Fixed Asset Impairment
Fixed Asset Impairment is a financial accounting process that recognises the decrease of value of a company’s tangible, long-term assets. Impairment occurs when the book value of an asset is greater than its liquidation value or current market value. This can be caused by obsolescence, damage, changes in the legal or regulatory environment, or changes in market or economic conditions.
When a company recognises impairment of its fixed assets, it must write down the asset’s value to reflect the decreased value. This is a necessary step, as the carrying value of an asset is used in determining the company’s overall net worth. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the carrying value accurately reflects the current market value of the asset.
The accounting procedure for fixed asset impairment involves three steps. First, the company must assess the asset’s value to determine if there has been a decrease in value. If the carrying value of an asset is greater than its current market value, then a write-down is necessary. The second step is recording the impairment of the asset in the financial statement. Lastly, an impairment charge must be taken in the current period.
Fixed asset impairment can be an unwelcome surprise for a company, as it can create a significant decrease in its total net worth. If a company’s net worth is decreased for any reason, creditors may react by reducing the company’s available credit or increasing their rates. It can also lower a company’s value to potential investors.
Fortunately, companies can limit the effects of fixed asset impairment by regularly reassessing their physical assets and keeping abreast of current market conditions. Additionally, a company can try to mitigate the risks inherent in its assets by diversifying its investments or limiting its exposure to any one particular market or sector.
In conclusion, fixed asset impairment is an important part of financial accounting and should not be overlooked. Companies must keep their financial statements up-to-date in order to accurately reflect the current market value of their assets. Additionally, companies must take steps to mitigate the effects of impairment, such as diversifying their investments and limiting their exposure to potentially volatile markets. By following these measures, companies can protect their financial health and keep their net worth from dropping unnecessarily.