Deloitte's Roadmap: Current Expected Credit Losses
Preface
Preface
We are pleased to present the 2023
edition of Current Expected Credit Losses. Since the issuance of
ASU
2016-131 (codified as ASC 326) on June 16, 2016, the FASB has focused on implementation
efforts related to the adoption of this ASU. Since issuing the ASU, the FASB has
held three transition resource group (TRG) meetings — as well as several public
board meetings,2 public roundtables, and credit losses workshops — to discuss implementation
questions raised and challenges identified by stakeholders. In response to the
feedback received, the FASB has released (as of the date of this publication) nine
final ASUs to amend certain aspects of ASC 326. In addition, the Board recently
issued a proposed ASU that would amend the scope of
assets subject to the model for accounting for purchased credit-deteriorated (PCD)
assets (see Section
10.2.4). For a table summarizing substantive changes made to this
Roadmap since the release of the previous edition, see Appendix D.
Although calendar-year-end companies
have already adopted the guidance in ASC 326, challenging questions remain. We look
forward to assisting you with whatever questions you have remaining and hope that
you find this Roadmap integral to your success.3
Be sure to
check out On the Radar
(also available as a stand-alone
publication), which briefly summarizes
emerging issues and trends related to the accounting and
financial reporting topics addressed in the Roadmap.
Footnotes
1
For a list of abbreviations used in this publication, see
Appendix C.
For the full titles of standards, topics, and regulations used in this
publication, see Appendix
B.
2
This Roadmap discusses the FASB’s standard setting through
August 1, 2023. Stakeholders are encouraged to continue to monitor activity
at the FASB, SEC, and other standard setters or regulators for any relevant
developments or interpretations that may affect the views expressed in this
publication. See Chapter
10 for more information.
3
We encourage you to use this Roadmap as a guide throughout your application
of the credit losses standard and to contact us with any questions or
suggestions for future improvements. However, the Roadmap is not a
substitute for consulting with Deloitte professionals on complex accounting
questions and transactions.
On the Radar
On the Radar
The approach used to recognize impairment losses on financial assets has long been
identified as a major weakness in current U.S. GAAP, resulting in delayed
recognition of such losses and leading to increased scrutiny. Accordingly, the FASB
issued ASU 2016-13 to amend its guidance on the impairment of
financial instruments. The ASU adds to U.S. GAAP an impairment model known as the
current expected credit loss (CECL) model, which is based on expected losses rather
than incurred losses. The objectives of the CECL model are to:
-
Reduce the complexity in U.S. GAAP by decreasing the number of credit impairment models that entities use to account for debt instruments.
-
Eliminate the barrier to timely recognition of credit losses by using an expected loss model instead of an incurred loss model.
-
Require an entity to recognize an allowance of lifetime expected credit losses.
-
Not require a specific method for entities to use in estimating expected credit losses.
Guidance Applies to More Than Just Banks
The new guidance will significantly change the accounting for
credit impairment. Although the new CECL standard has a
greater impact on banks, most nonbanks have financial
instruments or other assets (e.g., trade receivables,
contract assets, lease receivables, financial guarantees,
loans and loan commitments, and held-to-maturity [HTM] debt
securities) that are subject to the CECL model. While banks
and other financial institutions (e.g., credit unions and
certain asset portfolio companies) have been closely
following standard-setting activities related to the new
CECL standard, are actively engaged in discussions with the
FASB and the TRG, and are far along in the implementation
process, many nonbanks may not have started evaluating the
effect of the CECL model. Nonbanks that have yet to adopt
the guidance should (1) focus on identifying which financial
instruments and other assets are subject to the CECL model
and (2) evaluate whether they need to make changes to
existing credit impairment models to comply with the new
standard.
Reduction in Impairment Models
The FASB set out to establish a one-size-fits-all model for measuring expected
credit losses on financial assets that have contractual cash flows. Ultimately,
however, the FASB determined that the CECL model would not apply to
available-for-sale (AFS) debt securities, which will continue to be assessed for
impairment under ASC 320.
No impairment model is needed for financial assets
measured at fair value (e.g., trading securities or
other assets measured at fair value by using the
fair value option) because the assets are measured
at fair value in every reporting period.
The diagram below depicts the impairment models
in current U.S. GAAP that are being replaced by the CECL model.
Although the FASB was not able to develop a single impairment model for all
financial assets, it did achieve its objective of reducing the number of
impairment models in U.S. GAAP.
Expected Losses Versus Incurred Losses
Unlike the incurred loss models in existing U.S. GAAP, the CECL model does not
specify a threshold for recognizing an impairment allowance. Rather, an entity
will recognize its estimate of expected credit losses for financial assets as of
the end of the reporting period. Credit impairment will be recognized as an
allowance — or contra-asset — rather than as a direct write-down of the
amortized cost basis of a financial asset.
Estimates Represent Lifetime Losses
An entity’s estimate of expected credit losses should reflect
the losses that occur over the contractual life of the financial asset. When
determining the contractual life of a financial asset, an entity is required to
consider expected prepayments either as a separate input in the method used to
estimate expected credit losses or as an amount embedded in the credit loss
experience that it uses to estimate such losses. The entity is not allowed to
consider expected extensions of the contractual life unless (1) extensions are a
contractual right of the borrower or (2) the entity has a reasonable expectation
as of the reporting date that it will execute a TDR with the borrower.1
An entity must consider all available relevant information when estimating
expected credit losses, including details about past events, current conditions,
and reasonable and supportable forecasts and their implications with respect to
expected credit losses. That is, while the entity can use historical charge-off
rates as a starting point for determining expected credit losses, it has to
evaluate how conditions that existed during the historical charge-off period may
differ from its current expectations and accordingly revise its estimate of
expected credit losses. However, the entity is not required to forecast
conditions over the contractual life of the asset. Rather, for the period beyond
the period for which the entity can make reasonable and supportable forecasts,
the entity reverts to historical credit loss experience.
No Prescribed Method
The FASB believes that the impairment allowance should reflect
management’s expectations regarding the net amounts expected to be
collected on a financial asset and that, because entities manage credit risk
differently, they should have flexibility when reporting those expectations. As
a result, the FASB did not require entities to use a specific method when
measuring their estimate of expected credit losses. Accordingly, an entity can
select from a number of measurement approaches to determine the allowance for
expected credit losses. Some approaches project future principal and interest
cash flows (i.e., a discounted cash flow [DCF] method), while others project
only future principal losses. ASU 2016-13 emphasizes that an entity should use
methods that are “practical and relevant” given the specific facts and
circumstances and that “[t]he method(s) used to estimate expected credit losses
may vary on the basis of the type of financial asset, the entity’s ability to
predict the timing of cash flows, and the information available to the entity.”
Although the method used to measure expected credit
losses may vary for different types of financial
assets, the method used for a particular financial
asset should be consistently applied to similar
financial assets.
The table below summarizes various measurement approaches that an entity could
use to estimate expected credit losses under ASU 2016-13.
Measurement Approach
|
High-Level Description
|
---|---|
DCF method
|
Expected credit losses are determined by comparing the
asset’s amortized cost with the present value of the
estimated future principal and interest cash flows.
|
Loss-rate method
|
Expected credit losses are determined by applying an
estimated loss rate to the asset’s amortized cost
basis.
|
Roll-rate method
|
Expected credit losses are determined by using historical
trends in credit quality indicators (e.g., delinquency,
risk ratings).
|
Probability-of-default method
|
Expected credit losses are determined by multiplying the
probability of default (i.e., the probability the asset
will default within the given time frame) by the loss
given default (the percentage of the asset not expected
to be collected because of default).
|
Aging schedule
|
Expected credit losses are determined on the basis of how
long a receivable has been outstanding (e.g., under 30
days, 31–60 days). This method is commonly used to
estimate the allowance for bad debts on trade
receivables.
|
Looking Ahead
Although the FASB has issued several ASUs that amend certain
aspects of ASU 2016-13, the Board continues to seek feedback on the new
guidance. As a result of that feedback, in March 2022, the FASB issued
ASU
2022-02, which eliminates the accounting guidance on TDRs
for creditors in ASC 310-40 and amends the guidance on “vintage disclosures” to
require disclosure of current-period gross write-offs by year of origination.
For entities that have already adopted ASU 2016-13, the amendments in ASU
2022-02 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022,
including interim periods within those fiscal years. For entities that have not
yet adopted ASU 2016-13, the amendments in ASU 2022-02 are effective upon
adoption of ASU 2016-13. Early adoption is permitted in certain circumstances.
See Section 10.2.1
for more information.
In addition, on June 27, 2023, the FASB issued a proposed ASU that would broaden the
population of financial assets that are within the scope of the gross-up
approach currently applied to PCD assets under ASC 326. Accordingly, an asset
acquirer would apply the gross-up approach to all financial assets acquired in a
business combination in accordance with ASC 805 rather than first determining
whether an acquired financial asset is a PCD asset or a non-PCD asset. For
financial assets acquired as a result of an asset acquisition or through
consolidation of a variable interest entity (VIE) that is not a business, the
asset acquirer would apply the gross-up approach to seasoned assets, which are
acquired assets unless the asset is deemed akin to an in-substance origination.
A seasoned asset is an asset (1) that is acquired more than 90 days after
origination and (2) for which the asset acquirer was not involved with the
origination. In addition, the gross-up approach would no longer apply to AFS
debt securities. Comments on the proposed ASU are due by August 28, 2023. The
Board will determine the effective date, as well as whether to permit early
adoption, after considering stakeholder feedback on the proposed ASU.
Footnotes
1
ASU 2022-02, issued in March 2022, eliminates the
concept of a TDR from a creditor’s accounting. As a result, an entity
that has adopted ASU 2022-02 will no longer be able to extend the
contractual term for expected extensions, renewals, and modifications
when it reasonably expects, as of the reporting date, that a TDR will be
executed with the borrower.
Contacts
Contacts
|
Jonathan Howard
Audit & Assurance
Partner
Deloitte & Touche
LLP
+1 203 761 3235
|
|
Ashley Carpenter
Audit & Assurance
Partner
Deloitte & Touche
LLP
+1 203 761 3197
|
|
Brandon Coleman
Audit & Assurance
Partner
Deloitte & Touche
LLP
+1 312 486 0259
|
|
Stephen McKinney
Audit & Assurance
Managing Director
Deloitte & Touche
LLP
+1 203 761 3579
|
For information about Deloitte’s offerings on CECL for commercial
entities, please contact:
|
Chris Chiriatti
Audit & Assurance
Managing Director
Deloitte & Touche LLP
+1 203 761 3039
|
Chapter 1 — Overview
Chapter 1 — Overview
1.1 Background
The approach used to recognize impairment losses on financial assets
has long been identified as a major weakness in current U.S. GAAP, resulting in
delayed recognition of such losses and leading to increased scrutiny during the
financial crisis. After years of deliberating various models for remedying that
weakness (sometimes jointly with the International Accounting Standards Board
[IASB®]), the FASB issued its final standard on the measurement of
expected credit losses, ASU
2016-13 (codified as ASC 326), in 2016. The timeline below
depicts the stages in the Board’s development of that guidance, beginning with the
Financial Crisis Advisory Group’s (FCAG’s) recommendation, in 2008, that the FASB
and IASB develop a credit loss model that incorporates forward-looking information
and eliminates barriers to the timely recognition of losses under incurred loss
models.
1.1.1 CECL Model Timeline
2008
|
FCAG recommends that FASB and IASB
jointly explore alternatives to the incurred loss model
that would use more forward-looking information and
would eliminate the delayed recognition of credit
losses.
|
2009
|
IASB issues exposure draft (ED) on amortized
cost and impairment related to financial instruments
(November).
|
2010
|
FASB issues proposed ASU on accounting for
financial instruments and revisions to the accounting
for derivative instruments and hedging activities
(May).
|
2011
|
FASB and IASB jointly issue a
supplementary document on
accounting for financial instruments and revisions to
the accounting for derivative instruments and hedging
activities — impairment (January).
|
2012
|
FASB decides to no longer pursue a
converged standard and issues a proposed ASU on credit losses (ASC
825-15) (December).
|
2013
|
IASB issues ED on expected credit losses
(March).
|
2014
|
IASB issues final guidance by adding to
IFRS 9 impairment requirements related to the accounting
for an entity’s expected credit losses (July).
|
2016
|
FASB issues final credit losses
standard, ASU 2016-13, codified as ASC 326 (June).
|
2018
|
FASB issues ASU 2018-19, which contains
Codification improvements to ASC 326 (November).
|
2019
|
FASB issues ASU 2019-04, which contains
Codification improvements to ASC 326, ASC 815, and ASC
825 (April).
FASB issues ASU 2019-05, which provides
targeted transition relief to entities that are adopting
ASC 326 (May).
FASB issues ASU 2019-10 to change effective
dates for new accounting standards (November).
FASB issues ASU 2019-11 on additional
Codification improvements to ASC 326 (November).
|
2020
|
FASB issues ASU
2020-02 to make certain amendments
to SEC paragraphs in accordance with SAB 119 (February).
FASB issues ASU
2020-03 on additional Codification
improvements to financial instruments (March).
|
2022
|
FASB issues ASU
2022-01 to clarify hedge accounting
guidance (March).
FASB issues ASU
2022-02 on (1) TDRs by creditors and
(2) vintage disclosures (March).
|
2023
|
FASB issues proposed ASU on
purchased financial assets (PFAs) (June).
|
1.2 Overview
ASU 2016-13 adds to U.S. GAAP an impairment model (known as the CECL
model) that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under the new
guidance, an entity recognizes as an allowance its estimate of expected credit losses,
which the FASB believes will result in more timely recognition of such losses. ASU
2016-13 is also intended to reduce the complexity of U.S. GAAP by decreasing the number
of credit impairment models that entities use to account for debt instruments.
Once effective (see Chapter 9 for a discussion of
the effective date), the new guidance will significantly change the accounting for
credit impairment. To comply with the ASU’s new requirements, banks and other entities
with certain asset portfolios (e.g., loans, leases, debt securities) will need to modify
their current processes for establishing an allowance for credit losses and
other-than-temporary impairments (OTTIs). Accordingly, they will need to make changes to
their operations and systems associated with credit modeling, regulatory compliance, and
technology.
1.3 Key Provisions of ASU 2016-13
The table below highlights some of the
key provisions of ASU 2016-13 and includes links to sections of this Roadmap that
discuss these provisions in more detail.
Topic
|
Key Provisions of ASU 2016-13
|
---|---|
Scope (Chapter 2)
|
The ASU applies to:
AFS debt securities are outside the ASU’s scope
(see Chapter
7 for discussion of targeted changes made to the
impairment model for AFS debt securities).
|
Recognition threshold (Chapter
3)
|
None. Impairment is based on expected (rather than probable,
incurred) credit losses.
|
Measurement (Chapter 4)
|
Entities have flexibility in measuring expected credit losses as
long as the measurement results in an allowance that:
The entity must evaluate financial assets on a collective (i.e.,
pool) basis if they share similar risk characteristics. If an
asset’s risk characteristics are not similar to those of any of
the entity’s other assets, the entity would evaluate the asset
individually.
|
Application of the CECL model to off-balance-sheet commitments,
trade and lease receivables, and reinsurance receivables
(Chapter 5)
|
The CECL model affects the accounting for assets commonly found
at nonbanks and includes guidance that an entity should apply
when accounting for such assets.
|
PCD assets (Chapter 6)
|
The allowance for PCD assets is the estimate of
CECL. Interest income recognition is based on the purchase price
plus the initial allowance accreting to the contractual cash
flows. The non-credit-related discount or premium that results
from acquiring a pool of PCD assets is allocated to each
individual financial asset.
On June 27, 2023, the FASB issued a
proposed ASU that would
expand the model for PCD assets to include all financial assets
acquired in (1) a business combination, (2) an asset
acquisition, or (3) the consolidation of a VIE that is not a
business. The term PCD asset would be replaced with the term
PFA.1
|
AFS debt securities (Chapter
7)
|
The CECL model does not apply to AFS debt securities. However,
the FASB made targeted improvements to existing guidance,
including removing the OTTI concept and requiring the use of an
allowance limited to the difference between a debt security’s
amortized cost and its fair value.
|
Shortly before issuing ASU 2016-13, the FASB formed a credit losses
TRG.2 Although the group does not issue guidance, it provides feedback on potential
issues related to the implementation of the CECL model. By analyzing and discussing such
issues, the TRG helps the Board determine whether it needs to take action, such as
providing clarification or issuing additional guidance.
On the basis of feedback received from the TRG and other stakeholders
since the issuance of ASU 2016-13, the Board has thus far issued eight final ASUs (this
number does not include ASU 2022-01) in
an attempt to (1) clarify the guidance in ASU 2016-13 and (2) provide relief from the
costs of implementing the standard. The effective dates of the final ASUs are aligned
with that of ASU 2016-13. See Chapter
10 for more information about recent FASB activities.
Footnotes
1
AFS debt securities would be excluded
from the PFA model. In addition, for financial assets
acquired as a result of an asset acquisition or through
consolidation of a VIE that is not a business, the asset
acquirer would apply the gross-up approach to seasoned
assets, which are acquired assets unless the asset is
deemed akin to an in-substance origination. A seasoned
asset is an asset (1) that is acquired more than 90 days
after origination and (2) for which the asset acquirer
was not involved with the origination.
2
The TRG comprises financial statement preparers, auditors, and
users; FASB members also attend the group’s meetings. In addition,
representatives from the SEC, PCAOB, Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller
of the Currency (OCC), FDIC, National Credit Union Administration, and Federal
Housing Finance Agency are invited to observe the meetings.
Chapter 2 — Scope
Chapter 2 — Scope
2.1 Overview
ASC 326-20
15-2 The guidance
in this Subtopic applies to the following items:
- Financial assets measured at amortized
cost basis, including the following:
- Financing receivables
- Held-to-maturity debt securities
- Receivables that result from revenue transactions within the scope of Topic 605 on revenue recognition, Topic 606 on revenue from contracts with customers, and Topic 610 on other income
- Subparagraph superseded by Accounting Standards Update No. 2019-04.
- Receivables that relate to repurchase agreements and securities lending agreements within the scope of Topic 860.
- Net investments in leases recognized by a lessor in accordance with Topic 842 on leases.
- Off-balance-sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance. Off-balance-sheet credit exposure refers to credit exposures on off-balance-sheet loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees not accounted for as insurance, and other similar instruments, except for instruments within the scope of Topic 815 on derivatives and hedging.
- Reinsurance recoverables that result from insurance transactions within the scope of Topic 944 on insurance.
One of the FASB’s objectives related to developing a new impairment
model was to reduce the complexity of U.S. GAAP by decreasing the number of credit
impairment models that entities use to account for debt instruments. Accordingly, the
FASB set out to establish a one-size-fits-all model for measuring expected credit losses
on financial assets that have contractual cash flows.1 Ultimately, however, the FASB determined that the CECL model would not apply to
AFS debt securities, which will continue to be assessed for impairment under ASC 320.
(As discussed in Chapter 7,
the FASB moved the impairment model for AFS debt securities from ASC 320 to ASC 326-30
and made limited amendments to this model.)
The diagram below depicts the impairment
models in current U.S. GAAP that are being replaced by the CECL model.
2
Under ASC 325-40, as amended by ASU 2016-13, an entity’s
measurement of a credit loss allowance for purchased or retained BIs depends
on whether the BIs are classified as HTM debt securities or AFS debt
securities. (No impairment model is needed for BIs classified as trading
securities because they are measured at fair value, with changes recognized
in earnings.) An entity would measure the credit loss allowance on a BI
classified as an HTM debt security or an AFS debt security in accordance
with ASC 326-20 or ASC 326-30, respectively.
Changing Lanes
HTM Debt Securities No Longer Accounted
for Under OTTI Guidance
The CECL model applies to HTM debt securities. As with the measurement objective
associated with other financial instruments measured at amortized cost
(e.g., loans), the FASB believes that an entity invests in an HTM debt security
solely to collect contractual cash flows. As a result, an entity would be
required to apply the CECL model to its HTM debt securities in a manner
consistent with how it would measure expected credit losses on its other debt
instruments (e.g., loan and trade receivables). Therefore, under the guidance in
ASU 2016-13, an entity will no longer apply an OTTI model
to an HTM debt security when evaluating whether it needs to recognize a credit
impairment. This could be a significant change for an entity that currently has
an investment portfolio containing both HTM and AFS debt securities because the
entity will now be required to measure expected credit losses on each type of
security by using different expected credit loss models. See Chapter 4 for more information about the measurement of expected
credit losses.
2.1.1 Unfunded Loan Commitments
Off-balance-sheet arrangements, such as commitments to extend
credit, are subject to credit risk and are therefore within the scope of the
CECL model. However, ASC 326-20-30-11 states that an entity is required to
measure expected credit losses on commitments “in which the entity is exposed to
credit risk via a present contractual obligation to extend credit, unless
that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the issuer” (emphasis
added). As a result, if the entity has the unconditional ability to cancel the
unfunded portion of a loan commitment, it would not be permitted to estimate
expected credit losses for that portion, even if it has historically never
exercised its cancellation right. For more information about the measurement of
expected credit losses on loan commitments, see Chapter 5.
Changing Lanes
Reinsurance Receivables Are
Within the Scope of the CECL Model
Although ASC 326-20 states that the CECL model applies to reinsurance
recoverables measured at amortized cost, the FASB clarifies in
ASU 2019-04 that all reinsurance recoverables are
within the scope of the model, regardless of the asset’s underlying
measurement basis. That is, an entity will need to apply the CECL model
to reinsurance recoverables measured on a discounted basis as well as to
those measured at amortized cost. See Chapter 10 for more information about recent FASB
decisions and activities.
2.1.2 Forward Commitments to Purchase Loans
We believe that a forward commitment to purchase loans from a
third party is within the scope of ASC 326-20 because it exposes the purchaser
to the credit risk associated with the underlying loans to be purchased if it is
neither (1) unconditionally cancelable by the purchaser nor (2) accounted for as
a derivative under ASC 815. That is, once the entity enters into the
noncancelable commitment to purchase the loans, it becomes exposed to the credit
risk associated with issuing the loans.
2.1.3 Guarantees Between Entities Under Common Control
ASC 326-20-15-3 specifically excludes loans and receivables between entities
under common control from the scope of ASC 326-20. However, there is no specific
scope exception related to off-balance-sheet credit exposure, including
financial guarantees, between entities under common control. A guarantee between
common-control entities that exposes the guarantor to the credit risk of a
third-party entity is, in substance, the same as direct exposure of the
guarantor to the third-party credit risk. Therefore, we believe that guarantee
arrangements between common-control entities that are related to third-party
credit exposure are within the scope of ASC 326-20. See Chapter 5 for more information about accounting
for guarantees within the scope of ASC 326-20.
2.1.4 Guarantees of Lease Payments
In certain lease arrangements, lease payments that are payable
to a lessor may be guaranteed by a third party. In a manner consistent with
other financial guarantees that are not accounted for as insurance or under ASC
815, the guarantor must determine its credit exposure related to its guarantee
of those lease payments. Keep in mind that although operating lease receivables
are outside the scope of ASC 326-20, financial guarantees of operating
lease payments are within the scope of ASC 326-20 in accordance with ASC
326-20-15-2.
While a financial guarantee can exist in any lease arrangement,
a guarantee of lease payments often arises in sublease transactions in which the
original lessee (i.e., lessee/intermediate lessor) may guarantee the sublessee’s
payment to the original lessor. If the nature of a sublease arrangement is such
that the lessee/intermediate lessor is relieved of its primary obligation under
the head lease, the transaction would be considered a termination of the head
lease under ASC 842. As a result, the lessee/intermediate lessor would
derecognize the ROU asset and lease liability arising from the head lease. (See
Chapter 12 of
Deloitte’s Roadmap
Leases for more information about accounting for sublease
arrangements.) If the lessee/intermediate lessor in a sublease arrangement with
an unrelated third party remains secondarily liable under the head lease, it is
a guarantor in accordance with ASC 405-20-40-2.
