Question

Write five differences between GAAP and IFRS in terms of ASSETS.

Answer 1

Inventory Methods

Both GAAP and IFRS allow First In, First Out (FIFO), weighted-average cost, and specific identification methods for valuing inventories. However, GAAP also allows the Last In, First Out (LIFO) method, which is not allowed under IFRS. Using the LIFO method may result in artificially low net income and may not reflect the actual flow of inventory items through a company.

Inventory Write-Down Reversals

Both methods allow inventories to be written down to market value. However, if the market value later increases, only IFRS allows the earlier write-down to be reversed. Under GAAP, reversal of earlier write-downs is prohibited. Inventory valuation may be more volatile under IFRS.

Fair Value Revaluations

IFRS allows revaluation of the following assets to fair value if fair value can be measured reliably: inventories, property, plant & equipment, intangible assets, and investments in marketable securities. This revaluation may be either an increase or a decrease to the asset’s value. Under GAAP, revaluation is prohibited except for marketable securities.

Impairment Losses

Both standards allow for the recognition of impairment losses on long-lived assets when the market value of an asset declines. When conditions change, IFRS allows impairment losses to be reversed for all types of assets except goodwill. GAAP takes a more conservative approach and prohibits reversals of impairment losses for all types of assets.

Intangible Assets

Internal costs to create intangible assets, such as development costs, are capitalized under IFRS when certain criteria are met. These criteria include consideration of the future economic benefits.

Under GAAP, development costs are expensed as incurred, with the exception of internally developed software. For software that will be used externally, costs are capitalized once technological feasibility has been demonstrated. If the software will only be used internally, GAAP requires capitalization only during the development stage. IFRS has no specific guidance for software.

Fixed Assets

GAAP requires that long-lived assets, such as buildings, furniture and equipment, be valued at historic cost and depreciated appropriately. Under IFRS, these same assets are initially valued at cost, but can later be revalued up or down to market value. Any separate components of an asset with different useful lives are required to be depreciated separately under IFRS. GAAP allows for component depreciation, but it is not required.

Investment Property

IFRS includes the distinct category of investment property, which is defined as property held for rental income or capital appreciation. Investment property is initially measured at cost, and can be subsequently revalued to market value. GAAP has no such separate category.