(This article was published on 1 February, 2022 and updated on 31 October, 2023)
What’s the issue?
In times of higher economic or financial uncertainty, fair values of assets and liabilities may change significantly, reflecting changes in cash flow forecasts, increased uncertainty and elevated risks. Performing a valuation in these market conditions is more challenging, particularly when significant unobservable inputs are used.
Fair value is a market-based measurement – it is measured using assumptions that market participants would use, reflecting market conditions at the measurement date. Under IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement, a quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and if one is available then it needs to be used to measure fair value. Use of hindsight or adjusting for what may be viewed as depressed pricing at the measurement date in light of subsequent changes in market prices is not permitted. [IFRS 13.77, 79]
In times of higher uncertainty, the number of significant unobservable inputs may increase – this may lead to a higher number of Level 3 measurements and with it to more disclosures that are required by IFRS 13.
Getting into more detail
‘Unobservable inputs’ are inputs for which market data is not available and that are developed using the best information available about the assumptions that market participants would make in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Unobservable inputs used in valuations may require significant adjustment to reflect the risks and uncertain market conditions at the measurement date. [IFRS 13.A]
Greater estimation uncertainty and less observable market data may require companies to change valuation techniques and use more judgement and assumptions. This may lead to a higher number of fair value measurements classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy – e.g. due to unobservable inputs becoming significant in the continuing pandemic environment.
Reflecting risks and market conditions at the measurement date
Some of the key factors and risks to consider when measuring fair value using a valuation technique include the following.
- Economic activity levels. Measures taken in times of uncertainty may lead to a significant reduction in economic activity in terms of production of and demand for goods and services, and may have a negative impact on forecasted future cash flows used in a discounted cash flow valuation method. The effects on different sectors of the economy may vary significantly.
- Credit risk and liquidity risk. An uncertain economic environment might cause increases in credit risk and liquidity risk for some companies. Own credit risk and/or counterparty credit risk used as inputs into valuation techniques may therefore increase.
- Forecasting risk. Fair value measurements should reflect the greater uncertainty in making economic and financial forecasts in the near term, due to the difficulty in forecasting the magnitude and duration of the economic impact of external events.
- Foreign exchange risk. Companies with significant sales or purchases in foreign currencies may be adversely affected by exchange rate movements.
- Commodity price risk. Companies in certain industries (e.g. the extractive industry) may be significantly affected by volatility in the prices of certain commodities.
Significant judgement may be needed to quantify risk premiums and other adjustments for these risks.
This increases the importance of providing disclosures around the key assumptions and judgements used, to help users of financial statements understand the impact on a company’s fair value measurements.
What do you need to disclose?
Annual reports
Given the impact of economic uncertainty on forecasting cash flows and other unobservable inputs used in valuation techniques (e.g. certain risk-adjusted discount rates), companies may need to provide sensitivity disclosures – together with disclosure of the key assumptions and judgements made by management – to enable users to understand how fair value has been determined. These disclosures are required under both IFRS 13 and IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements. IFRS 13 also contains specific disclosure requirements when amounts are transferred into Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. [IFRS 13.93(e)(iv), 93(h), IAS 1.125, 129]
Interim reports
IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting requires companies to provide many of the IFRS 13 disclosures on fair value measurements of financial instruments, including the sensitivity disclosures and significant transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy. Additionally, IAS 34 requires companies to explain events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in a company’s financial position and performance since the last annual reporting date. Therefore, fair value disclosures related to non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are required if they are material to an understanding of the current interim period. This may be the case when fair values change significantly. [IAS 34.15, 16A(j)]
Actions for management
Consider whether:
- the valuation reflects market participants’ assumptions based on information available and market conditions at the measurement date;
- the valuation technique used maximises the use of relevant observable inputs and minimises the use of unobservable inputs; and
- the valuation incorporates the risk premiums that could arise in times of uncertainty.
Consider whether unobservable inputs have become significant, which would result in a Level 3 categorisation and require additional disclosures.
Consider expanding disclosures about the key assumptions, sensitivities and major sources of estimation uncertainty. Refer to our illustrative Guides to financial statements for further guidance.
References to ‘Insights’ mean our publication Insights into IFRS®
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