disclosure would include any revaluation gain/loss on
reclassification. Reclassification of any prior period balances of held for sale assets and related
liabilities is, however, not permitted. IFRS 5.42 applies equally to changes in a disposal group if
the reclassification, for example, only affects individual assets of a disposal group, the financial
statements should explain the reasons for changing the composition of the disposal group.
The amounts presented on the face of the statement of comprehensive income and in the notes are
restated (IFRS 5.36) if the assets that the entity ceases to classify as held for sale also represented a
discontinued operation. The entity reclassifies net result from discontinued operations into
continuing operations for the current period and restates all comparatives. Explanatory notes
relating to continuing operations (such as operating segment information) are also restated to reflect
Some disposal transactions are subject to ongoing contingencies that may affect future periods
results. Any income or expense directly related to the disposal of a discontinued operation in a prior
period is presented separately within the result of discontinued operations (IFRS 5.35). Examples of
circumstances when this might arise include adjustments to the purchase price, previously
unanticipated income tax effects or the transfer of legal obligations to the buyer.
Assets that are classified as held for sale and any associated liability are presented separately on the
face of the statement of financial position (IFRS 5.38). An analysis of these amounts is required
either on the face of the statement of financial position or in the explanatory notes thereto. The
following paragraphs set out example presentation layouts based on an illustrative disposal
transaction of a business unit that comprises both a disposal group and a discontinued operation.
The example does not cover all the disclosures that IFRS may require in relation to such a
of the statement of
comprehensive income
will be required in
situations in which an
plans to discontinue an
operation. The
result in an adjustment of
the presentation of
comparatives in the
statement of financial
position.
expenses related to a
discontinued operation
discontinued operations
of comprehensive
completed.
Single line items on the face of the statement of financial position with further analysis in the
notes
The most common approach to presenting held for sale assets and disposal groups is to present
single line items on the face of the statement of financial position and include any further analysis in
Notes
31 December
2007
CU000s
31 December
2006
CU000s
Assets
Goodwill X XXX XXX
Single line items on the face of the statement of financial position with further analysis in the
notes (continued)
IFRS 5.41 (a) - (d) At the end of 2006, management decided to discontinue in-store sale of IT and
telecommunications hardware. This decision was taken in line with the Group's strategy to
focus on its web-based online retail business. Consequently, all assets and liabilities of
Highstreet Ltd. and its subsidiaries were classified as a disposal group. Measurement of the
disposal group s assets at fair value less costs to sell resulted in a loss of XXX, which is
Highstreet Ltd. and most of its subsidiaries were sold for a total of CUXXXXX in cash on 30
September 2007. The sales transaction resulted in a loss of CUXXX due to related selling
costs.
A significant part of the assets originally classified as held for sale has therefore already been
sold at the balance sheet date. The Group has retained ownership of some former Highstreet
storage facilities. The Group's management expects to sell the remaining assets during 2008.
Assets held for sale were not allocated for segment reporting purposes.
IFRS 5.38 The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the disposal group may be analysed as
follows:
Assets 2007
CU000s
2006
CU000s
Liabilities 2007
CU000s
2006
CU000s
'000s
Goodwill XXX XXX
Deferred tax
Total liabilities of
XXX XXX
IFRS 5 sets out minimum requirements for presenting net result from discontinued operations and
the analysis thereof, which may be done either on the face of the statement of comprehensive
The following paragraphs set out example presentation layouts. In the following examples DO
represents amounts relating to discontinued operations and CO amounts that relate to continuing
operations. Example narratives are shown in option 1, but more details may be necessary to meet
The illustrations of the statement of comprehensive income are based on the "two statement"
approach permitted by IAS 1.81(b) and do not include the separate statement of components of
Option 1: Single line item on the face of the statement of comprehensive income with further
One of the more commonly used approaches is to present discontinued operations on the face of
the statement of comprehensive income as a single line item with further details on their
composition in the notes to the financial statements. The following example assumes that there are
no minority shareholders and no gains or losses that have been recognised outside profit or loss
Notes 2007
CU000s
2006
CU000s
Revenue X CO CO
Other income CO CO
Operating Result CO CO
The amounts included in the line item highlighted are then further analysed in the notes to the
financial statements.
