IFRIC Interpretation 17 Distributions of Non‑cash Assets to Owners (IFRIC 17) is set out in paragraphs 1⁠–⁠20 and the Appendix. IFRIC 17 is accompanied by illustrative examples and a Basis for Conclusions. The scope and authority of Interpretations are set out in the Preface to IFRS Standards.

IFRIC Interpretation 17Distributions of Non‑cash Assets to Owners

Background

1

Sometimes an entity distributes assets other than cash (non‑cash assets) as dividends to its owners1 acting in their capacity as owners. In those situations, an entity may also give its owners a choice of receiving either non‑cash assets or a cash alternative. The IFRIC received requests for guidance on how an entity should account for such distributions.

2

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) do not provide guidance on how an entity should measure distributions to its owners (commonly referred to as dividends). IAS 1 requires an entity to present details of dividends recognised as distributions to owners either in the statement of changes in equity or in the notes to the financial statements.

Scope

[Refer:

Illustrative Examples paragraphs IE1⁠–⁠IE4

Basis for Conclusions paragraphs BC4⁠–⁠BC17]

3

This Interpretation applies to the following types of non‑reciprocal distributions of assets by an entity to its owners acting in their capacity as owners:

[Refer:Basis for Conclusions paragraphs BC4 and BC5]

(a)

distributions of non‑cash assets (eg items of property, plant and equipment, [Refer:IAS 16] businesses as defined in IFRS 3, ownership interests in another entity or disposal groups as defined in IFRS 5); and

(b)

distributions that give owners a choice of receiving either non‑cash assets or a cash alternative.

[Refer:Basis for Conclusions paragraphs BC7 and BC8]

4

This Interpretation applies only to distributions in which all owners of the same class of equity instruments are treated equally.

[Refer:Basis for Conclusions paragraph BC6]

5

This Interpretation does not apply to a distribution of a non‑cash asset that is ultimately controlled by the same party or parties before and after the distribution. This exclusion applies to the separate, individual and consolidated financial statements of an entity that makes the distribution.

6

In accordance with paragraph 5, this Interpretation does not apply when the non‑cash asset is ultimately controlled by the same parties both before and after the distribution. Paragraph B2 of IFRS 3 states that ‘A group of individuals shall be regarded as controlling an entity when, as a result of contractual arrangements, they collectively have the power to govern its financial and operating policies so as to obtain benefits from its activities.’ Therefore, for a distribution to be outside the scope of this Interpretation on the basis that the same parties control the asset both before and after the distribution, a group of individual shareholders receiving the distribution must have, as a result of contractual arrangements, such ultimate collective power over the entity making the distribution.

7

In accordance with paragraph 5, this Interpretation does not apply when an entity distributes some of its ownership interests in a subsidiary but retains control of the subsidiary. The entity making a distribution that results in the entity recognising a non‑controlling interest in its subsidiary accounts for the distribution in accordance with IFRS 10.

[Refer:Basis for Conclusions paragraph BC15]

8

This Interpretation addresses only the accounting by an entity that makes a non‑cash asset distribution. It does not address the accounting by shareholders who receive such a distribution.

Issues

9

When an entity declares a distribution and has an obligation to distribute the assets concerned to its owners, it must recognise a liability for the dividend payable. Consequently, this Interpretation addresses the following issues:

(a)

When should the entity recognise the dividend payable?

[Refer:paragraph 10]

(b)

How should an entity measure the dividend payable?

[Refer:paragraphs 11⁠–⁠13]

(c)

When an entity settles the dividend payable, how should it account for any difference between the carrying amount of the assets distributed and the carrying amount of the dividend payable?

[Refer:paragraph 14]

Consensus

When to recognise a dividend payable

10

The liability to pay a dividend shall be recognised when the dividend is appropriately authorised and is no longer at the discretion of the entity, which is the date:

(a)

when declaration of the dividend, eg by management or the board of directors, is approved by the relevant authority, eg the shareholders, if the jurisdiction requires such approval, or

(b)

when the dividend is declared, eg by management or the board of directors, if the jurisdiction does not require further approval.