In this situation, the lessee/intermediate lessor is exposed to the
nonperformance (i.e., credit risk) of the unrelated third party. The
lessee/intermediate lessor would measure and recognize the contingent obligation
(i.e., the expected credit losses) separately from the noncontingent obligation
(i.e., the stand-ready obligation) of the guarantee. See Chapter 5 for more information about accounting
for guarantees within the scope of ASC 326-20.
2.1.5 Refundable Lease Security Deposits
Certain leasing arrangements may include a security deposit that
must be paid to the owner of the leased asset at or before lease commencement.
The security deposit is generally provided to support the lessee’s intent and
commitment to lease the underlying asset (i.e., upon receipt of a security
deposit, the lessor typically stops marketing the asset for lease). Security
deposits can be either nonrefundable or refundable depending on the terms of the
contract. (See Chapter
6 of Deloitte’s Roadmap Leases for more information about
accounting for nonrefundable and refundable security deposits.)
The lessee recognizes a receivable due from the lessor for a refundable security
deposit because the lessee is entitled to receive the cash back from the lessor
at the end of the lease agreement (provided that it complies with its
obligations under the agreement). That is, the refundable security deposit
represents a contractual right for the lessee to receive money on fixed or
determinable dates and is recognized as an asset in the lessee’s statement of
financial position.
Therefore, we generally believe that refundable lease security deposits meet the
definition of a financing receivable in the ASC master glossary and are within
the scope of ASC 326-20.
2.1.6 Indemnification Assets
ASC 805-20
25-27 The
seller in a business combination may contractually
indemnify the acquirer for the outcome of a contingency
or uncertainty related to all or part of a specific
asset or liability. For example, the seller may
indemnify the acquirer against losses above a specified
amount on a liability arising from a particular
contingency; in other words, the seller will guarantee
that the acquirer’s liability will not exceed a
specified amount. As a result, the acquirer obtains an
indemnification asset. The acquirer shall recognize an
indemnification asset at the same time that it
recognizes the indemnified item, measured on the same
basis as the indemnified item, subject to the need for a
valuation allowance for uncollectible amounts.
Therefore, if the indemnification relates to an asset or
a liability that is recognized at the acquisition date
and measured at its acquisition-date fair value, the
acquirer shall recognize the indemnification asset at
the acquisition date measured at its acquisition-date
fair value.
25-28 In some
circumstances, the indemnification may relate to an
asset or a liability that is an exception to the
recognition or measurement principles. For example, an
indemnification may relate to a contingency that is not
recognized at the acquisition date because it does not
satisfy the criteria for recognition in paragraphs
805-20-25-18A through 25-19 at that date. In those
circumstances, the indemnification asset shall be
recognized and measured using assumptions consistent
with those used to measure the indemnified item, subject
to management’s assessment of the collectibility of the
indemnification asset and any contractual limitations on
the indemnified amount.
35-4 At each
subsequent reporting date, the acquirer shall measure an
indemnification asset that was recognized in accordance
with paragraphs 805-20-25-27 through 25-28 at the
acquisition date on the same basis as the indemnified
liability or asset, subject to any contractual
limitations on its amount, except as noted in paragraph
805-20-35-4B, and, for an indemnification asset that is
not subsequently measured at its fair value,
management’s assessment of the collectibility of the
indemnification asset.
Indemnification assets are often recognized as part of business combinations in
accordance with ASC 805. For example, a seller in a business combination may
contractually indemnify the acquirer for uncertainties related to specific
assets or liabilities, such as those associated with lawsuits and uncertain tax
positions. This type of indemnification represents an asset obtained in the
business combination. ASC 805 indicates that an entity must record a valuation
allowance for uncollectible amounts related to an indemnification asset
recognized as part of a business combination but does not specify what guidance
the entity should apply to measure or recognize the valuation allowance.
2.1.6.1 Indemnification Assets Recognized in a Business Combination
Questions have arisen about whether the CECL model applies
to indemnification assets recognized in a business combination. We believe
that if the indemnified item is a financial asset measured at amortized
cost, the associated indemnification asset is within the scope of ASC 326-20
because ASC 805 requires that indemnification assets be “measured on the
same basis as the indemnified item, subject to the need for a valuation
allowance for uncollectible amounts.”
However, we believe that there are two acceptable approaches
for reflecting collectibility in the recognition and measurement of
indemnification assets if the indemnified item is not a financial asset
measured at amortized cost:
-
Approach 1 — In accordance with ASC 805-20-25-28, recognize and measure the indemnification asset by “using assumptions consistent with those used to measure the indemnified item, subject to management’s assessment of the collectibility of the indemnification asset.” That is, the measurement of the indemnification asset takes collectibility into account; therefore, a separate allowance for uncollectible amounts is unnecessary. This approach is consistent with the guidance in ASC 805-20-25-28 and ASC 805-20-35-4.
-
Approach 2 — Measure an allowance for uncollectible amounts associated with the indemnification asset in accordance with ASC 326-20 by analogy. Although indemnification assets are not explicitly included in (or excluded from) the scope of ASC 326-20, an indemnification asset could be viewed as analogous to a reinsurance receivable, which is within the scope of ASC 326-20.
Whichever of these two approaches an entity chooses should
be applied consistently.
Example 2-1
Entity X has asbestos liabilities
related to business activities of a former
subsidiary that has been spun off (Spinnee Y). The
asbestos liabilities are measured in accordance with
ASC 450. At the time of the spin-off, Y indemnifies
X for a portion of the amounts paid by X in
connection with the asbestos liabilities. That is,
each year Y will reimburse X for 75 percent of the
amounts paid by X.
Entity X applies the guidance in ASC
805-20-25-28 by analogy and recognizes an
indemnification asset at the time of the spin-off in
an amount equal to 75 percent of the recognized
asbestos liability. After the spin-off, X remeasures
the indemnification asset by analogy to the guidance
in ASC 805-20-35-4. That is, each period, X
remeasures the indemnification asset to an amount
equal to 75 percent of the then current asbestos
liability. The following is a summary of how X would
reflect collectibility related to the
indemnification asset under each of the two
approaches described above:
-
Approach 1 — The indemnification asset recorded by X is measured by using assumptions consistent with those used to measure the indemnified item (i.e., the asbestos liability) under ASC 450, which is subject to management’s assessment of the collectibility of the indemnification asset. Therefore, X is not required to record a separate allowance for uncollectible amounts because assumptions related to collectibility are already incorporated into the measurement of the indemnification asset.
-
Approach 2 — Entity X should assess collectibility and measure an allowance for uncollectible amounts related to the indemnification asset in accordance with ASC 326-20. The indemnification asset is analogous to a reinsurance receivable, which is within the scope of ASC 326-20, and X is not explicitly prohibited from applying the guidance in ASC 326-20 to measure the allowance for uncollectible amounts related to the indemnification asset.
We believe that either approach
above is acceptable given the facts and
circumstances. Entity X should choose an approach
and apply it consistently to other indemnification
assets.
2.1.7 Cash Equivalents
The ASC master glossary defines cash equivalents, in part, as
follows:
Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid
investments that have both of the following characteristics:
-
Readily convertible to known amounts of cash
-
So near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates.
Examples of items commonly considered to be cash equivalents are Treasury bills,
commercial paper, money market funds, and federal funds sold (for an entity with
banking operations). We believe that cash equivalents that are financial assets
recorded at amortized cost (e.g., Treasury bills) are within the scope of ASC
326-20.
2.1.8 Preferred Stock
ASC 326 does not explicitly discuss whether preferred stock is
within or outside its scope. The applicability of ASC 326 to preferred stock
will depend on whether it meets the definition of a debt security (classified as
either HTM or AFS3) or an equity security (accounted for under ASC 321). Because the legal
form of the preferred stock is not always determinative, the entity should
consider whether certain features in the instrument suggest that it is, in
substance, a debt security. ASC 320-10-20 defines a debt security, in part, as
follows:
Any security representing a creditor relationship
with an entity. The term debt security also includes all of the following:
- Preferred stock that by its terms either must be redeemed by the issuing entity or is redeemable at the option of the investor.
Therefore, we believe that a preferred stock instrument that meets the definition
of a debt security is within the scope of ASC 326-20 (if it is classified as
held to maturity) and ASC 326-30 (if it is classified as available for sale).
Perpetual preferred securities that have no maturity date and do not provide for
redemption are not within the scope of ASC 326-20. Preferred securities that are
not redeemable by the issuing entity either mandatorily or at the option of the
investor do not meet the definition of a debt security. Equity-classified
instruments are subsequently measured at fair value through net income under ASC
321 and are specifically outside the scope of the CECL model in ASC
326-20-15-3.
Footnotes
1
No impairment model is needed for financial assets measured at
fair value (e.g., trading securities or other assets measured at fair value by
using the fair value option) because the assets are measured at fair value in
every reporting period.
2
Under ASC 325-40, as amended by ASU 2016-13, an entity’s
measurement of a credit loss allowance for purchased or retained BIs depends
on whether the BIs are classified as HTM debt securities or AFS debt
securities. (No impairment model is needed for BIs classified as trading
securities because they are measured at fair value, with changes recognized
in earnings.) An entity would measure the credit loss allowance on a BI
classified as an HTM debt security or an AFS debt security in accordance
with ASC 326-20 or ASC 326-30, respectively.
3
Debt securities can also be classified as trading securities under ASC
320. Trading securities are subsequently measured at fair value in the
statement of financial position. Unrealized holding gains and losses for
trading securities shall be included in earnings in accordance with ASC
320. Financial assets measured at fair value through net income are
explicitly scoped out of ASC 326.
2.2 Scope Exclusions
ASC 326-20
15-3 The
guidance in this Subtopic does not apply to the following
items:
- Financial assets measured at fair value through net income
- Available-for-sale debt securities
- Loans made to participants by defined contribution employee benefit plans
- Policy loan receivables of an insurance entity
- Promises to give (pledges receivable) of a not-for-profit entity
- Loans and receivables between entities under common control.
- Receivables arising from operating leases accounted for in accordance with Topic 842.
ASC 326-20-15-3 lists a number of items that are outside the scope
of the credit losses guidance. For such items, impairment is recognized and measured
in accordance with other U.S. GAAP. One of these items is an operating lease
receivable (see ASC 326-20-15-3(g)), which is accounted for under ASC 842 rather
than ASC 326, as discussed below.
Changing Lanes
Billed Operating Lease
Receivables
In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19 to
clarify certain aspects of the CECL model. Specifically, ASU 2018-19 states
that operating lease receivables are within the scope of ASC 842 rather than
ASC 326. That is, an entity would apply ASC 842 rather than ASC 326-20 to
account for changes in the collectibility assessment for operating leases.
An entity would recognize such changes as an adjustment to lease income in
accordance with ASC 842-30-25-13 rather than recognizing bad-debt expense.
We believe that the Board’s clarification that operating lease receivables
are within the scope of the collectibility guidance in ASC 842 rather than
ASC 326 may have resulted in a change in how some lessors accounted for the
collectibility of operating lease receivables upon adopting ASC 842.
Because of that change, lessors that adopted ASC 842 raised questions about
the appropriate accounting for operating lease receivables recognized by a
lessor that are or are expected to become impaired, since such receivables
are outside the scope of the impairment guidance in ASC 326. On the basis of
a technical inquiry with the FASB staff, we understand the following:
- ASC 842-30 requires entities to assess the probability of an individual customer’s (tenant’s) future payment.
- In addition to applying the guidance in ASC 842-30, an entity may elect to use a general or portfolio reserve approach (which is aligned with the legacy application of ASC 450-20).
- If a lessor elects to record a general reserve, the income statement impact may be recorded as a reduction to lease income or as bad-debt expense.
- Given the expected diversity in practice, consistent application and transparent disclosure of the policy elected are critical.
For more information about assessing and accounting for the
collectibility of operating lease receivables, see Deloitte’s July 1, 2019,
Financial Reporting
Alert.
2.2.1 Loans Held for Sale
The CECL model does not apply to held-for-sale (HFS) loans. An
entity is required to measure an HFS loan at the lower of amortized cost or fair
value in accordance with ASC 948. As discussed in Section 4.10, an entity that transfers a
loan from HFS to held for investment (HFI) must reverse any allowance previously
measured on the HFS loan, transfer the loan to the new classification category
(HFI), and establish a new allowance for expected credit losses by using the
measurement guidance in ASC 326.
2.2.2 Loans and Receivables Between Entities Under Common Control
Loans and receivables between entities under common control are
specifically excluded from the scope of the CECL model. At the June 2018 TRG meeting, the FASB staff indicated that this
scope exception applies to all common-control arrangements at all stand-alone
reporting levels (i.e., parent and subsidiaries); however, such application is
not specifically addressed in ASC 326.
Chapter 3 — Recognition and Unit of Account
Chapter 3 — Recognition and Unit of Account
3.1 Recognition
ASC 326-20
30-1 The
allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is
deducted from, or added to, the amortized cost basis of the
financial asset(s) to present the net amount expected to be
collected on the financial asset. Expected recoveries of
amounts previously written off and expected to be written
off shall be included in the valuation account and shall not
exceed the aggregate of amounts previously written off and
expected to be written off by an entity. At the reporting
date, an entity shall record an allowance for credit losses
on financial assets within the scope of this Subtopic. An
entity shall report in net income (as a credit loss expense)
the amount necessary to adjust the allowance for credit
losses for management’s current estimate of expected credit
losses on financial asset(s).
Unlike the incurred loss models in existing U.S. GAAP, the CECL model does not
specify a threshold for the recognition of an impairment allowance. Rather, an
entity will recognize its estimate of expected credit losses for financial assets as
of the end of the reporting period. Credit impairment will be recognized as an
allowance — or contra-asset — rather than as a direct write-down of a financial
asset’s amortized cost basis.
Financial assets within the scope of the CECL model are generally measured at
amortized cost. Such assets, including loans and HTM debt securities, are recorded
at their amortized cost basis because an entity expects to realize the total value
of the financial asset by collecting this basis. Consequently, in paragraph BC48 of
ASU 2016-13, the Board reasons
that for assets measured at amortized cost, “an entity should not wait for an event
of default or other actual shortfall of cash flows to conclude that a credit
impairment exists.” Accordingly, the Board believes that “[r]emoving the probable
threshold would result in a more timely measurement of expected credit losses
because losses can be expected before they are probable (as that term is used in
Topic 450) of occurring (or have occurred).”
Changing Lanes
Allowance Approach Used for HTM Debt
Securities
Because the CECL model requires the use of an allowance
approach for all financial assets measured at amortized cost, an entity will
no longer adjust the cost basis of an HTM debt security to reflect an
expected credit loss.1 Paragraph BC75 of ASU 2016-13 explains the Board’s rationale for this
decision:
[S]takeholders expressed concerns that the
requirement to adjust the amortized cost basis of a security when an
entity recorded an other-than-temporary impairment distorted yields
because those amounts are recognized as interest income in future
periods. As a result, the Board decided that expected credit losses
should be recorded through an allowance for credit losses for all
financial assets that are held for the collection of contractual cash
flows and the allowance (as opposed to the yield) should be adjusted if
credit loss expectations subsequently improve. This decision was
supported by both preparers and users. Preparers often cited the
complexity of continually adjusting the yield on those securities on a
prospective basis.
Although preparers may welcome this change given the concerns expressed about
the current accounting for credit losses on HTM debt securities (i.e.,
prospective yield adjustments after a recognized credit loss), the new
requirements may present other challenges for preparers. For example, an
entity will now be required to recognize expected credit losses upon initial
recognition of an HTM debt security without regard to the security’s fair
value. That is, the entity will no longer be allowed to avoid recognizing a
credit loss simply because the fair value of the HTM debt security equals or
exceeds its amortized cost basis. Accordingly, an entity may need to modify
its existing credit risk management and financial reporting systems because
the entity will now be required to continually update the underlying cash
flows expected at the end of the financial reporting period when measuring
its expected credit losses, irrespective of the HTM debt security’s fair
value.
In addition, because the CECL model does not have a minimum
threshold for recognition of impairment losses, entities will need to
measure expected credit losses on assets for which there is a low risk of
loss (e.g., investment-grade HTM debt securities). However, ASC 326-20-30-10
states, in part, that “an entity is not required to measure expected credit
losses on a financial asset . . . in which historical credit loss
information adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable
forecasts results in an expectation that nonpayment of the [financial
asset’s] amortized cost basis is zero.” While the FASB may have been
thinking of U.S. Treasury securities and certain highly rated debt
securities when it decided to allow an entity to recognize zero credit
losses on an asset, ASC 326 does not indicate that this is the case.
Regardless, challenges will most likely be associated with measuring
expected credit losses on financial assets whose risk of loss is low. For
more information about the measurement of expected credit losses on U.S.
Treasury securities and other highly rated debt instruments, see Section 4.4.10.
Footnotes
1
In accordance with ASC 326-20-35-8, an entity would
write off the HTM debt security if it is “deemed uncollectible.”
3.2 Unit of Account
ASC 326-20
30-2 An entity
shall measure expected credit losses of financial assets on
a collective (pool) basis when similar risk
characteristic(s) exist (as described in paragraph
326-20-55-5). If an entity determines that a financial asset
does not share risk characteristics with its other financial
assets, the entity shall evaluate the financial asset for
expected credit losses on an individual basis. If a
financial asset is evaluated on an individual basis, an
entity also should not include it in a collective
evaluation. That is, financial assets should not be included
in both collective assessments and individual
assessments.
35-2 An entity
shall evaluate whether a financial asset in a pool continues
to exhibit similar risk characteristics with other financial
assets in the pool. For example, there may be changes in
credit risk, borrower circumstances, recognition of
writeoffs, or cash collections that have been fully applied
to principal on the basis of nonaccrual practices that may
require a reevaluation to determine if the asset has
migrated to have similar risk characteristics with assets in
another pool, or if the credit loss measurement of the asset
should be performed individually because the asset no longer
has similar risk characteristics.
55-5 In
evaluating financial assets on a collective (pool) basis, an
entity should aggregate financial assets on the basis of
similar risk characteristics, which may include any one or a
combination of the following (the following list is not
intended to be all inclusive):
- Internal or external (third-party) credit score or credit ratings
- Risk ratings or classification
- Financial asset type
- Collateral type
- Size
- Effective interest rate
- Term
- Geographical location
- Industry of the borrower
- Vintage
- Historical or expected credit loss patterns
- Reasonable and supportable forecast periods.
An entity must evaluate financial assets within the scope of the model on a
collective (i.e., pool) basis if they share similar risk characteristics. If a
financial asset’s risk characteristics are not similar to those of any of the
entity’s other financial assets, the entity would evaluate that financial asset
individually.
Connecting the Dots
Unit of Account
While ASC 326-20-55-5 identifies risk characteristics that an entity could
consider when segmenting its portfolio of financial assets, ASC 326 does not
discuss how the entity should choose such characteristics. We believe that
an entity should consider risk characteristics that reflect how the entity
manages credit risk. If the risk characteristics are chosen in this manner,
the risk of loss among the assets in the pool is likely to be similar.
Accordingly, in such cases, the historical loss information that management
uses to estimate expected credit losses is likely to be more relevant,
resulting in a better estimate of such losses in the current reporting
period.
In paragraph BC49 of ASU 2016-13, the FASB addresses its rationale for requiring
collective evaluation of assets with similar risk characteristics and observes that
“financial institutions manage many financial assets on a collective basis, wherein
new financial assets are originated, existing financial assets are paid down, and
some financial assets may be purchased and some financial assets may be sold. In
addition, many users analyze financial asset portfolios of financial institutions on
a collective basis.” Furthermore, paragraph BC69 of ASU 2016-13 states, in part:
The Board concluded that financial assets generally are priced assuming an
estimated likelihood of credit losses on similar assets, although an entity
initially expects to collect all of the contractual cash flows on each
individual asset. Similarly, while an entity might not currently expect a loss
on an individual asset, it ordinarily would expect some level of losses in a
group of assets with similar risk characteristics. Therefore, an estimate of
expected credit losses should reflect a collective assessment if similar risk
characteristics exist for assets measured at amortized cost.
3.2.1 Removing a Financial Asset From a Pool of Financial Assets
An entity generally must remove specific financial assets from
larger pools when there is evidence of credit deterioration related to those
assets. If a deteriorated financial asset meets the definition of a
collateral-dependent asset (see Section 4.4.9.1), the financial asset
should be removed from the pool because the calculation of losses for this asset
will differ from the calculation used for the other assets. Similarly, a
financial asset should be removed from a pool of financial assets if it has
deteriorated and therefore no longer shares risk characteristics with the rest
of the assets in the pool. Even when the estimated credit losses for the pool
incorporate a certain level of defaults and the level of individual financial
assets within that pool defaults as expected, the financial asset with
deteriorated credit quality must be removed from the pool because its risk
characteristics are no longer similar to those of the remaining pool assets. If
the asset’s risk characteristics become similar to those of other financial
assets, the asset should be placed into a pool with those assets.
Changing Lanes
Unit of Account for HTM Debt
Securities
ASC 326 requires an entity to collectively measure
expected credit losses on financial assets that share similar risk
characteristics, including HTM debt securities. This requirement
represents a significant change from existing U.S. GAAP, under which an
entity must evaluate the credit impairment of debt securities
individually. As a result, an entity may need to change its existing
impairment assessments and systems related to measuring HTM debt
securities for expected credit losses. See Section 7.2.7 for a comparison
between the credit loss model for HTM debt securities and that for AFS
debt securities.
Chapter 4 — Measurement of Expected Credit Losses
Chapter 4 — Measurement of Expected Credit Losses
4.1 Introduction
For assets measured at amortized cost, the CECL model eliminates the
existing recognition thresholds in U.S. GAAP. Under the guidance, the estimate of
expected credit losses will be (1) recognized immediately upon either origination or
acquisition and (2) adjusted in each subsequent reporting period. Since the primary
guidance in ASU
2016-13 is measurement-related, measurement is the most
significant aspect of the CECL model. This chapter addresses the following
topics:
- Contractual life (Section 4.2).
- The information an entity needs when estimating credit losses (Section 4.3).
- Measurement methods (Section 4.4).
- Write-offs and recoveries (Section 4.5).
- Credit enhancement features (Section 4.6).
- TDRs (Section 4.7).
- Considerations related to postacquisition accounting for acquired loans (Section 4.8).
- Subsequent events (Section 4.9).
- Transfers to other measurement categories (Section 4.10).
Changing Lanes
FASB ASU on Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage
Disclosures
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02,
which completely superseded the accounting guidance on TDRs for creditors in
ASC 310-40 and requires entities to evaluate all receivable modifications
under ASC 310-20-35-9 through 35-11 to determine whether a modification made
to a borrower results in a new loan or a continuation of the existing loan.
The ASU also amended other Codification subtopics to remove references to
TDRs for creditors.
In addition to the elimination of TDR guidance, an entity
that has adopted ASU 2022-02 no longer considers renewals, modifications,
and extensions that result from reasonably expected TDRs in calculating the
allowance for credit losses in accordance with ASC 326-20. Further, an
entity that employs a DCF method to calculate the allowance for credit
losses will be required to use a postmodification-derived effective interest
rate (EIR) as part of its calculation in accordance with ASC
326-20-30-4.
For entities that had already adopted ASU 2016-13, the
amendments in ASU 2022-02 are effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For
entities that had not yet adopted ASU 2016-13, the amendments in ASU 2022-02
are effective upon adoption of ASU 2016-13. Early adoption is permitted in
certain situations, as discussed in Section 10.2.1.8.
We have updated this section of the Roadmap to reflect the
amendments made by ASU 2022-02. However, because some entities that already
have adopted ASU 2016-13 may not have adopted ASU 2022-02 as of the issuance
of the Roadmap, we have included the amendments made by ASU 2022-02 as
pending content.