Option 1: Single line item on the face of the statement of comprehensive income with further
Telecommunications hardware. This decision was taken in line with the Group's strategy to
focus on its web-based online retail business. Revenue and expenses, and gains and losses
relating to the discontinuation of this activity have been removed from the results of continuing
operations and are shown as a single line item on the face of the statement of comprehensive
income ( net result from discontinued operations ). The operating results of the discontinued
operation up to its disposal and the effect of remeasurement and disposal of assets that were
CU000s
2006
CU000s
Operating Result DO DO
Gain on disposal DO -
In this example, Net result from discontinued operations comprises the results from the
discontinued operation and the effects of remeasurement and disposal of any assets or disposal
groups that constitute the discontinued operation. Also note that the analysis includes two tax line
items:
Taxes relating to the operating activities of the discontinued operation until their disposal; and
Tax effects of remeasurement and disposal of the related assets held for sale or disposal groups.
The result in the highlighted line corresponds to the amount that is presented on the face of the
Net result from discontinued operations along with the required analysis of that result are presented
on the face of the statement of comprehensive income. The analysis of discontinued operations
should be clearly distinguished from the results of continuing operations. For example, it should be
clear that the amount presented as the reporting entity s revenue excludes revenue of the
discontinued operation. The detailed analysis of the results of the discontinued operation is
supplemental information on the face of the statement of comprehensive income. This format, or
variations of it, is commonly used when the discontinued operation is or was a very substantial part
of total operations.
Notes
2007
CU000s
2006
CU000s
Discontinued
operations Entity
Discontinued
operations Entity
Revenue X DO CO DO CO
Other income DO CO DO CO
Operating result DO CO DO CO
investments X DO CO DO CO
Gain on disposal DO -
operations X DO DO
IAS 1.82 (f) Net result for the year CO+DO CO+DO
Option 3: Analysis of the results of discontinued operations on the face of the statement of
Another approach observed in practice is to present both results from discontinued operations and
continued operations side by side and show a total of both on a line-by-line basis. Gains and losses
from remeasurement, the sale of the discontinued operations and related taxes are then presented
separately. Some commentators regard this approach as questionable, on the grounds that the
total column gives undue prominence to the revenue and amounts that include the activities of
the discontinued operation. In our view, this approach is acceptable provided it is clear that
revenue, other income and expenses (excluding the discontinued operation s amounts) are clearly
Note that the example below omits prior-year comparatives for ease of presentation. Comparatives
are necessary for all amounts, narrative and other descriptive information, unless otherwise
Notes 2007
CU000s
Discontinued
operations
Continuing
operations
Total
Revenue X DO CO DO+CO
investments
X DO CO DO+CO
Gain on disposal DO DO
operations
DO DO
operations
X DO DO
Part-disposals of subsidiaries;
Subsidiaries are sometimes acquired exclusively with a view to resale. This may be due to the
acquirer s intention to restructure the target company as an immediate action after obtaining control.
Legal requirements such as antitrust laws to transfer parts of the acquiree to a third party may
sometimes result in plans to sell parts of an acquired business. Similar situations may arise when an
entity acquires a group of assets or individual assets that it intends to sell immediately.
Provided that, within a short period following the acquisition, the subsidiary or asset(s):
the acquired asset(s) or subsidiary is (are) classified as held for sale upon initial recognition. The
standard considers a short period following the acquisition to be usuallywithin three months
(IFRS 5.11). In determining which assets and liabilities are attributable to the disposal group
concerned, the entity follows the general guidelines of IFRS 5 that were discussed on page 9.
It is mandatory under IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements to fully consolidate all
subsidiaries of the parent company. The held for sale classification of the subsidiary and its assets
The held for sale classification of such a subsidiary will however affect the presentation of its assets
and liabilities. Assets and liabilities of the subsidiary will be part of a disposal group. Subsequent
financial results of the subsidiary are shown within results of discontinued operations (IFRS 5.32(c)).
If the assets acquired exclusively with a view to resale were acquired in a business combination, they
are subject to the provisions of IFRS 3 Business Combinations. Broadly, the assets, liabilities and
contingent liabilities are initially recognised at fair value less costs to sell (IFRS 5.16).