[Refer:Basis for Conclusions paragraphs BC18⁠–⁠BC20]

Measurement of a dividend payable

11

An entity shall measure a liability to distribute non‑cash assets as a dividend to its owners at the fair value of the assets to be distributed.

[Refer:Basis for Conclusions paragraphs BC21⁠–⁠BC34]

12

If an entity gives its owners a choice of receiving either a non‑cash asset or a cash alternative, the entity shall estimate the dividend payable by considering both the fair value of each alternative and the associated probability of owners selecting each alternative.

13

At the end of each reporting period and at the date of settlement, the entity shall review and adjust the carrying amount of the dividend payable, with any changes in the carrying amount of the dividend payable recognised in equity as adjustments to the amount of the distribution.

[Refer:Basis for Conclusions paragraphs BC35⁠–⁠BC37]

Accounting for any difference between the carrying amount of the assets distributed and the carrying amount of the dividend payable when an entity settles the dividend payable

14

When an entity settles the dividend payable, it shall recognise the difference, if any, between the carrying amount of the assets distributed and the carrying amount of the dividend payable in profit or loss.

[Refer:Basis for Conclusions paragraphs BC38⁠–⁠BC58]

Presentation and disclosures

15

An entity shall present the difference described in paragraph 14 as a separate line item in profit or loss.

Difference between carrying amount of dividends payable and carrying amount of non-cash assets distributed Disclosure MonetaryDuration, Credit 310000, 320000

16

An entity shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(a)

the carrying amount of the dividend payable at the beginning and end of the period; and

Dividends payable, non-cash assets distributions Disclosure MonetaryInstant, Credit 810000

(b)

the increase or decrease in the carrying amount recognised in the period in accordance with paragraph 13 as result of a change in the fair value of the assets to be distributed.

Increase (decrease) in dividends payable through change in fair value of non-cash assets held for distribution to owners Disclosure MonetaryDuration, Credit 810000

17

If, after the end of a reporting period but before the financial statements are authorised for issue, an entity declares a dividend to distribute a non‑cash asset, it shall disclose:

(a)

the nature of the asset to be distributed;

Description of nature of non-cash assets held for distribution to owners declared before financial statements authorised for issue Disclosure Text810000

(b)

the carrying amount of the asset to be distributed as of the end of the reporting period; and

Non-cash assets declared for distribution to owners before financial statements authorised for issue Disclosure MonetaryInstant, Debit 810000

(c)

the fair value of the asset to be distributed as of the end of the reporting period, if it is different from its carrying amount, and the information about the method(s) used to measure that fair value required by paragraphs 93(b), (d), (g) and (i) and 99 of IFRS 13.

Description of methods used to measure fair value of non-cash assets declared for distribution to owners before financial statements authorised for issue Disclosure Text810000
Non-cash assets declared for distribution to owners before financial statements authorised for issue, at fair value Disclosure MonetaryInstant, Debit 810000

Effective date

18

An entity shall apply this Interpretation prospectively for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009. Retrospective application is not permitted. Earlier application is permitted. If an entity applies this Interpretation for a period beginning before 1 July 2009, it shall disclose that fact and also apply IFRS 3 (as revised in 2008), IAS 27 (as amended in May 2008) and IFRS 5 (as amended by this Interpretation).

19

IFRS 10, issued in May 2011, amended paragraph 7. An entity shall apply that amendment when it applies IFRS 10.

20

IFRS 13, issued in May 2011, amended paragraph 17. An entity shall apply that amendment when it applies IFRS 13.

Appendices

AppendixAmendments to IFRS 5 Non‑current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations and IAS 10 Events after the Reporting Period

The amendments contained in this appendix when this Interpretation was issued in 2008 have been incorporated into IFRS 5 and IAS 10 as published in this volume.

Footnotes

1

Paragraph 7 of IAS 1 defines owners as holders of instruments classified as equity.  (back)