4.2 Contractual Life
ASC 326-20
30-6 An entity
shall estimate expected credit losses over the contractual
term of the financial asset(s) when using the methods in
accordance with paragraph 326-20-30-5. An entity shall
consider prepayments as a separate input in the method or
prepayments may be embedded in the credit loss information
in accordance with paragraph 326-20-30-5. An entity shall
consider estimated prepayments in the future principal and
interest cash flows when utilizing a method in accordance
with paragraph 326-20-30-4. An entity shall not extend the
contractual term for expected extensions, renewals, and
modifications unless either of the following applies:
- The entity has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date that it will execute a troubled debt restructuring with the borrower.
- The extension or renewal options (excluding those that are accounted for as derivatives in accordance with Topic 815) are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the entity.
Pending Content (Transition Guidance: ASC
326-10-65-5)
30-6
An entity shall estimate expected credit losses
over the contractual term of the financial
asset(s) when using the methods in accordance with
paragraph 326-20-30-5. An entity shall consider
prepayments as a separate input in the method or
prepayments may be embedded in the credit loss
information in accordance with paragraph
326-20-30-5. An entity shall consider estimated
prepayments in the future principal and interest
cash flows when utilizing a method in accordance
with paragraph 326-20-30-4. An entity shall not
extend the contractual term for expected
extensions, renewals, and modifications unless the
following applies:
-
Subparagraph superseded by Accounting Standards Update No. 2022-02.
-
The extension or renewal options (excluding those that are accounted for as derivatives in accordance with Topic 815) are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the entity.
ASC 326-20-30-1 describes the impairment allowance as a “valuation
account that is deducted from, or added to, the amortized cost basis of the
financial asset(s) to present the net amount expected to be collected on the
financial asset.” An entity can use various measurement approaches to determine the
impairment allowance. Some approaches project future principal and interest cash
flows (i.e., a DCF method), while others project only future principal losses.
Regardless of the measurement method used, an entity’s estimate of expected credit
losses should reflect the losses that occur over the contractual life of the
financial asset.
An entity is required to consider expected prepayments either as a
separate input in the method used to estimate expected credit losses or as an amount
embedded in the credit loss experience that it uses to estimate such losses. Before
adopting ASU 2022-02, the entity is not allowed to consider expected extensions of
the contractual life unless (1) extensions are a contractual right of the borrower
or (2) the entity has a reasonable expectation as of the reporting date that it will
execute a TDR with the borrower. After adopting ASU 2022-02, an entity is only
allowed to consider expected extensions of the contractual life if those extensions
are a contractual right of the borrower.
Connecting the Dots
Contractual Life
Although paragraph BC40 of ASU 2016-13 states that the FASB believes that
credit losses occur at a rapid rate early in a financial asset’s life and
then taper off to a lower rate before maturity, the CECL model requires an
entity to consider expected credit losses over the contractual life of an
asset rather than a shorter period. The primary rationale for this
requirement is that an allowance for credit losses that does not include
some expected losses (e.g., those that are expected to occur after a
prescribed forecast period) would fail to reflect the net amount expected to
be collected on the financial asset. In addition, such an allowance could
make expected credit losses noncomparable from instrument to instrument,
period to period, and entity to entity. Moreover, the Board believes that an
approach in which an entity is required to measure expected credit losses
over the financial asset’s contractual life has the added benefit of
removing the need to articulate the length of time over which entities
should have to estimate credit losses.
4.2.1 Prepayments
Although an entity is required to estimate expected credit losses over the
contractual life of an asset, it must consider how prepayment expectations will
reduce the term of a financial asset, which is likely to lead to a reduction in
the entity’s exposure to credit losses. Therefore, prepayments could have a
significant effect on the estimate of expected credit losses, and that impact
will vary on the basis of whether the entity is estimating such losses by using
a DCF method or another measurement method. When an entity uses a DCF method to
project expected future cash flows, expected prepayments will affect the amount
and timing of cash flows expected to be collected. When a loss estimation method
other than a DCF method is used, prepayments will be either reflected in the
entity’s historical loss information or considered as a separate input to the
estimate of expected credit losses.
Changing Lanes
Determining Whether a Refinancing
Is a Prepayment in the Measurement of Expected Credit
Losses
Although ASC 326-20 requires entities to consider the effect of estimated
prepayments on the measurement of expected credit losses, expected
prepayments have not been a significant input into allowance
calculations under the incurred loss model in current U.S. GAAP.
Accordingly, practice has not been established regarding what
constitutes a “prepayment” for the measurement of expected credit
losses. The lack of a generally accepted definition of prepayment has
led to different views on how an entity should consider certain
transactions or events in estimating prepayments under ASC 326.
Such an evaluation is particularly difficult for lenders that are
determining whether to consider refinancings of an existing loan to be
prepayments when measuring expected credit losses. Loans are commonly
refinanced with lenders before maturity (through a contractual
modification or the creation of a new loan), and the proceeds are used
to repay the existing loan. The current guidance in ASC 310-20-35-9
through 35-12 contains a framework for entities to use in assessing
whether refinancings are new loans so that they can determine
recognition of fees and other costs. However, ASC 326 does not provide
similar guidance.
At an August 2018 meeting,1 the FASB indicated that an entity should not be prohibited from
defining prepayments in the manner that best reflects management’s
expectation of credit losses; however, the Board decided not to amend
ASC 326 to reflect this discussion. Because the guidance does not define
a specific framework for considering prepayments, we believe that, as
with other elements of the CECL model, an entity should use judgment in
determining whether a loan refinancing or restructuring transaction
should be considered a prepayment in the measurement of expected credit
losses. Accordingly, the guidance on loan refinancing and restructuring
in ASC 310-20-35-9 through 35-12 may provide one, but not the only,
approach to the consideration of prepayments.
4.2.1.1 Consideration of Prepayments in the Estimation of Expected Credit Losses Under a Method Other Than a DCF Method
Under ASC 326, an entity that is using an approach other
than a DCF method to estimate expected credit losses is not required to
explicitly take into account discounting and the timing of payments and
defaults. However, such timing could affect the exposure to loss and the
entity may need to consider this when applying other methods. For example,
if an entity acquired loans at a premium and is estimating credit losses on
the unpaid principal balance and the premium separately, as permitted by ASC
326-20-30-5, an increase in estimated prepayments would decrease the credit
exposure related to the premium. Prepayments result in an acceleration of
the amortization of premiums on a pool of loans, so there would be fewer
unamortized premiums remaining at the time of credit losses for the related
pool of loans if estimated prepayments increased.
It is not appropriate to estimate expected credit losses by
applying a loss rate over the weighted-average estimated life of a pool of
prepayable financial assets (or, under another method, to calculate expected
credit losses only through the weighted-average estimated life of the entire
pool). Rather, the estimate of expected credit losses must take into account
all credit losses over the entire life of a pool of financial assets (i.e.,
an entity should also recognize credit losses related to certain assets
within the pool when these losses occur after the weighted-average life of
the pool). However, note that the FASB staff issued a Q&A that discusses how an entity can use the
weighted-average remaining maturity (WARM) method when estimating
expected credit losses. Under the WARM method, the entity estimates such
losses over the remaining contractual maturity. This method inherently
differs from a method in which a loss rate is applied over the
weighted-average estimated life of a pool of assets. See Section 4.4.8 for
more information about the WARM method.
4.2.2 Expected Extensions, Renewals, and Modifications
ASC 326-20-30-6 requires an entity that is measuring expected
credit losses to consider prepayments that result in a shortening of the
financial asset’s contractual life. However, before the adoption of ASU 2022-02,
this paragraph also states that an entity is not permitted to extend the
contractual term unless it “has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date
that it will execute a troubled debt restructuring” or the contract contains
extension or renewal options that are not “unconditionally cancellable by the
entity.” After adopting ASU 2022-02, an entity may only extend the contractual
term for expected extensions related to renewal options that are not
unconditionally cancelable by the entity.
An economic concession granted by a lender in a TDR reflects the
lender’s effort to maximize its recovery on existing credit rather than to
extend new credit. Since many TDRs involve deferring payments (e.g., by
extending the maturity date), a lender could reasonably expect to grant an
economic concession to an existing borrower as part of its efforts to maximize
the recovery of existing credit that was extended as of the balance sheet date.
Before the adoption of ASU 2022-02, as long as the lender reasonably expects to
execute a TDR on an individual financial asset with the borrower, the lender may
use its estimate of expected cash flows (which may include payments made for
years beyond the current contractual term) in estimating expected credit losses
as of the balance sheet date. Such an estimate provides the most
representationally faithful depiction of the expected credit losses that the
lender has extended as of the balance sheet date. If lenders were prohibited
from using such an approach, they might be required to artificially assume that
a borrower would refinance externally (which could prove impossible and result
in an unrealistic depiction of the actual economic credit loss expected by the
lender). Keep in mind, however, that although an entity may conclude that a TDR
is not reasonably expected, it is not allowed to ignore deterioration in credit
quality that has occurred in the current reporting period. For more information
about the accounting for TDRs under the CECL model, see Section 4.7.
Changing Lanes
Effects of Loss Mitigation Activities
ASU 2022-02 removes the concept of a TDR for financial
reporting purposes and amends ASC 326-20-30-6 to eliminate an entity’s
ability to extend the contractual term of the financial asset when it
reasonably expects, as of the reporting date, that it will execute a
TDR. However, we do not believe that the FASB intended to ignore the
effects of loss mitigation activities on calculating the expected credit
losses for financial assets associated with borrowers that are
experiencing financial difficulties. In fact, paragraph BC24 of ASU
2022-02 states, in part, that “it is not the Board’s intent to require
that an entity reverse the effect of any extensions, renewals, and
modifications on receivables with borrowers experiencing financial
difficulty in considering historical loss data used in estimating the
allowance for credit losses.”
ASC 326-20-30-6 requires entities to “estimate expected credit
losses over the contractual term of the financial asset(s).” Although the
guidance does not define contractual term, it specifies certain elements that
entities should consider in determining this term. For instance, the guidance
indicates that, in certain circumstances, it is consistent with the overall
objective of ASC 326 for entities to consider extensions in determining the
contractual term. ASC 326-20-30-6 clarifies that an entity should consider
extension and renewal options that “are included in the original or modified
contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the
entity.” Extension and renewal options that are not unconditionally cancelable
by the entity would include those in which (1) the ability to exercise renewal
options is outside the lender’s control and (2) the lender would have a present
obligation to extend credit. However, options accounted for as derivatives in
accordance with ASC 815 should not be considered.
Arrangements in which an entity should include extension options
in the contractual term when determining expected credit losses include, but are
not limited to, those that contain a contractual extension option that gives the
borrower either the unilateral or conditional ability to extend the
arrangement’s term. If the borrower’s ability is conditional, it may or may not
be within the borrower’s control to satisfy the condition (e.g., the borrower
may be subject to financial covenants).
An entity should also consider how “prepayments” would affect
the estimate of credit losses for loans with an extension option that is not
unconditionally cancelable by the entity. In other words, if such loans are not
extended, they would be considered prepaid before the end of the contractual
term.
ASC 326 requires a lessor to use the lease term (as defined
in ASC 842) as the contractual term when measuring expected credit losses on
a net investment in a lease.
Connecting the Dots
Prepayments Versus Extension and Renewal Options
It may seem conceptually inconsistent to require an
entity to consider the effect of prepayments while allowing it to ignore
the effects of renewals, extensions, and modifications on an asset’s
expected life. However, the FASB believes that the estimate of cash
flows not expected to be collected should be limited to the current
legal terms of the contractual arrangement between the borrower and the
lender. Specifically, the estimate of expected credit losses is intended
to quantify expected losses on credit that the lender has extended as of
the balance sheet date (i.e., in the form of either a recognized
financial asset or the present legal obligation to extend credit).
Credit losses that could result from the future renewal, modification,
extension, or expansion of a credit facility that is not addressed in
the current contractual terms therefore would not be considered in the
estimation of expected credit losses because the lender has not yet
exposed itself to such losses (i.e., at a future date, the lender can
choose to avoid that credit exposure by not renewing, modifying,
extending, or expanding the credit facility). Accordingly, an entity
should consider expected credit losses that could result from future
extensions or renewal options only if those options were in the original
or modified contract as of the reporting date and cannot be
unconditionally canceled by the entity.
4.2.2.1 Demand Loans
As its name implies, a demand loan is a loan for which the full and immediate
payment of principal and accrued interest is required upon the lender’s
demand. In certain situations, the demand for payment is unconditional
(i.e., the lender can make the demand at any time, with or without cause).
Such a loan does not have a contractual maturity and therefore remains
outstanding until it is called by the lender or paid off by the borrower.
The loan is implicitly renewed every day until it is called or paid.
In determining the life of a loan that is immediately and
unconditionally payable upon demand by the lender, an entity should consider
the guidance in ASC 326. ASC 326 requires an entity to estimate expected
credit losses over the life of the financial asset. Specifically, ASC
326-20-30-6 states, in part:
An entity shall estimate
expected credit losses over the contractual term of the financial
asset(s) when using the methods in accordance with paragraph
326-20-30-5. An entity shall consider prepayments as a separate input in
the method or prepayments may be embedded in the credit loss information
in accordance with paragraph 326-20-30-5. An entity shall consider
estimated prepayments in the future principal and interest cash flows
when utilizing a method in accordance with paragraph
326-20-30-4.
In the absence of a reasonable expectation of a TDR before
the adoption of ASU 2022-02, the contractual terms of the asset, rather than
the business practices of the lender, govern the asset’s life (e.g., an
entity would ignore the fact that the lender has historically renewed the
demand loan). As a result, the contractual life of a loan that is
unconditionally payable upon demand by the lender is the period for which
the borrower must repay the loan once it is demanded by the lender. In this
case, because the demand loan is unconditionally and immediately payable by
the borrower, the contractual term of the loan would be one day.
However, even though the life of the demand loan discussed
above is one day, the lender does not necessarily have to individually
assess the borrower’s ability to repay on that date. ASC 326-20-30-2
requires an entity to pool assets that share similar risk characteristics
when calculating expected credit losses. Therefore, the lender is required
to pool assets (including demand loans) that share similar risk
characteristics when assessing the borrower’s ability to repay. If the risk
characteristics of the demand loan are not similar to those of other
financial assets, the entity would individually assess the borrower’s
ability to repay the loan.
The lender would need to consider various outcomes when
assessing the borrower’s ability to repay upon demand. Upon the demand for
payment of the loan, the borrower can:
- Pay the lender with available funds.
- Pay the lender by refinancing the loan with another bank.
- Modify the loan.
- Default.
Therefore, as of the balance sheet date, the lender would
need to determine which outcome would occur. For example, if the lender
refinances the demand loan on the basis of the borrower’s current credit
profile, the lender may also assume that the borrower could refinance with
another bank within a reasonable amount of time and therefore pay the loan
off in full.
In addition, the expected payment does not have to be on the
date of the demand if the refinance is reasonably expected to take place in
the event that payment is demanded. The FASB staff discussed this issue at
the November 2018 TRG meeting. Specifically, paragraph 47
of TRG Memo 15 states:
The staff
believes that considering future economic and other conditions beyond
the contractual term of the financial assets does not, in and of itself,
result in an extension of the contractual term. The staff believes that
entities should consider available information that is relevant for
assessing the collectibility of cash flows during the contractual term,
which may include information from periods beyond the contractual term.
Future economic and other conditions may inform an entity’s analysis of
determining the inputs in developing expected credit losses over the
contractual term of the financial asset.
As a result, the lender should consider conditions beyond
the contractual term of the demand loan if the conditions would affect the
expected credit losses on the loan.
4.2.3 Considerations Related to the Life of Credit Card Receivables
ASC 326 requires entities to determine the allowance for loan losses on financial
assets on the basis of management’s current estimate of expected credit losses on
financial assets that exist as of the measurement date. Regardless of the method
that entities use to estimate such losses, they must carefully consider all amounts
expected to be collected (or not collected) over the life of the financial asset.
Given the revolving nature of credit card lending arrangements, stakeholders have
questioned how credit card issuers should determine the life of a credit card
account balance so that they can estimate expected credit losses.
Under the CECL model, an allowance must not include expected losses on
unconditionally cancelable loan commitments. Because credit card lines are generally
unconditionally cancelable, expected losses on future draws should not be accrued
before such amounts are drawn. Accordingly, some believe that an entity should apply
a customer’s expected payments only to the funded portion of outstanding commitments
as of the measurement date when modeling the repayment period of the
measurement-date receivable. That is, an entity would estimate the life of a credit
card receivable without considering the impact of future draws that are
unconditionally cancelable and how that would affect payment history or whether a
portion of future payments would be related to future draws and not the current
outstanding balance of the credit card line.
On the basis of these questions (and the recommendations made at the
June 2017 TRG meeting), the FASB has agreed that it would be
acceptable for an entity use one of the following two methods to estimate future
payments on credit card receivables:
- Include all payments expected to be collected from the borrower.
- Include only a portion of payments expected to be collected from the borrower.
However, the Board has acknowledged that an entity may also use other methods to
estimate future payments. The method an entity selects should be applied
consistently to similar facts and circumstances. Further, the entity’s determination
of the appropriate method to use in estimating the amount of expected future
payments is separate from the determination of how to allocate the future payments
to credit card balances.
Footnotes
1
The TRG originally discussed this issue at its
June 2018 meeting. At that
meeting, the TRG agreed with the FASB staff’s recommendation
that an entity should not be prohibited from defining
prepayments in a manner that best reflects management’s
expectation of credit losses.
4.3 Information Set
ASC 326-20
30-7 When
developing an estimate of expected credit losses on financial
asset(s), an entity shall consider available information
relevant to assessing the collectibility of cash flows. This
information may include internal information, external
information, or a combination of both relating to past events,
current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. An
entity shall consider relevant qualitative and quantitative
factors that relate to the environment in which the entity
operates and are specific to the borrower(s). When financial
assets are evaluated on a collective or individual basis, an
entity is not required to search all possible information that
is not reasonably available without undue cost and effort.
Furthermore, an entity is not required to develop a hypothetical
pool of financial assets. An entity may find that using its
internal information is sufficient in determining
collectibility.
30-8 Historical
credit loss experience of financial assets with similar risk
characteristics generally provides a basis for an entity’s
assessment of expected credit losses. Historical loss
information can be internal or external historical loss
information (or a combination of both). An entity shall consider
adjustments to historical loss information for differences in
current asset specific risk characteristics, such as differences
in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, or asset term within a
pool at the reporting date or when an entity’s historical loss
information is not reflective of the contractual term of the
financial asset or group of financial assets.
30-9 An entity
shall not rely solely on past events to estimate expected credit
losses. When an entity uses historical loss information, it
shall consider the need to adjust historical information to
reflect the extent to which management expects current
conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts to differ
from the conditions that existed for the period over which
historical information was evaluated. The adjustments to
historical loss information may be qualitative in nature and
should reflect changes related to relevant data (such as changes
in unemployment rates, property values, commodity values,
delinquency, or other factors that are associated with credit
losses on the financial asset or in the group of financial
assets). Some entities may be able to develop reasonable and
supportable forecasts over the contractual term of the financial
asset or a group of financial assets. However, an entity is not
required to develop forecasts over the contractual term of the
financial asset or group of financial assets. Rather, for
periods beyond which the entity is able to make or obtain
reasonable and supportable forecasts of expected credit losses,
an entity shall revert to historical loss information determined
in accordance with paragraph 326-20-30-8 that is reflective of
the contractual term of the financial asset or group of
financial assets. An entity shall not adjust historical loss
information for existing economic conditions or expectations of
future economic conditions for periods that are beyond the
reasonable and supportable period. An entity may revert to
historical loss information at the input level or based on the
entire estimate. An entity may revert to historical loss
information immediately, on a straight-line basis, or using
another rational and systematic basis.
An entity must consider all available relevant information when estimating expected
credit losses, including details about past events, current conditions, and reasonable
and supportable forecasts. That is, while an entity can use historical charge-off rates
as a starting point for determining expected credit losses, it must evaluate how
conditions that existed during the historical charge-off period may differ from its
current expectations and revise its estimate of expected credit losses accordingly.
However, the entity is not required to forecast conditions over the entire contractual
life of the asset. Rather, for the period beyond that for which the entity can make
reasonable and supportable forecasts, the entity should revert to historical credit loss
experience.
4.3.1 Historical Credit Loss Experience
ASC 326-20-30-8 states, in part, that “[h]istorical credit loss
experience of financial assets with similar risk characteristics generally provides
a basis for an entity’s assessment of expected credit losses.” Historical credit
loss experience can be used as a starting point for estimating expected credit
losses and for reversion for periods beyond which management can make reasonable and
supportable forecasts of such losses. In calculating historical credit loss
information, an entity may consider different factors depending on its policies,
asset types, and pooling of assets according to their risk characteristics.
ASC 326-20-30-8 and 30-9 require entities to adjust historical loss
information to reflect differences associated with (1) asset-specific risk
characteristics and (2) current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts
of future economic conditions relevant to the financial assets. ASC 326-20-30-9
states, in part, that “[f]or periods beyond which the entity is able to make or
obtain reasonable and supportable forecasts of expected credit losses, an entity
shall revert to historical loss information . . . reflective of the contractual term
of the financial asset or group of financial assets.” Further, ASC 326-20-55-6(c)
indicates that when estimating expected credit losses, an entity must use
significant judgment to decide on “[t]he approach to determine the appropriate
historical period for estimating expected credit loss statistics.”
4.3.1.1 Determining Historical Credit Loss Data
The guidance in ASC 326 on the factors that an entity should
consider in determining the appropriate historical periods to use to calculate
historical credit loss information is limited to the following:
- ASC 326-20-30-8 and 30-9 indicate that the historical loss information should reflect “the contractual term of the financial asset or group of financial assets.”
- ASC 326-20-55-3 states, in part: An entity may use historical periods that represent management’s expectations for future credit losses. An entity also may elect to use other historical loss periods, adjusted for current conditions, and other reasonable and supportable forecasts. When determining historical loss information in estimating expected credit losses, the information about historical credit loss data, after adjustments for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts, should be applied to pools that are defined in a manner that is consistent with the pools for which the historical credit loss experience was observed.
To determine the appropriate historical credit loss data to use in calculating
historical loss information, management must apply professional judgment and
consider the nature of the financial assets and their risk characteristics. In
making this determination, an entity must evaluate the number of, and which,
periods to include in historical credit loss information.
4.3.1.1.1 The Number of Periods to Include in Historical Credit Loss Information
As noted above, ASC 326 only discusses the number of periods of historical
credit loss information in the context of whether such information reflects
“the contractual term of the financial asset or group of financial assets.”
Given that guidance, entities may think that the number of periods of
historical loss information must at least equal the contractual term of the
financial assets for which an allowance for credit losses is being estimated
(e.g., 10 years of historical loss information for financial assets with a
10-year contractual maturity). While such a conclusion may be appropriate,
it does not represent a requirement. Rather, ASC 326 specifies only that the
historical loss information must reflect historical defaults of similar
financial assets during the entire contractual term of those assets. For
example, if an entity is estimating expected credit losses for a group of
financial assets with a contractual maturity of 10 years, it may determine
that five years of historical loss information appropriately reflects the
entire contractual term of the financial assets being evaluated because the
composition of the financial assets within the five-year historical loss
information appropriately includes a mix of financial assets that have been
outstanding (seasoned) for periods commensurate with the remaining
contractual maturities of the financial assets being evaluated.
Since ASC 326 (1) does not specifically require that the number of periods of
historical loss information at least equal the contractual term of the
financial assets being evaluated and (2) does not prohibit an evaluation in
which the number of periods of historical loss information exceeds the
contractual term of those assets, an entity should consider the factors
discussed in the subsections below in determining the number of periods to
use in historical loss information.
4.3.1.1.1.1 Whether the Number of Periods Used Appropriately Represents the Seasoning of the Financial Assets Being Evaluated
Since the evaluation of credit losses is rarely linear, it is important
for historical loss information to appropriately reflect the specific
default patterns expected on the basis of the type of financial asset.
For example, for a group of financial assets with a 10-year contractual
maturity, the historical credit loss information should appropriately
represent the expectations regarding defaults that will occur in each
year of the assets’ contractual life on the basis of their seasoning as
of the balance sheet date.