If the asset(s) have not been acquired in the course of a business combination, they will be initially
measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. The carrying amount
of each individual asset is determined in accordance with the applicable standard. Many newly
acquired assets are initially recognised at cost, which may be higher than their fair value less costs to
One question raised in practice is how to account for financing costs and potential tax effects that
are a direct result of reselling the newly acquired subsidiary. IFRS 5 specifically excludes financing
costs and income tax expenses from its definition of costs to sell .
IAS 12 Income Taxes generally requires the entity to account for all income tax consequences of the
future recovery or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities. Future tax
consequences of reselling newly acquired assets may therefore be reflected in the recognition of a
deferred tax liability. For individual assets, a deferred tax liability is recognised for all taxable
temporary differences that are not specifically exempted by IAS 12. For example, if fair value less
costs to sell or the carrying amount of an asset that is classified as held for sale exceeds its tax base,
this results in the recognition of a deferred tax liability that reflects the potential tax consequences of
selling the asset. Where a disposal group represents a subsidiary that was acquired with an exclusive
view to resale, the specific rules in IAS 12 regarding "outside basis differences" may apply (see
operations (IFRS 5.32 (c)). An entity therefore presents all results of these subsidiaries, including
any gains and losses that arise on the subsequent remeasurement or sale of the underlying assets, as
Businesses or groups of assets that were acquired for resale but are not a subsidiary are a
discontinued operation only if they represent a separate major line of business or geographical area
1.6 Disclosures
Where a disposal group is a subsidiary that has been acquired exclusively with a view to resale, the
entity is not required to disclose the subsidiary s major classes of assets and liabilities (IFRS 5.39). A
specific exemption also relieves entities in these circumstances from further analysing net results or
However, all other disclosure requirements of IFRS 5 and other standards apply in this situation.
IFRS 3 requires in particular disclosure of details of any operations the entity has decided to
2. Part-disposal of a subsidiary
IFRS 5 is currently not entirely clear on whether a subsidiary should be regarded as held for sale if
the entity plans to sell a controlling interest but also to retain some part of its interest (ie a part
disposal ). A part disposal of a subsidiary occurs when the parent company sells a controlling
Retains significant influence (so the former subsidiary will be accounted for using the equity
Retains joint control (so the former subsidiary will be accounted for in accordance with IAS 31
Joint Ventures); or
Remains a non-controlling shareholder without significant influence over the former subsidiary
(so the remaining interest in the former subsidiary will be accounted for in accordance with
The IASBs First Annual Improvements Project includes a proposal that would require a held for
sale classification for all situations where an entity is committed to a selling plan that involves the
loss of control of a subsidiary. This would include situations in which the entity retains joint control
or significant influence over the former subsidiary. It seems appropriate to follow this approach in
IFRS 5 does not set out exemptions or specific requirements for individual or separate financial
statements and therefore has to be applied in the normal way. Some intra-group transactions might
trigger IFRS 5 s requirements even though those transactions will be eliminated on consolidation.
For example, if assets are transferred to the parent company or another legal entity within the group,
a held for sale classification may be appropriate from an individual entity s point of view, but not
IAS 27 addresses in paragraph 37 a specific situation in which an entity classifies as held for sale its
cost prior to the held for sale classification in accordance with IAS 27 it is remeasured at the lower
of cost and its fair value less costs to sell (see page 18). If, on the other hand, the entity measures its
investment at fair value in accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and
Measurement, it
is outside of the measurement scope of IFRS 5 (IFRS 5.5 (c), see page 17).
IFRS 5 does not apply to the measurement of liabilities. If liabilities are included in a disposal group
(see page 9), the entity continues to measure these liabilities in accordance with the appropriate
Defined employee benefit liabilities, which are measured in accordance with IAS 19;
Deferred and current tax liabilities, which are measured as required by IAS 12.;
Non-financial liabilities (ie provisions) which are measured as set out in IAS 37; and
Existence of a sales
transaction
interest do not
necessarily require a
sales transaction
precludes, by definition,
classification of the
liabilities.
