Published June 7, 2011

FASB issues a new Accounting Standards Update

FASB issues a new Accounting Standards Update

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) recently issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-04 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). This ASU is the result of the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board’s (IASB) commitment to work together to create a common set of global accounting standards. This ASU was written to ensure that fair value has the same meaning in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and that fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are the same in substance.

This ASU explains how to measure fair value. It does not require additional fair value measurements, establish fair value standards, or affect valuation practices outside of financial reporting. This ASU applies to all reporting entities that are required or permitted to measure or disclose the fair value of an asset, liability, or an instrument classified in their equity.

Amendments contained within the ASU include:

    • Clarification of
      • when to apply the concepts of highest and best use
      • requirements to disclose qualitative information about the unobservable inputs used in fair value measurements categorized as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy
      • applying premiums and discounts in fair value measurements
      • requirements specific to measuring the fair value of instruments, such as equity interests issued as consideration in business combinations
    • An exception to the requirements of Topic 820, permitting entities that manage financial instruments held within a portfolio on the basis of net exposure, to measure fair value on the basis of net exposure, rather than gross exposure.
    • Additional disclosures about existing fair value measurements.

The ASU is to be applied prospectively. For public entities, it is effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. For nonpublic entities, it is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early application by public entities is not permitted. Nonpublic entities may apply the ASU early, but no earlier than for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011.

If you would like more information regarding this Accounting Standards Update, please contact the expert listed below at (800) 270-9629.

WE ARE REQUIRED BY IRS CIRCULAR 230 TO INFORM YOU THAT THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION WAS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND IT CANNOT BE USED, NOR RELIED UPON,BY ANY TAXPAYER FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING ANY PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED UNDER FEDERAL TAX LAW. THE ADVICE WAS WRITTEN TO SUPPORT THE PROMOTION OR MARKETING OF THE TRANSACTIONS OR MATTERS ADDRESSED IN THE DISCUSSION. EACH TAXPAYER SHOULD SEEK ADVICE BASED ON ITS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR.

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