4.3.1.1.1.2 Whether the Number of Periods Used Appropriately Represents the Asset-Specific Risk Characteristics of the Financial Assets Being Evaluated
ASC 326-20-30-8 requires an entity to adjust “historical loss information
for differences in current asset specific risk characteristics, such as
differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, or asset term
within a pool.” However, the differences cited in this paragraph are not
inclusive (i.e., there may be other relevant differences in
asset-specific risk characteristics to consider, such as changes in
prepayment behaviors resulting from changes in the nature of the
financial assets or the environmental conditions that affect
prepayments).
If an entity is relying on internal historical loss information and there
have been recent significant changes in asset-specific risk
characteristics, the entity may find it more appropriate to use a more
recent, shorter period of historical loss information (as opposed to
using a longer period, in which case the adjustment of such loss
information may be more complex).
4.3.1.1.1.3 Whether the Number of Periods Used Appropriately Represents How the Historical Loss Information Is Being Used in the Calculation of Expected Credit Losses
ASC 326-20-30-9 requires an entity to revert to historical loss
information, adjusted solely to reflect differences in asset-specific
risk characteristic, in calculating expected credit losses for periods
beyond which management can make reasonable and supportable forecasts of
expected credit losses. Thus, the remaining contractual life of a group
of financial assets for which an entity is solely reverting to
historical loss information will be shorter than the full contractual
maturity of such assets. Accordingly, entities should consider the need,
for reversion purposes, to use historical loss information that reflects
the seasoning of the financial assets, since the determination of credit
losses is not linear. This seasoning aspect for reversion periods is
likely to differ from the seasoning of the financial assets on the
balance sheet date.
Further, paragraph BC50 of ASU 2016-13 notes that “[s]ome entities may be
able to forecast over the entire estimated life of an asset, while other
entities may forecast over a shorter period.” For entities that are able
to forecast expected losses over the entire estimated life of a group of
financial assets, the seasoning considerations above will be reflected
in the forecasted expected losses rather than in historical loss
information used for reversion.
4.3.1.1.1.4 Whether the Number of Periods Used Appropriately Reflects a Full Economic Cycle
It is generally appropriate for the historical credit loss information to
include a full economic cycle (i.e., peaks and troughs) even if the life
of a particular financial asset is shorter than an economic cycle. The
length of the period that encompasses an economic cycle will depend on
the facts and circumstances.
The determination of whether historical credit loss information should
reflect a full economic cycle will also ultimately depend on the
particular facts and circumstances, including the extent to which an
entity is able to adjust historical loss information on the basis of (1)
reasonable and supportable assumptions of future economic conditions and
(2) the remaining period (if any) for which expected credit losses will
be determined by reverting to historical loss information. For example,
if the remaining period for reversion to historical loss information is
short and the timing of such reversion is in the near term, an entity
could reasonably conclude that historical credit loss information that
reflects the current economic conditions is more relevant than
historical credit loss information over an entire economic cycle. In all
cases, the historical loss information used to make adjustments based on
reasonable and supportable assumptions of future economic conditions
should represent where an entity is within an economic cycle.
4.3.1.1.1.5 The Number of Periods of Relevant Historical Loss Information That Are Available to the Entity
Some entities may have more historical loss data than others and
therefore may include longer periods in the calculation of historical
credit losses. Note that, as discussed below, entities that use longer
periods should not be biased in selecting such data (i.e., by including
periods with more peaks than troughs or vice versa).
For example, one entity may only have historical loss information that
starts 10 years ago and therefore may calculate historical loss
information on this basis. Another entity may, however, have historical
loss information that begins 40 years ago and therefore may use a longer
period. Under ASC 326, two entities may reasonably use different
periods. These differences may be attributable to the size and
sophistication of the entity, how long the entity has existed, and the
availability of relevant external data when sufficient internal data are
unavailable.
4.3.1.1.2 Which Historical Periods to Include in Historical Loss Information
In addition to determining the number of historical periods to use in
calculating historical loss information, management should consider which of
these periods to include. While it often may be reasonable for an entity to
start with the most recent period and work backwards consecutively, such an
approach is not necessarily required or always appropriate. In determining
which historical periods to use, an entity should consider the factors
discussed below.
4.3.1.1.2.1 Whether the Approach Is Objective and Reflects Expected Future Credit Losses
An entity should be objective, not biased, in estimating the allowance
for credit losses. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for an entity
to select historical periods that reflect either an overly aggressive or
an overly conservative level of credit losses (i.e., “cherry-picking”
historical information to achieve a desired accounting result). A biased
selection of historical information (e.g., using long-term historical
loss information that includes more peaks than troughs or vice versa)
would not be consistent with the credit loss measurement objective of
ASC 326.
4.3.1.1.2.2 Whether the Approach Is Consistent With Asset-Specific Risk Characteristics
In a manner consistent with the discussion above, an entity that is
selecting among periods of historical credit loss information should
consider how such information is aligned with the current asset-specific
risk characteristics of the financial assets being evaluated. For
example, if an entity has made changes to its underwriting to be more
consistent with an underwriting approach used in prior periods, it may
be more appropriate for the entity, if all else is held constant, to use
older historical loss information (as opposed to using more recent
historical loss information and applying more complex judgments about
how to adjust such information).
Note that management should use significant judgment in
determining the allowance for credit losses and should include thorough
documentation to support that judgment. While an entity is not
prohibited from changing the composition of historical credit loss data
used in this determination, any changes the entity makes in constructing
historical loss information should be justified by the facts and
circumstances and would reflect a change in accounting estimate. See
Section 4.4 for more
information.
4.3.1.1.3 Effect of Accrued Interest on Historical Loss Information
An entity may have a nonaccrual policy under which it
stops accruing interest if it believes the collection of interest is in
doubt. This is generally the case when a borrower is in default for a
specified period (e.g., 90 days past due). Many entities also reverse
the previously accrued interest if the borrower remains in default for
an extended period (e.g., 180 days). In those cases, historical loss
information would not reflect any or all interest amounts that were not
collected, because the entity had already decided to stop accruing
interest on the asset and also may have reversed any interest that
accrued before determining the ultimate amount of any loss on the
asset.
Questions have arisen about whether historical loss
information should be adjusted (increased) to reflect the amount of
accrued interest that would have been charged off if the entity had not
applied a nonaccrual accounting policy.2 ASC 326-20-55-6(b) states that one of the judgments an entity uses
in estimating credit losses is the following:
The
approach to measuring the historical loss amount for loss-rate
statistics, including whether the amount is simply based on the
amortized cost amount written off and whether
there should be adjustments to historical credit losses (if any)
to reflect the entity’s policies for recognizing accrued
interest. [Emphasis added]
In addition, as discussed in Section 4.4.5.1, ASC 326-20-30-5A states that “[a]n
entity may make an accounting policy election . . . not to measure an
allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables if the
entity writes off the uncollectible accrued interest receivable balance
in a timely manner.”
Accordingly, we believe that an entity should adjust
historical loss information if its loss data are not consistent with its
accounting policy election related to whether an allowance is measured
for losses on accrued interest. For example, if the entity does not
elect to measure an allowance for credit losses on accrued interest
receivables as permitted by ASC 326-2-30-5A, it should adjust the
historical loss information to reflect the amount of accrued interest
that would have been charged off if the entity had not applied a
nonaccrual accounting policy.
4.3.2 Adjustments to Historical Loss Data for Differences in Asset-Specific Risk Characteristics
While historical loss data serve as a starting point for estimating
expected credit losses, ASC 326 requires an entity to evaluate whether such data are
relevant to the financial assets for which the estimate is being made. Specifically,
ASC 326-20-30-8 states, in part, that “[a]n entity shall consider adjustments to
historical loss information for differences in current asset specific risk
characteristics, such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, or
asset term within a pool at the reporting date or when an entity’s historical loss
information is not reflective of the contractual term of the financial asset or
group of financial assets.” For example, it would not be appropriate for an entity
to use historical loss data related to subprime mortgages when estimating expected
credit losses on prime mortgages in the current financial reporting period.
4.3.3 Current Conditions and Reasonable and Supportable Forecasts
As discussed in Section 4.3.1, an entity’s
historical credit loss experience with financial assets whose risk characteristics
are similar generally serves as a basis for the entity’s assessment of expected
credit losses. As discussed in Section 4.3.2,
sometimes an entity needs to adjust historical data for differences in
asset-specific risk characteristics. However, ASC 326-20-30-9 states that an entity
“shall not rely solely on past events to estimate expected credit losses.” Rather,
an entity that uses historical loss information should consider adjusting
information to appropriately reflect management’s current expectation of future
credit losses. Specifically, ASC 326-20-30-9 states that an entity “shall consider
the need to adjust historical information to reflect the extent to which management
expects current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts to differ from
the conditions that existed for the period over which historical information was
evaluated.”
Note that the adjustments for current conditions and reasonable and supportable
forecasts differ from (and are incremental to) the adjustments discussed in
Section 4.3.2 that are related to differences between historical
data and asset-specific risk characteristics. For example, an entity may upwardly
adjust historical loss rates to reflect that it now lends money to retail customers
with lower credit scores and is trying to estimate losses on a pool of loans to
those customers. This would be an adjustment for differences in asset-specific risk
characteristics. However, the entity may also adjust the historical loss rates again
to reflect the difference between the current economic conditions and the conditions
related to the period represented by the historical information. For example, if
current unemployment rates are lower than the rates during the period reflected in
the historical data, the loss rates may be adjusted down to reflect current
conditions. An entity may also be required to make further adjustments to reflect
reasonable and supportable forecasts.
While some entities may be able to develop reasonable and supportable forecasts over
the contractual term of a financial asset (or group of financial assets), ASC 326
does not require an entity to develop such forecasts. Furthermore, under ASC
326-20-30-7, the entity’s search for all possible information that may be relevant
to management’s expectations regarding future credit losses does not need to involve
“undue cost or effort.” ASC 326-20-30-7 and ASC 326-20-30-9 state, in part:
30-7 When developing an estimate of
expected credit losses on financial asset(s), an entity shall consider
available information relevant to assessing the collectibility of cash
flows. . . . An entity shall consider relevant qualitative and quantitative
factors that relate to the environment in which the entity operates and are
specific to the borrower(s). When financial assets are evaluated on a
collective or individual basis, an entity is not required to search all
possible information that is not reasonably available without undue cost and
effort. . . .
30-9 [F]or periods beyond which the entity is able to make or obtain
reasonable and supportable forecasts of expected credit losses, an entity
shall revert to historical loss information determined in accordance with
paragraph 326-20-30-8 that is reflective of the contractual term of the
financial asset or group of financial assets. An entity shall not adjust
historical loss information for existing economic conditions or expectations
of future economic conditions for periods that are beyond the reasonable and
supportable period. An entity may revert to historical loss information at
the input level or based on the entire estimate. An entity may revert to
historical loss information immediately, on a straight-line basis, or using
another rational and systematic basis.
It would be rare for an entity to conclude that there is no reasonable and
supportable information about current conditions and expectations for future
economic conditions and therefore for the entity to solely use historical loss
information to measure expected credit losses. Paragraph BC51 of ASU 2016-13 states
that the FASB “expects that an entity should not ignore relevant data when
considering historical experience or when considering qualitative adjustments for
current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.” The Board also
acknowledges that “the adjustment for current conditions and reasonable and
supportable forecasts will be the most subjective aspect of the estimate.” Paragraph
BC53 of ASU 2016-13 further explains that the purpose of the language in ASC
326-20-30-9 on reversion to historical loss information is to “provide additional
guidance on how to measure expected credit losses as an entity moves into periods of
increasing uncertainty and decreasing precision.” This guidance is not intended to
allow an entity to merely default to historical loss information when estimating
expected credit losses.
The determination of how far into the future an entity can reasonably adjust
historical loss information to reflect projected future economic conditions relevant
to the recoverability of a particular type of financial asset will depend on the
particular facts and circumstances, including the types of macroeconomic data that
are predictive of future credit losses, and may be limited to the periods for which
future macroeconomic data may be obtained from external sources. ASC 326-20-30-9
specifically prohibits adjustment to historical loss information “for existing
economic conditions or expectations of future economic conditions for periods that
are beyond the reasonable and supportable period.” However, an entity is not
precluded from projecting future economic conditions for periods beyond which there
is published external information if such projections are reasonably supportable
given the particular facts and circumstances.
4.3.3.1 Use of Macroeconomic Data to Make Reasonable and Supportable Forecasts
The objective of incorporating macroeconomic data into the
modeling of the allowance for credit losses is to use relevant information
about how current and projected economic conditions will affect the level of
future credit losses on financial assets (i.e., how current and future
economic conditions will affect historical loss experience). An entity would
be expected to use such macroeconomic data in estimating expected credit
losses.
ASC 326 does not require an entity to incorporate into its
credit loss estimate a certain number of macroeconomic variables, and it
does not establish a required period into the future for which macroeconomic
variables are considered reasonable and supportable information for the
entity to use in making credit loss estimates (i.e., as compared with
defaulting to historical loss information). However, we believe that, in
estimating credit losses, an entity should use macroeconomic data that
correlate to historical losses (and are periodically revalidated) and should
not ignore macroeconomic data that are relevant to the expectation of future
cash flows.
An entity may use more than one external source of
macroeconomic data, although it is not required to do so. If an entity
evaluates more than one external source of macroeconomic data, it is not
required to apply probability weighting to the information. Rather, it could
consider multiple sources to validate the primary source of information
used. In addition, an entity could use its internal views on key economic
indicators rather than using external sources. However, the entity should
consider whether it is appropriate that its internal views are contrary to
published information.
4.3.3.2 Reasonable and Supportable Forecast Periods
ASC 326 does not require an entity’s forecast period to be
the same for all asset types or for all inputs into the models it uses for
estimating credit losses. On the contrary, ASC 326-20-30-7 states, in part,
that “[w]hen developing an estimate of expected credit losses on financial
asset(s), an entity shall consider available information relevant to
assessing the collectibility of cash flows [as well as] relevant qualitative
and quantitative factors that relate to the environment in which the entity
operates and are specific to the borrower(s).” The effects of changes in
macroeconomic data could differ depending on which of the entity’s assets
are involved, causing an entity to use different reasonable and supportable
forecast periods when estimating expected credit losses. For example, an
entity may consider macroeconomic data related to residential mortgages
differently depending on the location of borrowers or the underlying
collateral securing the loans. As a result, the entity may need to use
different reasonable and supportable forecast periods to reflect the
differences in the macroeconomic data relevant to the particular asset.
Further, in July 2019, the
FASB staff addressed this issue in the following Q&A:
FASB Staff Q&A
Topic 326, No.
2: Developing an Estimate of Expected Credit
Losses on Financial Assets
Questions and
Answers — General Questions About the CECL
Standard
Question
8
May the length of reasonable and
supportable forecast periods vary between different
portfolios, products, pools, and inputs?
Response
Yes. The duration or length of the
reasonable and supportable forecast period is a
judgment that may vary based on the entity’s ability
to estimate economic conditions and expected losses.
The reasonable and supportable forecast may vary
between portfolios, products, pools, and inputs.
However, specific inputs (such as unemployment
rates) should be applied on a consistent basis
between portfolios, products, and pools, to the
extent that the same inputs are relevant across
products and pools. It also is acceptable to have a
single reasonable and supportable period for all of
an entity’s products. An entity is to disclose
information that will enable users to understand
management’s method for developing its expected
credit losses, the information used in developing
its expected credit losses, and the circumstances
that caused changes to the expected credit losses
among other disclosures about the allowance for
credit losses.
In addition to not requiring
that an entity’s forecast period be the same, ASC 326 does not require an
entity to develop (or preclude it from developing) multiple economic
scenarios. The following FASB staff Q&A (released in July 2019)
addresses this issue:
FASB Staff Q&A
Topic 326, No.
2: Developing an Estimate of Expected Credit
Losses on Financial Assets
Questions and
Answers — General Questions About the CECL
Standard
Question
12
When developing a reasonable and
supportable forecast to estimate expected credit
losses, is probability weighting of multiple
economic scenarios required?
Response
No. Topic 326 does not require an
entity to probability weight multiple economic
scenarios when developing an estimate of expected
credit losses. One entity may choose to probability
weight multiple economic scenarios when developing
its estimate of expected credit losses, while
another entity may rely on a single economic
scenario to develop reasonable and supportable
forecasts.
4.3.3.3 Assumptions Used by an Entity
The economic forecasts used to estimate expected credit
losses do not necessarily have to be the same as those used for other
forecasting purposes within the organization (e.g., budgeting, goodwill
impairment testing). ASU 2016-13 notes that various methods for forecasting
expected credit losses are acceptable and does not outline a specific
approach to use. While the information used to forecast expected credit
losses may be consistent with the information used for other forecasting
purposes, it does not need to be the same.
4.3.3.4 Validating the Forecasting Process
Although an entity’s forecasts must be reasonable and
supportable, ASC 326 does not require an entity to substantiate its ability
to accurately predict economic conditions. In other words, when estimating
its expected credit losses, an entity is not required to evaluate in the
current reporting period whether it had “successfully” predicted economic
conditions in prior periods. Paragraph BC50 of ASU 2016-13 states that
“[e]stimates of credit losses may not precisely predict actual future events
and, therefore, subsequent events may not be indicative of the
reasonableness of those estimates.” While paragraph BC50 is addressing the
overall estimate of expected credit losses more broadly, we believe that it
applies equally to reasonable and supportable forecasts about the future.
That is, inherent in any forecast of economic conditions is a level of
uncertainty and lack of precision. As a result, we do not believe that an
entity must evaluate whether existing economic conditions were accurately
predicted in its previous forecasts in earlier reporting periods. However,
paragraph 3.5.21(d) of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide on credit losses
states that “significantly missing near-term forecasts may be an indicator
of a deficient forecasting process.”
4.3.4 Reversion to Historical Loss Information
As mentioned previously, some entities may be able to develop reasonable and
supportable forecasts over the contractual term of a financial asset. Those that
cannot do so will need to revert to historical loss experience for the periods
beyond which they can develop reasonable and supportable forecasts. The Board
believes that it would be inappropriate to assign zero as the estimate of credit
losses during the period beyond which an entity could develop a reasonable and
supportable forecast. In paragraph BC53 of ASU 2016-13, the FASB indicates that “an
approach that does not record some expected losses (for example, those that are
expected to occur after some prescribed forecast period) would fail to reflect the
amount that an entity expects to collect, which is the Board’s measurement objective
for financial assets. . . . Therefore, the Board decided to provide additional
guidance on how to measure expected credit losses as an entity moves into periods of
increasing uncertainty and decreasing precision.”
In a manner consistent with its objective not to prescribe or
prohibit specific approaches or assumptions that management uses to develop its
expectations about the future, the FASB has given entities flexibility related to
choosing how to revert to historical loss experience. ASC 326-20-30-9, in part,
states that “[a]n entity may revert to historical loss information at the input
level or based on the entire estimate [and] may revert to [such] information
immediately, on a straight-line basis, or using another rational and systematic
basis.” While such use of reversion is not an accounting policy election, the entity
is required to disclose the reversion method (e.g., the level at which it reverts
and the period over which it chooses to revert) as a significant judgment used by
management when determining the cash flows it expects to collect.
Further, how an entity reverts to historical loss experience could
be affected by whether it has a single reasonable and supportable forecast period
covering all financial assets and inputs used in estimating losses or whether it
uses multiple forecast periods for different financial assets and inputs (see
Section 4.3.3.2 for more information about
determining the reasonable and supportable forecast period). In other words, an
entity may believe that reversion on a straight-line basis is appropriate for
certain assets or inputs but may decide to use a different rational and systematic
reversion method for other assets and inputs if it believes that such a method would
result in a better representation of its expected credit losses in such
circumstances.
It is important to highlight two points regarding an entity’s ability to revert to
historical loss information as discussed in ASC 326-20-30-9. First, the historical
loss information used for reversion must be adjusted (to the extent necessary given
the particular facts and circumstances) for differences in asset-specific risk
characteristics (see Section 4.3.2). Second, such reversion is appropriate (and required)
only for periods beyond which management can reasonably adjust historical loss
information “for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts,” as
discussed in ASC 326-20-30-10. That is, an entity may not default solely to
historical loss information to estimate expected credit losses.
While ASC 326-20-30-9 allows an entity to revert to historical loss
experience on “a straight-line basis, or using another rational and systematic
basis,” it does not require that the reversion occur over the remaining contractual
life of the financial asset. As a result, an entity can choose to revert to
historical loss experience over a period shorter than the asset’s remaining
contractual life if it believes that such reversion would result in a better
estimate of its expected credit losses.
Footnotes
2
Note that such questions are not relevant when
expected credit losses are calculated by using DCFs.
4.4 Measurement Methods and Techniques
ASC 326-20
30-3 The allowance
for credit losses may be determined using various methods. For
example, an entity may use discounted cash flow methods,
loss-rate methods, roll-rate methods, probability-of-default
methods, or methods that utilize an aging schedule. An entity is
not required to utilize a discounted cash flow method to
estimate expected credit losses. Similarly, an entity is not
required to reconcile the estimation technique it uses with a
discounted cash flow method.
30-4 If an entity
estimates expected credit losses using methods that project
future principal and interest cash flows (that is, a discounted
cash flow method), the entity shall discount expected cash flows
at the financial asset’s effective interest rate. When a
discounted cash flow method is applied, the allowance for credit
losses shall reflect the difference between the amortized cost
basis and the present value of the expected cash flows. If the
financial asset’s contractual interest rate varies based on
subsequent changes in an independent factor, such as an index or
rate, for example, the prime rate, the London Interbank Offered
Rate (LIBOR), or the U.S. Treasury bill weekly average, that
financial asset’s effective interest rate (used to discount
expected cash flows as described in this paragraph) shall be
calculated based on the factor as it changes over the life of
the financial asset. An entity is not required to project
changes in the factor for purposes of estimating expected future
cash flows. If the entity projects changes in the factor for the
purposes of estimating expected future cash flows, it shall use
the same projections in determining the effective interest rate
used to discount those cash flows. In addition, if the entity
projects changes in the factor for the purposes of estimating
expected future cash flows, it shall adjust the effective
interest rate used to discount expected cash flows to consider
the timing (and changes in the timing) of expected cash flows
resulting from expected prepayments in accordance with paragraph
326-20-30-4A. Subtopic 310-20 on receivables — nonrefundable
fees and other costs provides guidance on the calculation of
interest income for variable rate instruments.
Pending Content (Transition Guidance: ASC
326-10-65-5)
30-4
If an entity estimates expected credit losses
using methods that project future principal and
interest cash flows (that is, a discounted cash
flow method), the entity shall discount expected
cash flows at the financial asset’s effective
interest rate. When a discounted cash flow method
is applied, the allowance for credit losses shall
reflect the difference between the amortized cost
basis and the present value of the expected cash
flows. If a financial asset is modified and is
considered to be a continuation of the original
asset, an entity shall use the post-modification
contractual interest rate to derive the effective
interest rate when using a discounted cash flow
method. See paragraph 815-25-35-10 for guidance on
the treatment of a basis adjustment related to an
existing portfolio layer method hedge. If the
financial asset’s contractual interest rate varies
based on subsequent changes in an independent
factor, such as an index or rate, for example, the
prime rate, the London Interbank Offered Rate
(LIBOR), or the U.S. Treasury bill weekly average,
that financial asset’s effective interest rate
(used to discount expected cash flows as described
in this paragraph) shall be calculated based on
the factor as it changes over the life of the
financial asset. An entity is not required to
project changes in the factor for purposes of
estimating expected future cash flows. If the
entity projects changes in the factor for the
purposes of estimating expected future cash flows,
it shall use the same projections in determining
the effective interest rate used to discount those
cash flows. In addition, if the entity projects
changes in the factor for the purposes of
estimating expected future cash flows, it shall
adjust the effective interest rate used to
discount expected cash flows to consider the
timing (and changes in the timing) of expected
cash flows resulting from expected prepayments in
accordance with paragraph 326-20-30-4A. Subtopic
310-20 on receivables — nonrefundable fees and
other costs provides guidance on the calculation
of interest income for variable rate
instruments.