The measurement of these liabilities follows the normal accounting policies of the entity, despite the
fact that they are not presented separately on the face of the statement of financial position but as
A practical issue arises in relation to transactions and balances between the entity s continued
operations and its discontinued operations (prior to the actual disposal of the latter). For example,
Included with group liabilities, with the receivable included in the disposal group s assets; or
Eliminated from the group statement of financial position, with the receivable also eliminated
IFRS 5 does not include any exemption to applying IAS 27. All intragroup balances and
transactions are therefore eliminated in the group s consolidated accounts. As IFRS 5 complements
rather than overrides IAS 27, all intercompany balances and transactions must be eliminated in full.
Transactions between an entity s continued and discontinued operations are therefore not to be
presented on the face of the statement of financial position as they are subject to the usual
It is important to note that the classification of assets as held for sale or the presentation of
discontinued operations not only triggers disclosure requirements under IFRS 5, but also affects the
As noted above, the entity should disclose the segment to which an asset held for sale or disposal
IAS 40.76 (c) (fair value model) and IAS 40.79 (d) (iii) (cost model)
require the disclosure of the carrying amount of assets that have been classified as held for sale or
Deferred taxes
Special attention needs to be paid to deferred taxes when an entity classifies assets as held for
sale. Firstly, any measurement effects of applying IFRS 5 (ie impairment or a reversal
thereof) will usually trigger a change in temporary differences (calculated by comparing the
assets carrying amounts with their tax bases). Secondly, the tax consequences of a sale rather
than the continuing use of the assets may be different. As a result, different tax bases or tax
rates may apply which then need to be taken into account when calculating deferred taxes.
Thirdly, the sale plan may result in probable reversal of a temporary difference between the
tax base of an investment in a subsidiary, associate etc and its carrying amount. If the selling
plan sets out the disposal of a subsidiary, associate, branch or interest in a joint venture, the
deferred tax calculation needs to be specifically reviewed in the light of the pending sale
transaction.
When assets are classified as held for sale, or included in a disposal group, the issue arises as to
whether other IFRS disclosures for that type of asset continue to apply. IAS 19 Employee Benefits,
IAS 12 Income Taxes or IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures for example do not set out any
exemptions for assets and liabilities that have been included in a disposal group.
This question was referred to the IFRIC. The IFRIC have not added this issue to their agenda
although an agenda decision was published in IFRIC Update for September 2007. The IFRIC
expressed a preference to exclude items of a disposal group from disclosure requirements other than
specifically set out by IFRS 5 and IAS 1 and referred this issue to the IASB for consideration in its
First Annual Improvements Project. However, this issue was not addressed in the First Annual
IAS 33.68 requires entities to present EPS for both results from continuing operations as well as
discontinued operations. Because discontinued operations are to be presented for all reporting
periods covered in the statement of comprehensive income, the figures for both diluted and basic
IAS 7 requires disclosure of information relating to the disposal of "subsidiaries or other business
units". While the term "business unit" is not further defined, we consider that an entity should
typically disclose the following, especially where subsidiaries are classified as discontinued
operations:
To what extent the disposal consideration was discharged by means of cash and cash equivalents;
and
The amount of cash and cash equivalents included in the discontinued operation that has been
disposed of.
IAS 7 also requires an analysis of the disposed group of assets by major categories of assets and
liabilities. This requirement is usually met by providing the information required by IFRS 5.38
Income taxes
IAS 12.81 (h) requires disclosure of income tax expense relating to:
Gains and losses from discontinuance ie gains and losses on sale or remeasurement of the
Ordinary activities from the discontinued operation for the current and all prior periods for
These requirements in IAS 12 generally match those of IFRS 5.33 (b), which also requires the
separate disclosure of income tax effects resulting from a discontinued operation (see page 26).
Segment reporting
If an entity prepares a segment report in accordance with IFRS 8 Operating Segments, it may need to
explain differences between the measurement of the reportable segments profit or losses and the
entity s profit or loss, including any net results from discontinued operations. The entity also takes
If the entity s segment reporting follows IAS 14 Segment Reporting, it is a mandatory requirement to
include both segment results from continuing and discontinuing operations, as appropriate. The
comparatives presented in the segment report for previous periods also need to be restated for any
discontinued operation the entity presents at its latest reporting date. Similar to IFRS 8, segment
results from discontinued operations also have to be reconciled to the entity s net result from
discontinued operations.
Grant Thornton International Ltd (Grant Thornton International) and the member firms are not a
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