30-4A As an
accounting policy election for each class of financing
receivable or major security type, an entity may adjust the
effective interest rate used to discount expected cash flows to
consider the timing (and changes in timing) of expected cash
flows resulting from expected prepayments. However, if the asset
is restructured in a troubled debt restructuring, the effective
interest rate used to discount expected cash flows shall not be
adjusted because of subsequent changes in expected timing of
cash flows.
Pending Content (Transition
Guidance: ASC 326-10-65-5)
30-4A
As an accounting policy election for each class of
financing receivable or major security type, an
entity may adjust the effective interest rate used
to discount expected cash flows to consider the
timing (and changes in timing) of expected cash
flows resulting from expected prepayments.
30-5A An entity may
make an accounting policy election, at the class of financing
receivable or the major security-type level, not to measure an
allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables if
the entity writes off the uncollectible accrued interest
receivable balance in a timely manner. This accounting policy
election should be considered separately from the accounting
policy election in paragraph 326-20-35-8A. An entity may not
analogize this guidance to components of amortized cost basis
other than accrued interest.
The objectives of ASU 2016-13 are to eliminate the incurred loss approach and the
probability threshold for recognition of credit losses. In accordance with ASC
326-20-30-3 (see above), various methods can be used to meet these objectives. In
paragraph BC50 of ASU 2016-13, the FASB indicates that its reasoning behind allowing
entities to use various methods in estimating credit losses is that “entities manage
credit risk differently and should have flexibility to best report their expectations.”
The Board also acknowledges that “different methods may result in a range of acceptable
outcomes” and do not inherently cause a particular estimate to be unreasonable.
Accordingly, an entity can select from a number of measurement
approaches to determine the allowance for expected credit losses. Some approaches
project future principal and interest cash flows (i.e., a DCF method), while others
project only future principal losses. If an entity chooses to estimate credit losses by
using a method other than a DCF method, it has the option of estimating such losses on
the asset’s amortized cost basis in the aggregate or by separately measuring the
components of the amortized cost basis (e.g., premiums and discounts), as described in
ASC 326-20-30-5.
While an entity is not required to change its current method(s) of
estimating credit losses upon adopting ASU 2016-13, it should consider, for each type of
financial asset, whether it is more appropriate to use a different method to meet the
ASU’s objectives. For example, the entity may determine that certain methods are not
suitable for measuring expected credit losses on prepayable financial assets (see
Section 4.4.5 for discussion of how estimated
prepayments may affect the estimate of expected credit losses if a method other than a
DCF approach is used). In addition, as required by ASC 326-20-30-10 and discussed in
paragraph BC63 of ASU 2016-13, regardless of the method used, an entity’s estimate of
expected credit losses should take into account “the expected risk of loss, even if that
risk is remote.”
To faithfully estimate the collectibility of financial assets within the scope of ASC
326-20, an entity should use judgment in developing estimation techniques and apply
those techniques consistently over time. ASC 326-20-55-7 emphasizes that an entity
should use methods that are “practical and relevant” given the specific facts and
circumstances and that “[t]he method(s) used to estimate expected credit losses may vary
on the basis of the type of financial asset, the entity’s ability to predict the timing
of cash flows, and the information available to the entity.”
Regardless of whether an entity changes its current method(s) of
estimating credit losses upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, the method(s) used must be
disclosed by portfolio segment and major security type in accordance with ASC
326-20-50-11. In changing the estimation technique or assumptions used to calculate
expected credit losses after initially adopting ASU 2016-13, an entity should consider
whether the change reflects a change in accounting principle3 or a change in accounting estimate4 in accordance with ASC 250. ASC 250 also discusses a change in
accounting estimate effected by a change in accounting principle.5 The table below discusses (1) when it is appropriate to effect a change in
accounting principle or a change in accounting estimate and (2) how such changes should
be accounted for in an entity’s financial statements.
Type of Change
|
When a Change Is Appropriate
|
Accounting for the Change
|
---|---|---|
Change in accounting principle
|
May be made upon the initial adoption of a newly
issued Codification update. If it occurs under any other
circumstances, it must be justified on the basis that the
alternative accounting principle is preferable (see ASC
250-10-45-2).
SEC registrants are required to file a
preferability letter to effect a change in accounting principle.
|
Reported “through retrospective application of
the new accounting principle to all prior periods, unless it is
impracticable to do so” (see ASC 250-10-45-5).
|
Change in accounting estimate
|
Generally results from “the continuing process
of obtaining additional information and revising estimates”
related to the present status and expected future benefits and
obligations associated with assets and liabilities (see ASC
250-10-45-18 and the definition of a change in accounting
estimate). The objective of measuring an asset or liability in
other Codification topics will affect the assessment of when a
change in accounting estimate is justified given the particular
facts and circumstances.
|
Should not be accounted for by restating or
retrospectively adjusting amounts reported in prior-period
financial statements. Rather, such a change should “be accounted
for in the period of change if the change affects that period
only or in the period of change and future periods if the change
affects both” (see ASC 250-10-45-17).
|
Change in accounting estimate effected by a
change in accounting principle
|
May only be made “if the new accounting
principle is justifiable on the basis that it is preferable”
(see ASC 250-10-45-19).
An SEC registrant is not required to file a
preferability letter to make a change in accounting estimate
effected by a change in accounting principle (see paragraph
4230.2(c)(4) of the SEC Financial Reporting
Manual).
|
Treated as a change in accounting estimate (see
ASC 250-10-45-18).
|
The determination of the allowance for credit losses on financial assets
reflects an accounting estimate. Making such an estimate involves the determination of
both the estimation technique (e.g., DCFs, loss-rate method) and the assumptions
inherent in that technique. ASC 326-20-55-6 notes that “[e]stimating expected credit
losses is highly judgmental” and includes the following nonexhaustive list of judgments
that may be involved in such estimation:
- The definition of default for default-based statistics
- The approach to measuring the historical loss amount for loss-rate statistics, including whether the amount is simply based on the amortized cost amount written off and whether there should be adjustments to historical credit losses (if any) to reflect the entity’s policies for recognizing accrued interest
- The approach to determine the appropriate historical period for estimating expected credit loss statistics
- The approach to adjusting historical credit loss information to reflect current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that are different from conditions existing in the historical period
- The methods of utilizing historical experience
- The method of adjusting loss statistics for recoveries
- How expected prepayments affect the estimate of expected credit losses
- How the entity plans to revert to historical credit loss information for periods beyond which the entity is able to make or obtain reasonable and supportable forecasts of expected credit losses
- The assessment of whether a financial asset exhibits risk characteristics similar to other financial assets.
As part of its processes for estimating expected credit losses, an
entity will need to continually obtain and evaluate new information to determine how it
affects the presentation of the net amounts expected to be collected on financial
assets. Such processes could include changing the estimation technique for specific
types of financial assets, changing the assumptions inherent in the application of a
particular estimation technique, or both.
4.4.1 Changes in Estimation Techniques
ASC 326-20-35-1 and ASC 326-20-55-7 address considerations related to determining the
estimation technique used to calculate expected credit losses and state:
35-1 At each reporting date, an entity shall record an allowance for
credit losses on financial assets (including purchased financial assets with
credit deterioration) within the scope of this Subtopic. An entity shall
compare its current estimate of expected credit losses with the estimate of
expected credit losses previously recorded. An entity shall report in net
income (as a credit loss expense or a reversal of credit loss expense) the
amount necessary to adjust the allowance for credit losses for management’s
current estimate of expected credit losses on financial asset(s). The
method applied to initially measure expected credit losses for the
assets included in paragraph 326-20-30-14 generally would be applied
consistently over time and shall faithfully estimate expected credit
losses for financial asset(s). [Emphasis added]
55-7 Because of the subjective nature of the estimate, this Subtopic
does not require specific approaches when developing the estimate of
expected credit losses. Rather, an entity should use judgment to develop
estimation techniques that are applied consistently over time and should
faithfully estimate the collectibility of the financial assets by
applying the principles in this Subtopic. An entity should utilize
estimation techniques that are practical and relevant to the
circumstance. The method(s) used to estimate expected credit losses may
vary on the basis of the type of financial asset, the entity’s ability
to predict the timing of cash flows, and the information available to
the entity. [Emphasis added]
An entity may consider changing its estimation technique for a particular type of
financial asset for various reasons. For example, in practice, it may be common for
a financial asset’s risk characteristics to no longer be similar to those of the
original pool of financial assets. In such situations, an entity may need to measure
expected credit losses on the asset by using a method different from that used for
the original pool. Accordingly, it may be appropriate for the entity to change the
estimation technique for the financial asset and, depending on the facts and
circumstances, the new estimation technique may be applied to the financial asset
individually or to a different pool of financial assets whose risk characteristics
are now similar to those of that asset. For instance, an entity may determine that
the allowance for credit losses on a credit-deteriorated financial asset (including,
but not limited to, a modified financial asset) should be estimated by using a DCF
approach or by applying the practical expedient related to collateral-dependent
financial assets, but the entity may also determine that the allowance for credit
losses on the original pool of financial assets should continue to be estimated by
using a loss-rate approach.
If there is no change in risk characteristics, an entity would
generally be expected to apply its estimation technique consistently over time.
However, when a change in an estimation technique is justified given the particular
facts and circumstances, an entity should treat the change as a change in accounting
estimate rather than as a change in accounting estimate effected by a change in
accounting principle. Although the definition of a change in accounting principle in
ASC 250 indicates that “[a] change in the method of applying
an accounting principle also is considered a change in accounting principle”
(emphasis added), the definition of a change in accounting estimate cites
uncollectible receivables as an item for which estimates are necessary. In prior
registrant comment letters and informal conversations, the SEC staff has expressed
its view that changes in the method of estimating the allowance for credit losses
represent changes in accounting estimates. We do not expect a change in this view
upon adoption of ASU 2016-13.
4.4.2 Applying Different Measurement Methods to Similar Pools of Assets
An entity can select from a number of measurement approaches to
estimate expected credit losses. Some approaches project future principal and
interest cash flows (i.e., a DCF method), while others project only future
principal losses. An entity is not necessarily required to apply the same
measurement approach when measuring expected credit losses related to similar
pools of assets. While it is clear that an entity could use different approaches
to measure expected credit losses related to individual financial assets that do
not share similar risk characteristics, it is less clear whether that same
conclusion applies to similar pools of financial assets. As discussed in
Chapter 3, an
entity must evaluate financial assets on a collective (i.e., pool) basis if they
share similar risk characteristics. Once the entity determines a pool of
financial assets, it can apply any of the measurement methods discussed in ASC
326-20 to that pool. As a result, an entity could potentially apply a different
measurement approach to different pools of similar financial assets.
Example 4-1
A commercial real estate lender has
historically provided financing in the northeastern and
southeastern United States and has determined its pools
of assets for measuring expected credit losses on the
basis of internal risk rating (1–5). The internal risk
rating takes into account borrower-specific factors such
as size, geographical location, historical payment
defaults, and loan term (note that the lender does not
believe that the borrower-specific factors cause the
loans not to share similar risk characteristics). Given
the amount of historical information gathered on these
commercial pools, the lender uses a DCF method to
estimate expected credit losses related to the pools.
In the current year, the lender begins
to finance commercial loans in the southwestern United
States. As the lender has historically done, it assigns
an internal risk rating to the loans issued in the
southwestern United States and determines that those
loans should be pooled together. However, the lender
does not have sufficient information to apply a DCF
method to these loans (as noted above, the lender did
have such information for the loans issued in the
northeastern and southeastern United States). Therefore,
on the basis of the guidance in ASC 326-20-55-7, which
emphasizes that an entity should use methods that are
“practical and relevant” given the specific facts and
circumstances and that “[t]he method(s) used to estimate
expected credit losses may vary on the basis of . . .
the entity’s ability to predict the timing of cash
flows, and the information available to the entity,” the
lender chooses to apply a loss-rate method to the pool
of commercial real estate loans issued in the
southwestern United States and continues to apply a DCF
method to the pools of commercial real estate loans
issued in the northeastern and southeastern United
States.
4.4.3 Changes in Assumptions
Changes to the assumptions an entity uses in applying a particular estimation
technique are appropriate when the entity is making those changes because it has
obtained and evaluated new information that affects its process for faithfully
estimating the collectibility of financial assets in accordance with ASC 326. Any
such changes, which should be justifiable given the particular facts and
circumstances, should be reflected as a change in accounting estimate. Such changes
would include the nonexhaustive list of judgments listed in ASC 326-20-55-6.
While changes in the estimation techniques and assumptions used to measure expected
credit losses are considered changes in accounting estimates, changes in certain
items, which are described in ASC 326 as “significant accounting policies,” could
indirectly affect the estimation of credit losses and would need to be reflected as
changes in accounting principles. ASC 326-20-50-17 states that an entity’s
significant accounting policies would include the following:
- Nonaccrual policies, including the policies for discontinuing accrual of interest, recording payments received on nonaccrual assets (including the cost recovery method, cash basis method, or some combination of those methods), and resuming accrual of interest, if applicable
- The policy for determining past-due or delinquency status
- The policy for recognizing writeoffs within the allowance for credit losses.
In addition, an entity’s change in its interest income recognition practices may
reflect a change in accounting principle or a change in accounting estimate effected
by a change in accounting principle. Interest income recognition guidance is largely
addressed in other Codification topics. However, ASC 326 does address an entity’s
treatment of the change in the allowance for credit losses that results from the
passage of time when a DCF approach is used to estimate expected credit losses. ASC
326-20-45-3 allows an entity to either (1) report the entire change in present value
as credit loss expense or (2) report the change in present value attributable to the
passage of time as interest income. The alternative chosen would reflect an
accounting policy; thus, any change in the alternative used would be considered a
change in accounting principle.
See ASC 250-10-50 for information about the disclosures that must accompany a change
in accounting principle or a change in accounting estimate.
4.4.4 Considerations Related to Estimating Credit Losses by Using a DCF Method
4.4.4.1 Effect of Prepayments on an Entity Using a DCF Method
An entity that uses a DCF method to estimate expected credit
losses must “discount expected cash flows at the financial asset’s effective interest rate” (emphasis added) in accordance
with ASC 326-20-30-4. This paragraph further states that “[w]hen a discounted
cash flow method is applied, the allowance for credit losses shall reflect the
difference between the amortized cost basis and the present value of the
expected cash flows.” ASC 326-20-20 defines the EIR, in part, as “[t]he rate of
return implicit in the financial asset, that is, the contractual interest rate
adjusted for any net deferred fees or costs, premium, or discount existing at
the origination or acquisition of the financial asset.”6
Consequently, ASC 326 is unclear on whether an entity that applies a DCF method
to discount the expected cash flows should use the same EIR it applied to
recognize interest income in accordance with ASC 310-20. With few exceptions, it
is assumed under ASC 310-20 that for interest income recognition purposes, the
loan will remain outstanding until its contractual maturity (and that,
therefore, expected prepayments are not considered). However, the CECL model
requires an entity to consider prepayments when applying the DCF method. As a
result, the loan term used for recognizing interest income is inconsistent with
that used for estimating expected credit losses.
Further, this inconsistency could result in certain anomalies. For example, when
an entity uses a DCF method to estimate expected credit losses for a loan that
includes a premium to par, any expected prepayments would accelerate the
recognition of premiums that are related solely to the use of a discount rate
under which, for CECL model purposes, prepayments are assumed to a set of cash
flows for which prepayments are not assumed for interest income recognition
purposes. The acceleration of the premium recognition results in an increase to
the credit allowance because the amortized cost basis on day 1 would be greater
than the present value of the expected cash flows. The opposite is true for a
loan that includes a discount to par under which the use of a DCF method that
includes expected prepayments would accelerate the recognition of the discount.
This acceleration would, in turn, artificially lower the allowance because the
amortized cost basis on day 1 would be less than the present value of the
expected cash flows.
This issue, among others discussed at the June 2017 TRG meeting, led the FASB to
issue ASU 2019-04, under which an entity can make an accounting policy election
(at the “class of financing receivable” level) to use a prepayment-adjusted EIR
when applying a DCF method under the CECL model, even though the EIR used for
interest income recognition is not adjusted for prepayments. The ASU also states
that an entity that has elected an accounting policy of adjusting the EIR for
prepayments should update the adjusted EIR periodically to match any changes in
expected prepayments. Moreover, the ASU clarifies that an entity should not
adjust the EIR used to discount expected cash flows for subsequent changes in
expected prepayments if the financial asset is restructured in a TDR.7
Changing Lanes
FASB ASU on Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage
Disclosures
ASU 2022-02 states that an entity that uses a DCF
method to calculate the allowance for credit losses will be required to
use a postmodification-derived EIR as part of its calculation in
accordance with ASC 326-20-30-4.
4.4.4.2 Variable-Rate Instruments
ASU 2016-13 originally stated that if a financial asset’s contractual interest
rate varies on the basis of an independent factor, such as an index or rate,
“[p]rojections of changes in the factor shall not be made for
purposes of determining the effective interest rate or estimating expected
future cash flows” (emphasis added). After the ASU was issued, however,
stakeholders questioned whether it was inconsistent for the guidance to prohibit
entities from projecting changes in the factor that leads to changes in the
financial asset’s contractual interest rate while requiring them to consider
projections when estimating expected cash flows.
As a result, in ASU 2019-04, the FASB clarifies that an entity is permitted to
consider projections of changes in the factor as long as such projections are
the same as those used to estimate expected future cash flows. For example, the
reasonable and supportable forecast period over which an entity chooses to
project the contractual variable interest rate should be consistent for both
estimating future cash flows and determining the EIR.
Specifically, ASC 326-20-30-4 states, in part:
If the financial asset’s
contractual interest rate varies based on subsequent changes in an
independent factor, such as an index or rate, for example, the prime rate,
the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), or the U.S. Treasury bill weekly
average, that financial asset’s effective interest rate (used to discount
expected cash flows as described in this paragraph) shall be calculated
based on the factor as it changes over the life of the financial asset. An
entity is not required to project changes in the factor for purposes of
estimating expected future cash flows. If the entity projects changes in the
factor for the purposes of estimating expected future cash flows, it shall
use the same projections in determining the effective interest rate used to
discount those cash flows. In addition, if the entity projects changes in
the factor for the purposes of estimating expected future cash flows, it
shall adjust the effective interest rate used to discount expected cash
flows to consider the timing (and changes in the timing) of expected cash
flows resulting from expected prepayments in accordance with paragraph
326-20-30-4A. Subtopic 310-20 on receivables — nonrefundable fees and other
costs provides guidance on the calculation of interest income for variable
rate instruments.
Connecting the Dots
Measuring Expected Credit Losses
When an EIR on a Fixed-Rate Loan Is Lower Than a Current Market
Rate
ASU 2019-04 clarifies that an entity is permitted
to consider projections of changes in factors that lead to changes in a
variable-rate instrument’s contractual interest rate when
determining the asset’s EIR. However, when an entity is determining the
EIR on a fixed-rate loan, even in situations in which interest
rates have increased since the origination of the loan, the entity would
not consider the current market rate when discounting the expected
future cash flows of the loan. Keep in mind that discounting the future
cash flows at a rate lower than the current market rate will result in a
lower amount of expected credit losses. An entity should change its
estimate of expected credit losses solely on the basis of changes in
credit quality (i.e., a change in future cash flows that is attributable
to credit). The FASB did not intend the measurement of expected credit
losses to reflect changes in interest rates in general or changes
specific to a borrower.
However, if the creditor uses a practical expedient in measuring expected
credit losses (e.g., fair value of collateral on a collateral-dependent
loan), the measurement may reflect changes in interest rates because
fair value incorporates current market conditions as of the measurement
date.
4.4.5 Estimating Credit Losses by Using Methods Other Than a DCF Method
If an entity chooses to estimate credit losses by using a method other than a DCF
method, it has the option of estimating credit losses on the asset’s amortized cost
basis in the aggregate or by separately measuring the components of the amortized
cost basis (e.g., premiums and discounts), as described in ASC 326-20-30-5.
Depending on which of these alternatives the entity chooses, it may be required to
adjust its historical loss information. For example, if an entity’s historical loss
rate reflects losses of only principal amounts, it may need to adjust that
information if it chooses to estimate credit losses on the entire amortized cost
basis of an asset to which premiums, discounts, or other basis adjustments
apply.
4.4.5.1 Accrued Interest
ASU 2016-13 defines “amortized cost basis” as “the amount at which a financing
receivable or investment is originated or acquired, adjusted for applicable
accrued interest, accretion or amortization of premium, discount, and
net deferred fees or costs, collection of cash, writeoffs, foreign exchange, and
fair value hedge accounting adjustments” (emphasis added). The ASU’s inclusion
of accrued interest in the definition of amortized cost basis has three
significant implications for financial statements with respect to the
measurement, presentation, and disclosure of the amortized cost basis and the
allowance for credit losses of financial assets:
- To measure an allowance for credit losses on the amortized cost basis of a financial asset, entities will be required to include an allowance for the applicable accrued interest of that asset.
- Entities will have to present the accrued interest amount in the amortized cost basis of the financial assets in the same line item on the balance sheet.
- Entities will be required to include accrued interest in their disclosures about the amortized cost basis by class of financing receivable and vintage in accordance with ASC 326-20-50-5 and 50-6, respectively.
Further, because accrued interest is included in the definition,
the reversal of such interest will need to be written off in the same manner as
the principal or other components of the amortized cost basis (see Section 4.5 for a
discussion of write-offs). ASC 326-20-35-8 states that “[w]riteoffs of financial
assets, which may be full or partial writeoffs, shall be deducted from the allowance” (emphasis added). In other words, all
components of the amortized cost basis, including the accrued interest, must be
written off through the allowance for credit losses.
After the issuance of ASU 2016-13, stakeholders raised concerns that the
inclusion of accrued interest in the definition of amortized cost basis could be
operationally burdensome because many loan systems are not able to track accrued
interest on an individual loan level. Stakeholders have also expressed concerns
about the conflict between existing nonaccrual policies, which generally follow
regulatory instructions requiring the reversal of accrued interest as a debit to
the interest income line item (at least in part), and the write-off guidance in
ASC 326-20-35-8. Many stakeholders, primarily financial institutions, indicated
that existing nonaccrual policies present a more accurate reflection of the
earning potential of a loan and interest income than does the write-off guidance
in ASC 326-20-35-8. Those stakeholders further maintained that any change from
the existing nonaccrual policies would reduce the consistency and comparability
of current-period financial statements, regulatory reports, and important
interest-income-based metrics (e.g., net interest margin) with those of prior
periods.
ASU 2019-04 addresses these concerns (which were originally
discussed at the June 2018 TRG meeting). Specifically, ASU 2019-04 states
that an entity would be allowed to:
- Measure the allowance for credit losses on accrued interest receivable balances separately from other components of the amortized cost basis of associated financial assets.
- Make an accounting policy election not to measure an allowance for credit losses on accrued interest receivable amounts if an entity writes off the uncollectible accrued interest receivable balance in a timely manner and makes certain disclosures.
- Make an accounting policy election to write off accrued interest amounts by [either] reversing interest income or recognizing credit loss expense, or a combination of both. The entity also is required to make certain disclosures.
- Make an accounting policy election to present accrued interest receivable balances and the related allowance for credit losses for those accrued interest receivable balances separately from the associated financial assets on the balance sheet. If the accrued interest receivable balances and the related allowance for credit losses are not presented as a separate line item on the balance sheet, an entity should disclose the amount of accrued interest receivable balances and the related allowance for credit losses and where the balance is presented.
- Elect a practical expedient to disclose separately the total amount of accrued interest included in the amortized cost basis as a single balance to meet certain disclosure requirements.
4.4.5.2 Nonaccrual Loans
ASC 310-20-35-17 states that the amortization of net
deferred fees and costs should be discontinued when an entity is not
accruing interest on a loan “because of concerns about the realization of
loan principal or interest.” The guidance in ASC 310-20-35-17 applies even
if an entity has net deferred costs or a premium associated with the loan.
While ASC 310-20 does not explicitly refer to premiums and
discounts, if a loan is on nonaccrual status, presumably no interest should
be recorded, including the amortization of premiums and discounts. Note,
however, that when an entity estimates expected credit losses on a
nonaccrual loan, it must consider the entire amortized cost basis of the
loan, including unamortized net deferred costs and unamortized premiums
(irrespective of whether the entity chooses to measure expected credit
losses on the asset’s amortized cost basis in the aggregate or by separately
measuring the components of the amortized cost basis, as permitted by ASC
326-20-30-5).
4.4.5.3 Discounting Inputs When a Method Other Than a DCF Method Is Used
An entity that uses a method other than a DCF method (e.g.,
a probability-of-default or a loss-given-default credit loss method) in
estimating credit losses is not allowed to discount only certain inputs;
partial discounting is prohibited. If an entity wants to discount the inputs
used to measure the allowance for credit losses, it should discount all the
inputs used in the measurement. Note that this question was addressed at the
November 2018 TRG meeting, and it was determined that
ASU 2016-13’s guidance on discounting is clear. As a result, the FASB is not
expected to amend the guidance in ASC 326 to reflect the TRG discussion.
In addition, it would not be acceptable for an entity to
discount future losses when using a loss-rate method (i.e., amortized cost ×
expected loss rate). Discounting is allowed only under a DCF approach in
which an entity uses the EIR at inception.
4.4.5.4 Consideration of Capitalized Interest When a Method Other Than a DCF Method Is Used
When an entity uses a method other than a DCF method to
estimate credit losses, its allowance for credit losses should not take into
account future capitalized interest, since such interest is not included in
the asset’s amortized cost basis on which the entity is estimating expected
credit losses. For a financial asset issued at a discount, the amount due
upon default — provided that there are no terms or conditions that only
require the repayment of “accreted value” at any point in the asset’s term —
would be the par amount and accrued interest to date (which is greater than
the asset’s amortized cost basis). For a financial asset issued at par with
expected future capitalized interest, the amount due upon default is also
the par amount and accrued interest to date, which would equal the amortized
cost basis at the time of default (as long as there are no other adjustments
to the amortized cost basis). Therefore, an entity would not consider any
unearned interest, regardless of the expectation that it will be capitalized
in future periods before a default occurs, in the calculation of an
allowance for credit losses because the legal amount owed upon default would
not include that future expected accrued interest.
To illustrate this point, at its June 2018 meeting, the TRG discussed an example in
which an entity issues a student loan for $60,000. The student is not
required to make any payments on the loan until after four years (i.e., the
loan will be in deferment for four years). However, interest accrues during
the deferment period in such a way that at the end of year 4, the student
will owe the lender $100,000, comprising a principal amount of $60,000 and
interest of $40,000. In this scenario, although the student will owe the
lender $100,000 after the deferment period ends, the lender will calculate
its expected credit losses during the deferment period by using an amortized
cost amount that does not include future capitalized interest (i.e., the
principal amount of $60,000).
4.4.6 Effect of Timing on Expected Credit Losses
The timing of defaults and prepayments (e.g., repayment of the
financial asset, either partially or entirely, before its stated maturity
according to its contractual terms) affects an entity’s calculation of expected
credit losses differently depending on the method used:
- DCF method — When a DCF method is applied to a pool of financial assets, the time value of money is explicitly incorporated (i.e., both the amount and timing of cash flows matter). For example, the timing of prepayments affects the timing of the recognition of discounts and premiums and the number of interest coupons to be received. These factors could increase or offset credit losses when a DCF method is applied to a pool of assets by using an overall EIR.
- Measuring expected credit losses on the separate components of amortized cost (e.g., premiums, discounts) or on the asset’s combined amortized cost basis — Regardless of whether an entity estimates expected credit losses on the separate components of amortized cost or the combined amortized cost basis of the asset, an entity is permitted but not required to consider the timing of when credit losses will occur.8 However, if an entity chooses to consider timing when estimating expected credit losses, the timing will affect the amount of amortized premiums, discounts, deferred fees and costs, etc. In addition, the entity would also need to estimate the acceleration of the amortization of the amounts resulting from prepayments.
4.4.7 Inclusion of Taxes, Insurance, and Other Costs
A lender’s expectations of future losses on payments of tax,
insurance premiums, and other “costs” (i.e., payments made by the lender that
may not be recovered from borrowers) should not be included in the lender’s day
1 estimate of expected credit losses. Those amounts should only be included in
its estimate of expected credit losses when the funds are advanced. Some would
argue that because the lender is not obligated to make those payments on the
borrower’s behalf, not establishing an allowance for these amounts before such
advances is consistent with the treatment of unfunded loan commitments discussed
in Section 2.1.
Others would argue that even if the lender was effectively compelled to make the
advances to protect its collateral, not including estimates of future advances
in the expected credit losses is consistent with the treatment of future
capitalized interest discussed in Section 4.4.5.4 since those amounts do not
represent the amount owed by the borrower on the balance sheet date.
4.4.8 Weighted-Average Remaining Maturity Method
In January 2019, the FASB staff issued a Q&A document that addresses whether and, if so, how the
WARM method could be used to estimate expected credit losses. The document
states that the “WARM method uses an average annual charge-off rate [that]
contains loss content over several vintages and is used as a foundation for
estimating the credit loss content for the remaining balances of financial
assets in a pool at the balance sheet date. The average annual charge-off rate
is applied to the contractual term, further adjusted for estimated prepayments
to determine the unadjusted historical charge-off rate for the remaining balance
of the financial assets.” The staff indicated that it is acceptable to use the
WARM method to estimate an allowance for credit losses, particularly for less
complex financial asset pools, and that an entity needs to consider whether
qualitative adjustments should be made.
To illustrate how an entity might apply the WARM method, the FASB staff included
a number of examples in the Q&A, one of which is reproduced below.
FASB Staff Q&A
Topic 326, No. 1: Whether the Weighted-Average
Remaining Maturity Method Is an Acceptable Method to
Estimate Expected Credit Losses
Question 3 . .
.
Fact Pattern
- Estimate the allowance for credit losses as of 12/31/2020
- Pool of financial assets of similar risk characteristics
- Amortized cost basis of ~$13.98 million
- 5-year financial assets (contractual term adjusted by prepayments)
- Management expects the following in 2021 and 2022:
- Rise in unemployment rates
- Management cannot reasonably forecast beyond 2022
- Assume 0.25% qualitative adjustment to represent both current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts
The example illustrates estimating an allowance for
credit losses on a pool of financial assets as of
December 31, 2020. The pool has an outstanding balance
of approximately $13.98 million as of December 31, 2020
and has financial assets with a contractual life of 5
years. The $13.98 million amortized cost is for a pool
of financial assets with similar credit risk
characteristics.
Management expects a rise in unemployment rates for 2021
and 2022 and cannot reasonably forecast beyond 2022. The
example assumes a 0.25% qualitative adjustment for
current conditions and reasonable and supportable
forecasts discussed further below. It is important to
note that this input will be a significant assumption
when estimating expected credit losses under Update
2016-13 because it represents amounts for the current
conditions and reasonable and supportable forecast.
Moreover, because the example is for illustrative
purposes, the staff has not assumed a specific type of
financial asset pool given the breadth of products that
exist in the market place and the specific facts and
circumstances that may exist for a particular entity.
Rather, the calculations are meant to depict the
mechanics of the model in various ways. Therefore, as
noted in the example calculations, an entity will need
to determine if adjustments need to be made to
historical loss data in accordance with paragraph
326-20-30-8 in addition to the reasonable and
supportable forecasts.
Step 1: Calculate Annual Charge-Off Rate
In Table 1 above:
- Red bolded number of 0.36% is an average of 5 years of annual charge-off rates.
- The historical time period used to determine the average annual charge-off rate is a significant judgment that will need to be properly supported and documented in accordance with paragraph 326-20-30-8. For this example, assume the entity compared historical information for similar financial assets with the current and forecasted direction of the economic environment, and believes that its most recent 5-year period is a reasonable period on which to base its expected credit-loss-rate calculation after considering the underwriting standards and contractual terms for loans that existed over the historical period in comparison with the current pool. Additionally, assume the entity considered whether any adjustments to historical loss information in accordance with paragraph 326-20-30-8 were needed before considering adjustments for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts but determined that none were necessary. It should be noted that this is a simplified example using a generic pool. An entity that estimates the allowance for credit losses using the WARM method (or any method) should determine if its historical loss information needs to be adjusted for changes in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, or asset term within the pool at the reporting date.
Step 2: Estimate the Allowance for Credit
Losses
In Table 2 above:
-
First column titled “Year End” displays subsequent years, until 2025, which represents the time anticipated for the pool to be paid off.
-
Second column titled “Est. Paydown” represents expected payments in the future periods until the pool is expected to fully pay off. Management will need to estimate the future paydowns, which includes the scheduled payments + prepayments.Note: Do not include the expected credit losses in this column. Paydowns should include scheduled payments and non-credit related prepayments.Note: Estimated prepayments are also a significant judgment that will need to be properly supported and documented.
-
Third column titled “Projected Amort Cost”:
- Begin with $13.98MM outstanding balance as of the balance sheet date of 12/31/2020.
- Subtract projected paydowns from the “Est. Paydown” column to estimate future projected amortized cost for each of the remaining years of the pool’s life (for example, $13,980M minus $3,700M equals $10,280M).
-
Fifth column titled “Allowance for Credit Losses”:
- Take each of the future years’ projected amortized cost and multiply by the average annual charge-off rate, thereby estimating each of the remaining years’ losses and aggregating to estimate the cumulative losses (for example, in the first year, $13.98MM of amortized cost is multiplied by the average annual charge-off rate of 0.36% for a first year’s credit loss estimate of $50K dollars).
- For the second year, which is 2022, the $10.28MM representing the ending balance as of 2021 and the beginning balance as of 2022 is multiplied by the average annual charge-off rate of 0.36% to estimate the second year’s credit losses of $37K dollars. This process is repeated for each remaining year.
- Sum the last column to
estimate the total expected credit losses of $126K
dollars.Note: This is not the full allowance for credit losses because the entity has not yet accounted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
- Convert $126K of expected losses into a loss rate of 0.90% by dividing $126K by the amortized cost of $13.98MM.
- Finally, add 0.25% of qualitative adjustments as
an assumption established as part of the fact
pattern of the example to estimate the allowance
for credit losses rate of 1.15%. The 1.15% is
multiplied by $13.98MM to estimate the total
allowance for credit losses of $161K dollars.
Note: 0.25% is a significant assumption made by management that will need to be adequately documented and supported. For this example, in accordance with paragraph 326-20-55-4, the entity considered significant factors that could affect the expected collectability of the amortized cost basis of the pool and determined that the primary factor is the unemployment rate. As part of this analysis, assume that the entity observed that the unemployment rate has increased as of the current reporting period date. Based on current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts, the entity expects that unemployment rates are expected to increase further over the next one to two years. To adjust the historical loss rate to reflect the effects of those differences in current conditions and forecasted changes, the entity estimates a 25-basis-point increase in credit losses incremental to the 0.9 percent historical lifetime loss rate related to the expected deterioration in unemployment rates. Management estimates that the incremental 25-basis-point increase based on its knowledge of historical loss information during past years in which there were similar trends in unemployment rates. Management is unable to support its estimate of expectations for unemployment rates beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period. Under this loss-rate method, the incremental credit losses for the current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecast (the 25 basis points) is added to the 0.9 percent rate that serves as the basis for the expected credit loss rate. No further reversion adjustments are needed because the entity has applied a 1.15% loss rate where it has immediately reverted into historical losses that reflect the contractual term in accordance with paragraphs 326-20-30-8 through 30-9. This approach reflects an immediate reversion technique for the loss-rate method. It is important to note that the 25-basis-point increase reflects the entity’s estimate of the incremental losses in years 2021 and 2022 from unemployment and assumes no incremental losses for the remaining years. Further, the reversion technique selected by the entity is a significant assumption that will need to be supported by management and is not a policy election or practical expedient.
Connecting the Dots
Applicability of the WARM
Method
The FASB staff indicated that it is acceptable to use the WARM method to
estimate expected credit losses. Under that method, entities use
qualitative adjustments to alleviate the operational challenges they may
face when applying other loss methods. For example, in its response to
Question 2 of the Q&A document, the staff suggests that such
qualitative adjustments may be used to overcome “situations involving
minimal loss history, losses that are sporadic with no predictive
patterns, low numbers of loans in each pool, data that is only available
for a short historical period, a composition that varies significantly
from historical pools of financial assets, or changes in the economic
environment.”
However, the FASB staff also cautions preparers that although the WARM
method can be used effectively in some situations, certain “challenges
will be more significant, and an entity may find that the WARM method is
inappropriate for its situation.” Because the WARM method relies heavily
on qualitative adjustments for which significant judgment is required,
we believe that entities may discover that the costs of applying it
outweigh its benefits. As a result, we do not expect many entities to
apply the WARM method in practice.
4.4.9 Practical Expedients Related to Measuring Expected Credit Losses
ASC 326 permits entities to use practical expedients to measure expected credit
losses for the following two types of financial assets:
- Collateral-dependent financial assets — In a manner consistent with its practice under existing U.S. GAAP, an entity is permitted to measure its estimate of expected credit losses for collateral-dependent financial assets as the difference between the financial asset’s amortized cost and the collateral’s fair value (adjusted for selling costs, when applicable).
- Financial assets for which the borrower must continually adjust the amount of securing collateral (e.g., certain repurchase agreements and securities-lending arrangements) — An entity is permitted to measure its estimate of expected credit losses on these financial assets as the difference between the amortized cost basis of the asset and the collateral’s fair value.
4.4.9.1 Collateral-Dependent Financial Assets
ASU 2016-13 does not change the U.S. GAAP guidance on
determining when a financial asset is a collateral-dependent financial asset. As
is consistent with previous U.S. GAAP, a financial asset is considered
collateral-dependent if “repayment is expected to be provided substantially
through the operation or sale of the collateral.” Furthermore, under ASC
326-20-35-4, and in a manner consistent with previous U.S. GAAP, an entity is
required to measure the allowance for credit losses on the basis of the fair
value of the collateral when it determines that foreclosure is probable.
However, ASU 2016-13 does change an entity’s ability to measure
the allowance for credit losses on a collateral-dependent financial asset when
foreclosure is not probable. Under previous U.S. GAAP, an entity could elect, as
a practical expedient, to measure the allowance for credit losses on a
collateral-dependent financial asset that is impaired on the basis of the
collateral’s fair value in any circumstance. By contrast, ASC 326-20-35-5
indicates that if foreclosure is not probable, an entity can elect to use such a
practical expedient for collateral-dependent financial assets only “when the
borrower is experiencing financial difficulty based on the entity’s assessment
as of the reporting date.” The phrase “when the borrower is experiencing
financial difficulty” is consistent with the guidance that an entity considers
to determine whether a modification of a financial asset (1) reflects a TDR
before the adoption of ASU 2022-02 or (2) is subject to the disclosure
requirements in ASC 310-10-50-42 through 50-44 (added by ASU 2022-02).
Therefore, the guidance in ASC 310-40 (before the adoption of ASU 2022-02) and
310-10-50 (after the adoption of ASU 2022-02) that is used to determine whether
a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties is relevant to the determination
of an entity’s ability to use the practical expedient for a collateral-dependent
financial asset. Before the adoption of ASU 2022-02, ASC 310-40-15-20 indicates
that the following indicators9 should be considered in the determination of when a debtor may be
experiencing financial difficulties (this list is not all-inclusive):
- The debtor is currently in payment default on any of its debt. In addition, a creditor shall evaluate whether it is probable that the debtor would be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification. That is, a creditor may conclude that a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties, even though the debtor is not currently in payment default.
- The debtor has declared or is in the process of declaring bankruptcy.
- There is substantial doubt as to whether the debtor will continue to be a going concern.
- The debtor has securities that have been delisted, are in the process of being delisted, or are under threat of being delisted from an exchange.
- On the basis of estimates and projections that only encompass the debtor’s current capabilities, the creditor forecasts that the debtor’s entity-specific cash flows will be insufficient to service any of its debt (both interest and principal) in accordance with the contractual terms of the existing agreement for the foreseeable future.
- Without the current modification, the debtor cannot obtain funds from sources other than the existing creditors at an effective interest rate equal to the current market interest rate for similar debt for a nontroubled debtor.
In determining when the practical expedient for
collateral-dependent financial assets can be applied, an entity should also
consider the FASB’s rationale for changing previous U.S. GAAP to limit the
application of this expedient. Since the CECL model is built on the foundation
that expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual life of a
financial asset, the FASB was concerned that allowing an unrestricted practical
expedient for collateral-dependent financial assets could enable entities to
defer the recognition of credit losses that are expected to occur over the
asset’s contractual life as a result of declines in the collateral’s fair value.
Consequently, under the guidance, the practical expedient can only be elected if
the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, since only at this point
does the collateral’s fair value signify a reasonable expectation of the
recoverability of the financial asset. This guidance is consistent with
paragraph BC64 of ASU 2016-13, which refers to the acceptability of measuring
expected credit losses on the basis of the fair value of the collateral “because
fair value reflects the amount expected to be collected.” Before the point at
which a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties, the collateral’s fair
value would not necessarily reflect the net amount of the financial asset
expected to be collected because of an entity’s prolonged exposure to declines
in that fair value.
Entities may wish to implement accounting practices under which
they perform an objective determination of when a borrower is experiencing
financial difficulties (e.g., when a loan is a certain number of days past due
or becomes subject to the entity’s nonaccrual policy). The reasonableness of
such practices would depend on the specific facts and circumstances, including
the financial asset type, and any such objective evidence would need to be
supplemented by qualitative considerations since an entity must use judgment and
consider its particular facts and circumstances in determining when a borrower
is experiencing financial difficulties.
Since ASC 326 does not require entities to use the practical
expedient for collateral-dependent financial assets before foreclosure is
probable, the principal risk in the application of objective evidence lies in
prematurely measuring expected credit losses on the basis of the collateral’s
fair value. Rather, to apply this practical expedient when foreclosure is not
probable, an entity must appropriately assess all relevant facts and
circumstances to determine whether the borrower is experiencing financial
difficulties. The entity may consider both quantitative and qualitative
indicators in performing this assessment. While the mere fact that a borrower is
past due on its payments would generally indicate that it is experiencing
financial difficulties, this may not always be the case. For example, a borrower
may be past due on a loan because of a payment delay was temporarily caused by a
natural disaster or other similar event that did not have a significant bearing
on the borrower’s wherewithal to make the contractually required payments on the
loan receivable.
Keep in mind that the entity is only allowed to use the practical expedient (when
foreclosure is not probable) if the borrower is experiencing financial
difficulty. As a result, the entity would be permitted to continue to use the
practical expedient only if it concludes that the borrower continues to
experience financial difficulty. In other words, the conditions related to using
the practical expedient when foreclosure is not probable must be met in every
reporting period. To the extent that the entity determines that the borrower is
no longer experiencing financial difficulty (or that repayment will no longer be
substantially provided through the collateral’s sale or operation), the entity
would need to measure expected credit losses by using another appropriate
measurement method discussed in ASC 326-20-30-3.
An entity must use judgment in determining whether repayment of
a loan is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral. On
October 24, 2013, the federal financial institution regulatory agencies jointly
issued “Interagency Supervisory Guidance Addressing Certain Issues
Related to Troubled Debt Restructurings” (the “Interagency
Guidance”10), which provides the following additional interpretation of the definition
of a collateral-dependent loan:
An impaired loan is collateral dependent if “repayment
is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral,” which
includes repayment from the proceeds from the sale of the collateral,
cash flow from the continued operation of the collateral, or both.
Whether the underlying collateral is expected to be the sole source of
repayment for an impaired loan is a matter requiring judgment as to the
availability, reliability, and capacity of sources other than the
collateral to repay the debt. Generally, repayment of an impaired loan
would be expected to be provided solely by the sale or continued
operation of the underlying collateral if cash flows to repay the loan
from all other available sources (including guarantors) are expected to
be no more than nominal. For example, the existence of a guarantor is
one factor to consider when determining whether an impaired loan,
including a TDR loan, is collateral dependent. To assess the extent to
which a guarantor provides repayment support, the ability and
willingness of the guarantor to make more-than-nominal payments on the
loan should be evaluated.
The repayment of some impaired loans collateralized by
real estate may depend on cash flow generated by the operation of a
business or from sources outside the scope of the lender’s security
interest in the collateral, such as cash flows from borrower resources
other than the collateral. These loans are generally not considered
collateral dependent due to the more-than-nominal payments expected to
come from these other repayment sources. For such loans, even if a
portion of the cash flow for repayment is expected to come from the sale
or operation of the collateral (but not solely from the sale or
operation of the collateral), the loan would not be considered
collateral dependent.
For example, an impaired loan collateralized by an
apartment building, shopping mall, or other income-producing property
where the anticipated cash flows for loan repayment are expected to be
derived solely from the property’s rental income, and there are no other
available and reliable repayment sources, would be considered collateral
dependent because repayment is expected to be provided only from the
continued operation of the collateral. However, an impaired loan secured
by the owner-occupied real estate of a business (such as a manufacturer
or retail store) where the anticipated cash flows to repay the loan are
expected to be derived from the borrower’s ongoing business operations
and activities would not be considered collateral dependent because the
loan is not expected to be repaid solely from cash flows from the sale
or operation of the collateral. Nevertheless, if the borrower’s
condition worsens so that any payments from the operation of the
business are expected to be nominal and repayment instead is expected to
depend solely on the sale or operation of the underlying collateral, the
loan would then be considered collateral dependent. [Footnotes
omitted]
Under this guidance, a loan would be collateral-dependent if it
is a nonrecourse loan and the creditor expects to foreclose on it, because in
such circumstances, the creditor may only look to the collateral for
satisfaction of the loan. Conversely, if the creditor is unsure whether it will
foreclose on the collateral, the loan would not be considered
collateral-dependent unless it is expected to be repaid solely through the
continued operation of the collateral.11
However, if the loan is collateralized by real estate and the
creditor has recourse to the general credit of the borrower or to a guarantor,
the assessment is less clear. The creditor would need to (1) consider whether
the borrower’s financial ability to satisfy the obligation would include
repayment sources other than the collateral and (2) formulate an expectation
regarding the borrower’s future actions. If a debtor has no means of repaying
the loan other than through operation of the collateral, the creditor should
conclude that the loan is collateral-dependent. However, if more-than-nominal
payments are expected to come from other repayment sources, the loan would
generally not be considered collateral-dependent. A similar assessment should be
performed when a source of repayment may come from a guarantor. The ability and
willingness of a guarantor to make more-than-nominal payments on a loan would
result in a conclusion that the loan is not collateral-dependent.
4.4.9.1.1 Considering Collateral Values in the Measurement of Expected Credit Losses
For collateral-dependent financial assets, ASC
326-20-35-4 requires an entity to measure expected credit losses on the
basis of the collateral’s fair value if the entity determines that
foreclosure is probable. Further, even if a financial asset does not
qualify for the practical expedient for collateral-dependent financial
assets, the collateral value is still relevant to the estimate of
expected credit losses on the financial asset. ASC 326-20-30-10 states,
in part:
Except for the circumstances described in
paragraphs 326-20-35-4 through 35-6, an entity shall not expect
nonpayment of the amortized cost basis to be zero solely on the
basis of the current value of collateral securing the financial
asset(s) but, instead, also shall consider the nature of the
collateral, potential future changes in collateral values, and
historical loss information for financial assets secured with
similar collateral.
Accordingly, if the practical expedient for
collateral-dependent financial assets in ASC 326-20-35-5 is not applied,
an entity should consider, among other factors that may affect expected
credit losses on the financial asset (or group of similar financial
assets), how the collateral’s fair value may affect the estimation of
such losses over the contractual life of the financial asset (or group
of financial assets).12 If the practical expedient is not applied, an entity cannot
measure the allowance for credit losses solely on the basis of the
reporting-date fair value of the collateral or avoid recognizing an
allowance for credit losses solely because the reporting-date fair value
of the collateral equals or exceeds the amortized cost basis of the
financial asset (or group of financial assets).
Nevertheless, the collateral security on a financial
asset would be expected to affect an entity’s estimation of expected
credit losses. In this regard, as discussed in ASC 326-20-30-10, an
entity should consider the nature of the collateral (including the
nature of the security and the seniority thereon), potential future
changes in the collateral’s fair value, and historical losses (adjusted
for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts) for
financial assets secured with similar collateral. ASC 326-20-55-15
further indicates that debt-to-value ratios and collateral affect the
credit quality indicators that are pertinent to financial assets.
Accordingly, the collateral securing a financial asset is likely to have
an impact on both the probability of default and the loss-given default
on the financial asset.
If the practical expedient for collateral-dependent
financial assets is not applied, there could potentially be no allowance
for credit losses on financial assets, although such situations are not
typical. Paragraph BC63 of ASU 2016-13 states:
The
Board decided that an entity should consider the expected risk of
loss, even if that risk is remote, and that an entity need not
measure an expected credit loss when historical information adjusted
for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts
results in an expectation that the risk of nonpayment of the
amortized cost basis is zero. The Board decided not to explicitly
state which financial assets are appropriate to have a zero
allowance for expected credit losses. The Board understands that an
expectation of zero loss is entirely based on the nature and
characteristics of a financial asset, which may change over time. As
a result, the Board concluded that a “bright-line” approach would be
inappropriate for all facts and circumstances and decided not to
provide explicit guidance on what specific assets are appropriate
for zero expected credit losses. The Board decided that an entity
should determine at the reporting date an estimate of credit loss
that best reflects its expectations (or its best estimate of
expected credit loss).
For example, it may be appropriate not to recognize an
allowance for credit losses on certain secured financial assets in which
the loan-to-value ratio is so low that it reduces the expected credit
losses to zero. To make such a determination, an entity would need to
appropriately consider the relevant facts and circumstances, including,
but not limited to, the following:
- The remaining contractual term of the financial asset (and, if relevant, the entity’s ability to call the financial asset upon a decline in the collateral’s fair value).
- The nature of the collateral.
- The nature and terms of the security (including any subordination provided by other interests in the collateral).
- Past experience with similar collateralized financial assets.
- Current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that may affect the prior historical loss information (e.g., potential reasonable and supportable declines in the fair value of the collateral that have not occurred in the past). An entity is not required to consider extremely remote scenarios but should consider those that are reasonably possible.
However, if an entity is aware of a historical default
on a particular asset or an asset with similar risk characteristics,
regardless of whether the asset was held by the entity or another
entity, it would be difficult for the entity to conclude that it is not
required to recognize an allowance for credit losses for that asset or
asset class. In addition, an entity should consider that paragraph BC71
of ASU 2016-13 states, in part, that “it would be inappropriate to
measure credit losses for financial assets on an individual basis to
arrive at a zero expected credit loss when a pool of financial assets
with similar risk characteristics exists that would indicate otherwise.”
4.4.9.2 Consideration of Costs to Sell When Foreclosure Is Probable
In estimating expected credit losses, an entity that
believes foreclosure is probable should consider the costs to sell the
collateral securing the financial asset. ASU 2019-04 amended ASC 326-20-35-4
to clarify that an entity is required to adjust the fair value of the
collateral by the estimated costs to sell if it intends to sell rather than
operate the collateral when it determines that foreclosure on a financial
asset is probable.
4.4.9.2.1 Collateral Maintenance Provisions
ASC 326-20
35-6 For certain financial
assets, the borrower may be contractually required
to continually adjust the amount of the collateral
securing the financial asset(s) as a result of fair
value changes in the collateral. In those
situations, if an entity reasonably expects the
borrower to continue to replenish the collateral to
meet the requirements of the contract, an entity may
use, as a practical expedient, a method that
compares the amortized cost basis with the fair
value of collateral at the reporting date to measure
the estimate of expected credit losses. An entity
may determine that the expectation of nonpayment of
the amortized cost basis is zero if the fair value
of the collateral is equal to or exceeds the
amortized cost basis of the financial asset and the
entity reasonably expects the borrower to continue
to replenish the collateral as necessary to meet the
requirements of the contract. If the fair value of
the collateral at the reporting date is less than
the amortized cost basis of the financial asset and
the entity reasonably expects the borrower to
continue to replenish the collateral as necessary to
meet the requirements of the contract, the entity
shall estimate expected credit losses for the
unsecured amount of the amortized cost basis. The
allowance for credit losses on the financial asset
is limited to the difference between the fair value
of the collateral at the reporting date and the
amortized cost basis of the financial asset.
In arrangements in which the borrower must continually
adjust the collateral securing the asset to reflect changes in the
collateral’s fair value (e.g., reverse repurchase arrangements), the entity
is permitted to measure its estimate of expected credit losses on these
financial assets only on the basis of the unsecured portion of the amortized
cost as of the balance sheet date (i.e., the difference between the
amortized cost basis of the asset and the collateral’s fair value). In such
arrangements, the entity must reasonably expect that the borrower will
continue to replenish the collateral as necessary. Under the practical
expedient for the collateral maintenance provision, the entity may assume
that there will be zero losses on the portion of the asset’s amortized basis
that is equal to the fair value of the collateral as of the balance sheet
date. If the fair value of the collateral is equal to or greater than the
amortized cost of the asset, the expected losses would be zero. If the fair
value of the collateral is less than the amortized cost of the asset, the
expected losses are limited to the difference between the fair value of the
collateral and the amortized cost basis of the asset. Example 7 in ASC
326-20 illustrates application of this practical expedient.
ASC 326-20
Example 7:
Estimating Expected Credit Losses — Practical
Expedient for Financial Assets With Collateral
Maintenance Provisions
55-45 This Example
illustrates one way an entity may implement the
guidance in paragraph 326-20-35-6 for estimating
expected credit losses on financial assets with
collateral maintenance provisions.
55-46 Bank H enters into a
reverse repurchase agreement with Entity I that is
in need of short-term financing. Under the terms of
the agreement, Entity I sells securities to Bank H
with the expectation that it will repurchase those
securities for a certain price on an agreed-upon
date. In addition, the agreement contains a
provision that requires Entity I to provide security
collateral that is valued daily, and the amount of
the collateral is adjusted up or down to reflect
changes in the fair value of the underlying
securities transferred. This collateral maintenance
provision is designed to ensure that at any point
during the arrangement, the fair value of the
collateral continually equals or is greater than the
amortized cost basis of the reverse repurchase
agreement.
55-47 At the end of the first
reporting period after entering into the agreement
with Entity I, Bank H evaluates the reverse
repurchase agreement’s collateral maintenance
provision to determine whether it can use the
practical expedient in accordance with paragraph
326-20-35-6 for estimating expected credit losses.
Bank H determines that although there is a risk that
Entity I may default, Bank H’s expectation of
nonpayment of the amortized cost basis on the
reverse repurchase agreement is zero because Entity
I continually adjusts the amount of collateral such
that the fair value of the collateral is always
equal to or greater than the amortized cost basis of
the reverse repurchase agreement. In addition, Bank
H continually monitors that Entity I adheres to the
collateral maintenance provision. As a result, Bank
H uses the practical expedient in paragraph
326-20-35-6 and does not record expected credit
losses at the end of the first reporting period
because the fair value of the security collateral is
greater than the amortized cost basis of the reverse
repurchase agreement. Bank H performs a reassessment
of the fair value of collateral in relation to the
amortized cost basis each reporting period.
4.4.9.2.2 Frequency of Collateral Replenishment
ASC 326-20-35-6 states, in part, that “[a]n entity may
determine that the expectation of nonpayment of the amortized cost basis
is zero if the fair value of the collateral is equal to or exceeds the
amortized cost basis of the financial asset and the entity reasonably
expects the borrower to continue to replenish the collateral.”
The guidance is not clear on how frequently an entity
must post additional collateral to meet the condition that it
“continually” replenish the collateral. While “continually” may mean
that the replenishment must occur on a daily basis, certain arrangements
require that collateral be replenished only if a specific minimum
threshold is reached (i.e., if the change in the fair value of the
collateral is greater than a specified amount). In such arrangements,
the requirements to use the practical expedient would never be met,
which we believe was not the FASB’s intent. Therefore, we think that an
entity should use judgment when evaluating the terms of the arrangement
with respect to posting additional collateral. In performing this
evaluation, the entity should consider whether there are certain
situations in which the posting of additional collateral is either
required or prohibited when a specified threshold is reached.
In addition, we believe that the entity should also
consider the collateral’s nature as well as how frequently it evaluates
the collateral’s adequacy. The adequacy of the collateral’s value should
be evaluated continually, even daily. If the evaluation is performed
less frequently than daily, we believe that it would be more difficult
for the entity to support its use of the practical expedient.
Furthermore, the entity should consider the nature of the collateral
because the more liquid and observable the collateral’s value is, the
easier it is to support the collateral’s adequacy in the arrangement.
The less liquid and observable the value of the collateral is (e.g.,
Level 3 for fair value disclosure purposes), the harder it will be for
the entity to demonstrate that it has evaluated the adequacy of the
collateral in attempting to qualify to use the practical expedient.
4.4.10 U.S. Treasury Securities and Other Highly Rated Debt Instruments
ASC 326-20
Example 8: Estimating Expected Credit Losses When
Potential Default Is Greater Than Zero, but
Expected Nonpayment Is Zero
55-48 This
Example illustrates one way, but not the only way, an
entity may estimate expected credit losses when the
expectation of nonpayment is zero. This example is not
intended to be only applicable to U.S. Treasury
securities.
55-49 Entity
J invests in U.S. Treasury securities with the intent to
hold them to collect contractual cash flows to maturity.
As a result, Entity J classifies its U.S. Treasury
securities as held to maturity and measures the
securities on an amortized cost basis.
55-50
Although U.S. Treasury securities often receive the
highest credit rating by rating agencies at the end of
the reporting period, Entity J’s management still
believes that there is a possibility of default, even if
that risk is remote. However, Entity J considers the
guidance in paragraph 326-20-30-10 and concludes that
the long history with no credit losses for U.S. Treasury
securities (adjusted for current conditions and
reasonable and supportable forecasts) indicates an
expectation that nonpayment of the amortized cost basis
is zero, even if the U.S. government were to technically
default. Judgment is required to determine the nature,
depth, and extent of the analysis required to evaluate
the effect of current conditions and reasonable and
supportable forecasts on the historical credit loss
information, including qualitative factors. In this
circumstance, Entity J notes that U.S. Treasury
securities are explicitly fully guaranteed by a
sovereign entity that can print its own currency and
that the sovereign entity’s currency is routinely held
by central banks and other major financial institutions,
is used in international commerce, and commonly is
viewed as a reserve currency, all of which qualitatively
indicate that historical credit loss information should
be minimally affected by current conditions and
reasonable and supportable forecasts. Therefore, Entity
J does not record expected credit losses for its U.S.
Treasury securities at the end of the reporting period.
The qualitative factors considered by Entity J in this
Example are not an all-inclusive list of conditions that
must be met in order to apply the guidance in paragraph
326-20-30-10.
ASC 326-20-30-10 states, in part, that “an entity is not
required to measure expected credit losses on a financial asset . . . in which
historical credit loss information adjusted for current conditions and
reasonable and supportable forecasts results in an expectation that nonpayment
of the [financial asset’s] amortized cost basis is zero.” On the basis of
Example 8 in ASC 326-20-55-48 through 55-50, we believe that the FASB may have
contemplated U.S. Treasury securities and other similar financial assets when it
decided to allow an entity to recognize zero credit losses on an asset.
Keep in mind, however, that the FASB did not specifically exclude certain
financial assets from the scope of the CECL model on the basis of the level of
an asset’s credit risk. Rather, Example 8 illustrates that although it may be
easy to conclude that the risk of nonpayment is zero on a U.S. Treasury
security, the entity should still apply the CECL model to financial assets, even
if the risk of loss associated with those assets is low. Consequently, the
entity should apply the CECL model consistently to all of its financial assets
regardless of the credit risk associated with each asset. That is, the entity
should measure expected credit losses by considering all available relevant
information, including details about past events, current conditions, and
reasonable and supportable forecasts and their implications related to such
losses.
Connecting the Dots
Zero Expected Losses
While the FASB did not explicitly exclude specific assets from the CECL
model (other than by illustrating that an entity may conclude that the
allowance on a U.S. Treasury security could be zero), the AICPA has
published guidance indicating that an entity can expect zero
losses on U.S. Treasury securities, Government National Mortgage
Association (Ginnie Mae) mortgage-backed securities, and agency
mortgage-backed securities (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). In reaching its
conclusion, the AICPA compared indicators that would cause the entity to
incur zero losses with indicators that would cause the entity to incur
losses greater than zero. While none of the indicators are individually
determinative, the comparison illustrated that, in the current economic
environment, there was sufficient evidence that the entity could expect
zero losses on the financial assets considered.
Footnotes
3
ASC 250-10-20 defines a change in accounting principle as
follows:
A change from one generally accepted accounting
principle to another generally accepted accounting principle when there are
two or more generally accepted accounting principles that apply or when the
accounting principle formerly used is no longer generally accepted. A change
in the method of applying an accounting principle also is considered a
change in accounting principle.
4
ASC 250-10-20 defines a change in accounting estimate as
follows:
A change that has the effect of adjusting the
carrying amount of an existing asset or liability or altering the subsequent
accounting for existing or future assets or liabilities. A change in
accounting estimate is a necessary consequence of the assessment, in
conjunction with the periodic presentation of financial statements, of the
present status and expected future benefits and obligations associated with
assets and liabilities. Changes in accounting estimates result from new
information. Examples of items for which estimates are necessary are
uncollectible receivables, inventory obsolescence, service lives and salvage
values of depreciable assets, and warranty obligations.
5
ASC 250-10-20 defines a change in accounting estimate effected
by a change in accounting principle as follows:
A change in
accounting estimate that is inseparable from the effect of a related change
in accounting principle. An example of a change in estimate effected by a
change in principle is a change in the method of depreciation, amortization,
or depletion for long-lived, nonfinancial assets.
ASC 250-10-45-18
highlights that an entity must often use judgment to differentiate between a
change in accounting principle and a change in accounting estimate and discusses
certain changes that reflect a change in accounting estimate effected by a
change in accounting principle.6
The EIR is different for PCD assets. ASC 326 states that
when determining the EIR “[f]or purchased financial assets with credit
deterioration, however, to decouple interest income from credit loss
recognition, the premium or discount at acquisition excludes the
discount embedded in the purchase price that is attributable to the
acquirer’s assessment of credit losses at the date of acquisition.”
7
After adoption of ASU 2022-02, this requirement would no
longer be relevant because the ASU eliminated the concept of a TDR from
a creditor’s accounting.
8
Discussed at the August 29, 2018, FASB
meeting.
9
Although ASU 2022-02 eliminates the TDR guidance in ASC
310-40, the guidance in ASC 310-40-15-20 has been moved to ASC
310-10-50-45. As a result, a creditor would now refer to ASC
310-10-50-45 when determining whether a debtor is experiencing financial
difficulty.
10
The Interagency Guidance was jointly issued by the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the FDIC, the National
Credit Union Administration, and the OCC.
11
As indicated in the examples in the Interagency
Guidance, an entity must use judgment and consider the specific facts
and circumstances, including the nature and functionality of the
underlying collateral, in determining whether a loan is expected to be
repaid solely through continued operation of the collateral. In OCC
Supervisory Memorandum No. 2009-7, the OCC indicated that “[r]esidential
real estate loan modifications without evidence of a sustained repayment
capacity or cash flows from the borrower rely on the underlying
collateral as the sole source of repayment and, as such, would likely be
deemed collateral-dependent upon modification.”
12
Other factors that can affect an entity’s
estimation of expected credit losses may include estimated
prepayments on the financial asset (or group of financial
assets) and expected repayments that may be received from
sources other than the collateral (e.g., general recourse to the
borrower or an embedded credit enhancement provided by a
third-party guarantor).
4.5 Write-Offs and Recoveries
ASC 326-20
35-8 Writeoffs of
financial assets, which may be full or partial writeoffs, shall
be deducted from the allowance. The writeoffs shall be recorded
in the period in which the financial asset(s) are deemed
uncollectible.
35-8A An entity may
make an accounting policy election, at the class of financing
receivable or the major security-type level, to write off
accrued interest receivables by reversing interest income or
recognizing credit loss expense or a combination of both. This
accounting policy election should be considered separately from
the accounting policy election in paragraph 326-20-30-5A. An
entity may not analogize this guidance to components of
amortized cost basis other than accrued interest.
4.5.1 Write-Offs
The write-off guidance in ASC 326-20-35-8 and 35-8A is similar to the existing
guidance in U.S. GAAP. That is, an entity is required to write off a financial asset
when it is “deemed uncollectible.” However, unlike existing GAAP, the write-off
guidance now applies to HTM and AFS debt securities (see Section
7.2.4 for a discussion specific to AFS debt securities). As a result,
an entity will need to develop a process to determine whether an HTM debt security
is uncollectible. This process would be similar to the process the entity uses to
determine that other financial assets measured at amortized cost are deemed
uncollectible.
4.5.2 Recoveries
Under ASU 2016-13, as originally issued, an entity was required to record recoveries
(1) when they are received and (2) as a direct adjustment to earnings or as a
reduction to the allowance for credit losses. While ASC 326-20-35-8 provided
guidance on when and how to recognize recoveries, the guidance was unclear on
whether an entity is required to consider expected recoveries in determining its
allowance for expected credit losses. Further, although ASC 326-20-30-1 originally
required entities to present the net amount expected to be collected on a financial
asset, ASC 326-20-35-8 appeared to conflict with this guidance because it required
an entity to reflect recoveries in the carrying amount of the financial asset only
when the entity receives the recovered amounts.
As a result, in ASU 2019-04, the FASB clarifies that an entity
should consider recoveries in its allowance for expected credit losses.
Specifically, ASC 326-20-30-1, as amended by ASU 2019-04, notes that “[e]xpected
recoveries of amounts previously written off and expected to be written off shall be
included in the valuation account and shall not exceed the aggregate of amounts
previously written off and expected to be written off by an entity.” As a result:
- Entities should include expected recoveries within the allowance for expected credit losses and should not directly write up the related assets.
- Because an entity recognizes expected recoveries as an adjustment to the allowance for expected credit losses, the allowance may have a negative balance in situations in which a full or partial write-off has occurred.
- Expected recoveries should not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously written off and amounts that are expected to be written off by the entity.
Example 9 in ASC 326-20 illustrates an entity’s accounting for a recovery of an
amount previously written off.
ASC 326-20
Example 9: Recognizing Writeoffs and
Recoveries
55-51 This
Example illustrates how an entity may implement the guidance
in paragraphs 326-20-35-8 through 35-9 relating to writeoffs
and recoveries of expected credit losses on financial
assets.
55-52 Bank K
currently evaluates its loan to Entity L on an individual
basis because Entity L is 90 days past due on its loan
payments and the loan no longer exhibits similar risk
characteristics with other loans in the portfolio. At the
end of December 31, 20X3, the amortized cost basis for
Entity L’s loan is $500,000 with an allowance for credit
losses of $375,000. During the first quarter of 20X4, Entity
L issues a press release stating that it is filing for
bankruptcy. Bank K determines that the $500,000 loan made to
Entity L is uncollectible. Bank K considers all available
information that is relevant and reasonably available,
without undue cost or effort, and determines that the
information does not support an expectation of a future
recovery in accordance with paragraph 326-20-30-7. Bank K
measures a full credit loss on the loan to Entity L and
writes off its entire loan balance in accordance with
paragraph 326-20-35-8, as follows:
During March 20X6, Bank K receives a partial payment of
$50,000 from Entity L for the loan previously written off.
Upon receipt of the payment, Bank K recognizes the recovery
in accordance with paragraph 326-20-35-8, as follows:
55-53 For its
March 31, 20X6 financial statements, Bank K estimates
expected credit losses on its financial assets and
determines that the current estimate is consistent with the
estimate at the end of the previous reporting period. During
the period, Bank K does not record any change to its
allowance for credit losses account other than the recovery
of the loan to Entity L. To adjust its allowance for credit
losses to reflect the current estimate, Bank K reports the
following on March 31, 20X6:
Alternatively, Bank K could record the recovery of $50,000
directly as a reduction to credit loss expense, rather than
initially recording the cash received against the
allowance.
4.5.2.1 Expected Recoveries and Contractual Interest
When estimating expected credit losses in accordance with
ASC 326-20-30-1 by using a method other than a DCF method, an entity is not
allowed to consider expected recoveries of contractual interest before that
interest has been accrued. Contractual interest that the entity has not
accrued would not meet the condition described in ASC 326-20-30-1, which
indicates that an entity’s estimated recoveries are limited to “amounts
previously written off and expected to be written off.”
4.5.2.2 Considering Recoveries When Foreclosure Is Probable
If foreclosure on a collateral-dependent financial asset is
probable, an entity is not allowed to adjust its estimate of expected credit
losses (determined on the basis of the fair value of the collateral) for any
expected recoveries if the entity has a history of collecting payment after
foreclosure or repossession. ASC 326-20-35-4 indicates that when foreclosure
on a collateral-dependent financial asset is probable, an entity measures
the estimate of expected credit losses as the difference between the
financial asset’s amortized cost and the collateral’s fair value (adjusted
for selling costs, when applicable). Once the entity is using fair value to
measure the estimate of expected credit losses in accordance with ASC
326-20-35-4, it must not adjust the fair value by any amounts (other than
selling costs), including expected recoveries.
4.6 Credit Enhancements
ASC 326-20
30-12 The estimate
of expected credit losses shall reflect how credit enhancements
(other than those that are freestanding contracts) mitigate
expected credit losses on financial assets, including
consideration of the financial condition of the guarantor, the
willingness of the guarantor to pay, and/or whether any
subordinated interests are expected to be capable of absorbing
credit losses on any underlying financial assets. However, when
estimating expected credit losses, an entity shall not combine a
financial asset with a separate freestanding contract that
serves to mitigate credit loss. As a result, the estimate of
expected credit losses on a financial asset (or group of
financial assets) shall not be offset by a freestanding contract
(for example, a purchased credit-default swap) that may mitigate
expected credit losses on the financial asset (or group of
financial assets).
Among other factors that may affect expected credit losses on a financial asset (or group
of similar financial assets), an entity should consider whether the asset includes an
embedded credit enhancement provided by a third-party guarantor (e.g., private mortgage
insurance). In determining whether an enhancement feature is embedded or freestanding,
an entity must consider the following definition of a freestanding contract in the ASC
master glossary:
A freestanding contract is entered into either:
- Separate and apart from any of the entity’s other financial instruments or equity transactions
- In conjunction with some other transaction and is legally detachable and separately exercisable.
If the financial asset includes an embedded credit enhancement feature, the entity should
consider how the cash flows associated with such a feature should be incorporated into
the expectation of cash flows that are recoverable on the financial asset. By contrast,
the entity must not consider cash flows associated with a freestanding credit
enhancement contract (e.g., credit insurance purchased by the entity, including credit
default swaps) even though the objective of obtaining such a contract is the same as if
it were embedded in the financial asset (i.e., to mitigate credit exposure). To avoid
double counting, an entity is prohibited from considering the effects of a freestanding
credit enhancement feature when estimating expected credit losses. For example, the cash
flows from a credit default swap that is a credit enhancement of a loan asset should not
be included in the measurement of expected credit losses because such a swap would be
recognized separately as a derivative financial instrument. Even if the freestanding
credit insurance is not accounted for as a derivative, cash flows from freestanding
credit insurance should not be considered in the estimation of expected losses on the
related “covered” assets.
4.6.1 Freestanding Credit Insurance and Other Credit Risk Mitigation Contracts
Although ASC 326-20 is clear that an entity must not consider cash flows
associated with a freestanding credit enhancement contract when estimating its
expected credit losses, questions have arisen regarding how an entity must
account for these freestanding contracts. ASC 326-20 does not address
freestanding contracts that mitigate credit risk on financial assets.
To address these questions, the FASB staff stated, in response to a technical
inquiry, that it would be appropriate for an entity that is applying ASU 2016-13
to recognize an insurance recovery asset on a freestanding credit insurance
contract at the time expected credit losses are recorded. The staff also noted
that there may be other acceptable approaches to recognizing freestanding
contracts, including recognition of the insurance recovery asset on an incurred
basis. However, the staff clarified that its views on freestanding contracts
pertain only to contracts that (1) qualify for the scope exception in ASC
815-10-15-13(c) or (d) related to applying derivative accounting and (2) pass
the risk transfer test in ASC 340-30 and ASC 944-20.
Connecting the Dots
Recording the Recovery
Asset
We believe that, in accounting for recoveries from freestanding insurance
contracts, it is appropriate for entities to analogize to the guidance
on indemnification assets in ASC 805. That guidance requires entities to
measure an indemnification asset on the same basis as the indemnified
item.
An approach in which a recovery asset is recorded at the same time an
expected credit loss is recorded in earnings under ASC 326 is generally
referred to as the “mirror image approach.” Under the mirror image
approach, the expected recovery asset would be measured in a manner
consistent with the expected credit loss; accordingly, the accounting
for the insured instruments would be “matched” and the economics of the
arrangement would be reflected. Further, the credit insurance recovery
asset would be estimated by using the same assumptions as the loss
estimate on the underlying assets and would result in the recording of
equal amounts for the allowance for loan losses and the credit insurance
recovery asset (provided that the insurance covered the full amount of
the expected credit loss). Therefore, an entity would most likely
recognize in earnings a “day one recovery of expected credit losses” on
purchased credit insurance.
Keep in mind, however, that ASC 326-20 applies to the insurance recovery
asset recognized on a freestanding insurance contract. That is, just as
expected credit losses must be measured on a reinsurance receivable, an
entity must measure expected credit losses on an insurance recovery
asset.
Although the credit insurance recovery asset is measured by using assumptions
that are consistent with those used to estimate expected credit losses, the
credit insurance recovery asset should not be presented net or offset against
the allowance for credit losses related to the insured instruments. Moreover,
the amounts recorded in the income statement in connection with the credit
insurance recovery asset should not be presented net against the related credit
loss expense.
4.7 Considerations Related to TDRs Under ASC 326 Before the Adoption of ASU 2022-02
ASU 2016-13 does not affect the guidance in ASC 310-40 on identifying
whether a modification is a TDR. That is, an entity would still continue to apply the
guidance in ASC 310-40-15-5 that states that “[a] restructuring of a debt constitutes a
troubled debt restructuring . . . if the creditor for economic or legal reasons related
to the debtor’s financial difficulties grants a concession to the debtor that it would
not otherwise consider.” Consequently, the CECL model will not affect an entity’s (1)
process for determining whether a concession has been granted to the borrower as part of
a modification, (2) analysis of whether the borrower is experiencing financial
difficulty, and (3) accounting for the TDR on an individual loan basis.13
However, when discussing how an entity must estimate expected credit losses over the
asset’s contractual life, ASC 326-20-30-6 states, in part:
An entity shall not
extend the contractual term for expected extensions, renewals, and modifications
unless either of the following applies:
- The entity has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date that it will execute a troubled debt restructuring with the borrower.[14]
- The extension or renewal options (excluding those that are accounted for as derivatives in accordance with Topic 815) are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the entity.
Given this guidance, stakeholders have asked questions regarding the nature of TDRs that
an entity must consider in making the estimate (e.g., contractual term extensions,
interest rate concessions), when and how to consider TDRs in making the estimate, and
whether to consider reasonably expected TDRs on a portfolio basis or at the level of the
individual financial asset.
These issues were initially addressed by the TRG at its June 2017 meeting and were later discussed by the
FASB at its September 6, 2017, meeting. At that meeting, the Board indicated that ASU
2016-13’s guidance was intended to accelerate the recognition of an economic concession
granted in a TDR from when the TDR is executed (as required under existing U.S. GAAP) to
when the TDR is reasonably expected. As a result, the Board clarified that the allowance
for expected credit losses should include all effects of a TDR when an individual asset
can be specifically identified as a reasonably expected TDR.
In addition, the FASB acknowledged that depending on the nature of the
economic concession granted in a TDR and the method used by an entity to measure the
allowance for expected credit losses, such an allowance may not include the effects of
the concession. For example, an entity’s allowance for expected credit losses may not
include the effects of an interest rate concession if the entity measures the allowance
by using a principal-only loss rate approach. Because ASU 2016-13 requires an entity to
include all effects of TDRs in its allowance for expected credit losses, the FASB
indicated that an entity must use a DCF method or a reconcilable method if the TDR
involves a concession that can only be measured by using a DCF method (e.g., an interest
rate or term concession).15
4.7.1 Measuring Credit Losses on a TDR
Under U.S. GAAP before the adoption of ASU 2022-02, an entity is
required to measure credit losses on a TDR by using a DCF method on an
individual financial asset basis. Such measurement is not necessarily required
under ASU 2016-13, however. While the allowance for expected credit losses on a
TDR comprises losses expected as a result of providing a concession from the
restructuring, it also includes losses expected after the restructuring occurs.
As a result, the unit of account in the measurement of expected credit losses on
a TDR is no different from the unit of account required for all other assets
measured at amortized cost (see Section 3.2 for more information). That
is, an entity is required to evaluate expected credit losses on TDRs on a
collective (i.e., pool) basis if the TDRs share similar risk characteristics. If
a TDR’s risk characteristics are not similar to those of any of the entity’s
other TDRs, the entity would be required to measure the expected losses on the
TDR individually. Paragraph BC105 of ASU 2016-13 addresses the Board’s rationale
for its decision about the unit of account for TDRs:
Separately, the Board rejected an approach that would have required
expected credit losses on troubled debt restructurings to always be measured
by using a discounted cash flow method on an individual basis because such a
requirement would be inconsistent with the ability to estimate expected
credit losses using approaches other than a discounted cash flow method for
assets measured at amortized cost. This decision allows entities to assess
credit risk on troubled debt restructurings individually, or in a pool using
other expected credit loss methods such as loss rates. Entities may provide
modification programs to troubled borrowers that meet certain
characteristics of financial difficulties, such that the loan modifications
may be easily pooled together to assess credit risk. To the extent that
those estimates may be more easily determinable with approaches other than
the discounted cash flow method, the Board preferred to provide that
flexibility.
4.7.2 Measurement Approaches for TDRs
An entity generally has the same flexibility when choosing
credit loss measurement approaches for TDRs as it does when choosing credit loss
measurement approaches for assets that are not determined to be TDRs. Paragraph
BC105 of ASU 2016-13 states that “the Board rejected an approach that would have
required expected credit losses on troubled debt restructurings to always be
measured by using a discounted cash flow method . . . because such a requirement
would be inconsistent with the ability to estimate expected credit losses using
approaches other than a discounted cash flow method for assets measured at
amortized cost.” However, the FASB acknowledged that depending on the nature of
the economic concession granted in a TDR and the method an entity uses to
measure the allowance for expected credit losses, such an allowance may not
include the effects of the concession. For example, an entity’s allowance for
expected credit losses may not include the effects of an interest rate
concession if the entity measures the allowance by using a principal-only loss
rate approach. Because ASU 2016-13 requires an entity to include all effects of
TDRs in its allowance for expected credit losses, the FASB indicated that an
entity must use a DCF method or a reconcilable method if the TDR involves a
concession that can only be measured by using a DCF method (e.g., an interest
rate or term concession).
In addition, under ASC 326-20-35-4, when an entity determines
that foreclosure of the collateral is probable, the entity must measure the
allowance for credit losses on the basis of the fair value of the collateral
(see Section 4.4.9.1 for more information
about collateral-dependent financial assets).
4.7.3 TDR as a New Loan
Under U.S. GAAP before the adoption of ASU 2022-02, an entity is
not permitted to treat a TDR as a new loan. The same is true under ASU 2016-13
before the adoption of ASU 2022-02. ASC 310-40-35-10 states, in part, that “[a]
loan restructured in a troubled debt restructuring shall not be accounted for as
a new loan because a troubled debt restructuring is part of a creditor’s ongoing
effort to recover its investment in the original loan.” Therefore, an entity
should not establish a new fair value for a loan restructured in a TDR. Further,
ASC 310-40-35-12 reiterates that a TDR does not result in a new loan and
requires that “the interest rate used to discount expected future cash flows on
a restructured loan . . . be the same interest rate used to discount expected
future cash flows on the original loan” and not the rate specified in the
restructuring.16
As discussed in paragraphs BC100 and BC101 of ASU 2016-13, a TDR
is not considered to be a new loan because “the modified financial asset
following a troubled debt restructuring [is] a continuation of the original
financial asset.” Therefore, the Board concluded that the interest rate used is
the same because, “within the context of the amortized cost framework, the
effective interest rate on a financial asset following a troubled debt
restructuring should be the financial asset’s pre-modification original
effective interest rate (as opposed to a post-troubled-debt-restructuring
modified rate).”
However, if a TDR is subsequently restructured, a financial
institution should consider the September 2014 Call Report supplemental instructions issued
by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). The
supplemental instructions state, in part:
When a loan has previously been modified in a troubled
debt restructuring (TDR), the lending institution and the borrower may
subsequently enter into another restructuring agreement. The facts and circumstances of each subsequent
restructuring of a TDR loan should be carefully evaluated to
determine the appropriate accounting by the institution under U.S.
[GAAP]. Under certain circumstances it may be acceptable not to
account for the subsequently restructured loan as a TDR. The
federal financial institution regulatory agencies will not object to an
institution no longer treating such a loan as a TDR if at the time of the subsequent restructuring the borrower is not
experiencing financial difficulties and, under the terms of the
subsequent restructuring agreement, no concession has been granted
by the institution to the borrower. To meet these conditions for
removing the TDR designation, the subsequent restructuring agreement
must specify market terms, including a contractual interest rate not
less than a market interest rate for new debt with similar credit risk
characteristics and other terms no less favorable to the institution
than those it would offer for such new debt. When assessing whether a
concession has been granted by the institution, the agencies consider
any principal forgiveness on a cumulative basis to be a continuing
concession. When determining whether the borrower is experiencing
financial difficulties, the institution’s assessment of the borrower’s
financial condition and prospects for repayment after the restructuring
should be supported by a current, well-documented credit evaluation
performed at the time of the restructuring.
If at the time of the subsequent restructuring the
institution appropriately demonstrates that a loan meets the conditions
discussed above, the impairment on the loan need no longer be measured
as a TDR in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-10, Receivables — Overall
(formerly FASB Statement No. 114), and the loan need no longer be
disclosed as a TDR in the Call Report, except as noted below.
Accordingly, going forward, loan impairment should be measured under ASC
Subtopic 450-20, Contingencies — Loss Contingencies (formerly FASB
Statement No. 5). Even though the loan need no longer be measured for
impairment as a TDR or disclosed as a TDR, the recorded investment in
the loan should not change at the time of the subsequent restructuring
(unless cash is advanced or received). [Emphasis added]
According to the FFIEC’s instructions, an entity may treat a
subsequent restructuring of a TDR as a new loan if it determines that (1) at the
time of the subsequent restructuring, the borrower is not experiencing financial
difficulties and (2) under the terms of the subsequent restructuring agreement,
the entity has not granted any concession to the borrower.
4.7.4 Reasonable Expectation of Executing a TDR
ASC 326-20-30-6 states that an entity is not permitted to extend
the contractual term unless it “has a reasonable expectation at the reporting
date that it will execute a troubled debt restructuring.” An entity must use
judgment in determining whether it reasonably expects to execute a TDR. Although
the Board indicated that the guidance in ASU 2016-13 was intended to accelerate
the recognition of an economic concession granted in a TDR from when the TDR is
executed (as required under previous U.S. GAAP) to when the TDR is reasonably
expected, ASU 2016-13 does not provide guidance on how an entity may conclude
whether it reasonably expects to execute a TDR. Nonetheless, we generally
believe that a logical interpretation of the phrase “reasonable expectation”
would be to consider the point at which the lender internally decides to offer a
modification to the borrower to maximize its recovery of cash flows. Keep in
mind that this could occur before a borrower agrees to the modified terms or
even before it is presented with these terms.
Example 4-2
Assessing Reasonable
Expectation of Executing a TDR — Trial Modification
Programs
Entity A believes that the best way to
maximize the return on a loan is to offer a trial
modification to certain qualifying borrowers that are
experiencing financial difficulty. Under the trial
modification program, A will accept terms that differ
from the contractual terms of the loan for a trial
period (e.g., three months). If the borrower is able to
comply with the terms of the trial modification (e.g.,
make the modified payments for the required period), A
is required to permanently replace the loan’s original
contractual terms with the terms of the trial
modification. However, if the borrower is not able to
comply with the terms of the trial modification, A is
not required to permanently replace the loan’s original
contractual terms with the terms of the trial
modification and may seek payment of the amounts that
are past due in accordance with the contractual terms; A
may also potentially consider other remedies (e.g.,
foreclosure).
In this example, although it is unknown
whether the borrower will be able to comply with the
terms of the trial modification, we believe that A’s
decision to offer the trial modification is evidence
that A is willing to provide a concession to the
borrower to maximize its recovery of cash flows.
Accordingly, we think that A would reasonably expect to
execute a TDR at the time it offers the trial
modification to the borrower, irrespective of whether
the borrower agrees to, or complies with, the terms of
the trial modification.
Note that this example is intended to
describe how an entity would apply ASC 326-20-30-6 in
determining when a trial modification should be
considered a TDR. It is not intended to provide guidance
on whether a trial modification should be considered a
TDR, because all trial modifications are TDRs.
Footnotes
13
Section 4013 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
Act (the “CARES Act”) provides temporary relief from the
accounting and reporting requirements for TDRs with respect to certain loan
modifications related to COVID-19 that are offered by insured depository
institutions and credit unions. See Section 10.3.5.3 for more information.
[14]
See footnote 1.
15
Under ASU 2022-02, an entity is no longer required to use a DCF
method (or reconcilable method) to measure the allowance for credit losses as a
result of a modification or restructuring with a borrower experiencing financial
difficulty.
16
ASU 2022-02 requires entities to evaluate all receivable
modifications under ASC 310-20-35-9 through 35-11 to determine whether a
modification made to a borrower results in a new loan or a continuation
of the existing loan. In addition, an entity that employs a DCF method
to calculate the allowance for credit losses will be required to use a
postmodification-derived EIR as part of its calculation in accordance
with ASC 326-20-30-4.
4.8 Considerations Related to Postacquisition Accounting for Acquired Loans
An entity may acquire loans in a business combination or in an asset acquisition.
Loans acquired in a business combination are initially recognized at fair value in
accordance with ASC 805-20-25-1. Loans acquired in an asset acquisition are
initially recognized at the amount paid to the seller plus any fees paid or less any
fees received in accordance with ASC 310-20-30-5. Other sections of the Codification
may address the initial recognition of loans acquired in exchange for noncash
consideration or loans acquired in an asset acquisition that includes other assets
acquired or liabilities assumed. ASC 310 requires an investor to initially classify
acquired loans as “held for investment” or “held for sale.” For more information
about the reclassification of the loans, see Section
4.10.
4.8.1 Postacquisition Accounting for Acquired Loans Receivable Classified as Held for Investment
If the fair value option in ASC 825 is elected as of the
acquisition date, the acquired loans are subsequently measured at fair value
through earnings. Section
12.4.1 of Deloitte’s Roadmap Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Including
the Fair Value Option) addresses the separate
presentation of interest income when the fair value option has been elected.
If the fair value option in ASC 825 is not elected as of the
acquisition date, the investor should recognize the acquired loans at amortized
cost and would need to evaluate whether to apply the PCD model to the acquired
loans. The PCD model applies to acquired financial assets (or acquired groups of
financial assets with similar risk characteristics) that, as of the date of
acquisition, have experienced a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit
quality since origination. See Chapter 6 for more information about the PCD model, including
guidance on the recognition of income and expected credit losses on PCD assets.
If the investor determines that the PCD model does not apply to the acquired
loans, the investor should subsequently account for them by applying the
following guidance in ASC 310-20 and ASC 326-20 on income recognition and
expected credit losses, respectively:
-
ASC 310-20 addresses specific matters related to the application of the interest method to loans within its scope. Under ASC 310-20, the interest method is used to recognize, as a level-yield adjustment, the difference between the initial recorded investment in the loan and the principal amount of the loan.
-
ASC 326-20 addresses the measurement of expected credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost. Upon acquiring the loan(s), the investor would be required to record an allowance for expected credit losses on acquired assets within the scope of ASC 326 (even if the acquired loans were initially recognized at fair value in a business combination or at the amount paid to the seller if acquired in an asset acquisition).
4.8.2 Postacquisition Accounting for Acquired Loans Receivable Classified as Held for Sale
If the fair value option in ASC 825 is elected as of the
acquisition date, the acquired loans are subsequently measured at fair value
through earnings. Section
12.4.1 of Deloitte’s Roadmap Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
(Including the Fair Value Option) addresses the separate
presentation of interest income when the fair value option has been elected.
If the fair value option in ASC 825 is not elected as of the
acquisition date, the investor should subsequently measure loans classified as
held for sale at the lower of cost or fair value, as required by ASC
310-10-35-48 for nonmortgage loans held for sale and ASC 948-310-35-1 for
mortgage loans held for sale. Purchase discounts on mortgage loans are not
amortized as interest income when the loans are classified as held for sale.
Similarly, purchase discounts on nonmortgage loans are not amortized as interest
income when the loans are classified as held for sale. Rather, recognition of
interest income on HFS loans is generally based on the stated coupon rate on the
loan receivable.
4.9 Subsequent Events
ASC 855-10
55-1 The following are examples of
recognized subsequent events addressed in paragraph
855-10-25-1:
- If the events that gave rise to litigation had taken place before the balance sheet date and that litigation is settled after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued, for an amount different from the liability recorded in the accounts, then the settlement amount should be considered in estimating the amount of liability recognized in the financial statements at the balance sheet date.
- Subsequent events affecting the realization of assets, such as inventories, or the settlement of estimated liabilities, should be recognized in the financial statements when those events represent the culmination of conditions that existed over a relatively long period of time.
55-2 The following are examples of
nonrecognized subsequent events addressed in paragraph
855-10-25-3:
- Sale of a bond or capital stock issued after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued
- A business combination that occurs after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued (Topic 805 requires specific disclosures in such cases.)
- Settlement of litigation when the event giving rise to the claim took place after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued
- Loss of plant or inventories as a result of fire or natural disaster that occurred after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued
- Changes in estimated credit losses on receivables arising after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued
- Changes in the fair value of assets or liabilities (financial or nonfinancial) or foreign exchange rates after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued
- Entering into significant commitments or contingent liabilities, for example, by issuing significant guarantees after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.
Although ASU 2016-13 did not significantly amend the guidance in ASC
855-10 on subsequent events, it did make conforming amendments to reflect the change
from an incurred loss model to the CECL expected loss model. However, given the change
to an expected loss model that incorporates forward-looking information, questions have
arisen about whether an entity is required to consider certain events that occur or
information that arises after the reporting date when estimating its expected credit
losses as of the reporting date. While we believe that an entity must exercise
significant judgment when evaluating whether information that arises after the balance
sheet date should be included in the entity’s estimate of expected credit losses, a
recent speech by the SEC staff is informative in this regard and provides a framework
for an entity’s evaluation of subsequent events.
Specifically, at the 2018 AICPA Conference on Current SEC and PCAOB
Developments, OCA Senior Associate Chief Accountant Kevin Vaughn addressed the staff’s observations about a recent consultation
related to a registrant’s evaluation of subsequent events after its adoption of ASU
2016-13. The consultation addressed the following three scenarios in which information
(1) is received after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are
issued or available to be issued and (2) significantly differs from that expected by
management:
- Scenario 1 — An entity receives a loan servicer report that includes loan activity (e.g., delinquencies and prepayments) that occurred on or before the balance sheet date.
- Scenario 2 — An entity receives an appraisal report detailing the fair value of loan collateral as of the balance sheet date.
- Scenario 3 — The government announces unemployment rates for a period that includes the balance sheet date.
The SEC staff indicated that in the first two scenarios, it would object to the
registrant’s exclusion of the information from its process for estimating expected
credit losses. The staff noted that in both scenarios, an important consideration “was
that this information was loan-specific information about factual conditions that
existed at the balance sheet date.” By contrast, because the information in Scenario 3
is used to make projections for periods that extend beyond the balance sheet date and is
not loan-specific, the SEC staff would not object if such information is included in, or
omitted from, the registrant’s estimation process.
In addition, Mr. Vaughn acknowledged that if other facts and circumstances become known
after the balance sheet date, a registrant will need to evaluate whether such
information should be incorporated into the estimate of expected credit losses. He
shared the following views on how an entity should perform subsequent-event evaluations
in estimating expected credit losses:
- Category 1 — A registrant receives loan-specific information related to facts that exist on the balance sheet date. The registrant should include such information in its estimation process.
- Category 2 — A registrant receives information related to forecasting before it completes its estimation process. The registrant is permitted but not required to include such information in its estimation process (unless the information indicates a material weakness or a deficiency in the registrant’s CECL process, in which case the registrant must include such information).
- Category 3 — A registrant receives information related to forecasting after it completes its estimation process. The registrant would not include such information in its process (unless the information indicates a material weakness or a deficiency in the registrant’s CECL process, in which case the registrant must include such information).
4.10 Transfers Between Classification Categories
Financial assets reported at amortized cost are within the scope of ASC 326-20. By
contrast, HFS loans and AFS debt securities are not within the scope of the guidance on
expected credit losses in ASC 326-20 since (1) HFS loans are reported at the lower of
amortized cost basis or fair value as of the balance sheet date and (2) AFS debt
securities are reported at fair value as of the balance sheet date. However, upon either
(1) the transfer of an HFS loan to an HFI loan or (2) the transfer of an AFS debt
security to an HTM debt security, the transferred loan (i.e., HFI loan or HTM debt
security) then becomes subject to ASC 326-20.
ASU 2016-13 does not provide guidance on how an entity should apply the
CECL model when a loan that is HFS is transferred into an HFI classification (or vice
versa) or when a debt security is transferred from AFS to HTM (or vice versa).17 As a result, in ASU 2019-04, the FASB provided guidance on transfers between
classification categories. The table below summarizes this guidance.
HFS Loan to HFI Loan
|
HFI Loan to HFS Loan
|
---|---|
|
|
HTM Debt Security to AFS Debt Security
|
AFS Debt Security to HTM Debt Security
|
---|---|
|
|
ASC 320-10-35-10 through 35-16 provide guidance on transfers between the
classifications of investments in debt and equity securities (i.e., trading, AFS, and
HTM). Transfers involving the trading classification are expected to be rare. Transfers
out of the HTM classification may call into question the entity’s ability to use that
classification for a period. Transfers from AFS to HTM are not restricted, provided that
the entity has the positive intent and ability to hold the transferred security to its
maturity.
Example 4-3
Transfer From HTM to
AFS
Company X has an investment in a bond that is
classified as HTM. The bond was acquired for $1,000 with a par
value of $1,000. Upon initial recognition of the bond, X
recognized an allowance of $70 for credit losses. During the
following year, X transfers the bond from HTM to AFS. As of the
transfer date, the bond’s amortized cost and fair value are
$1,000 and $900, respectively. In addition, as of the transfer
date, because the bond is now classified as AFS, X determines,
in accordance with ASC 326-30, that $90 of the unrealized loss
is related to credit and $10 is related to interest rate
changes.
As of the transfer date, X would record the following journal
entries:
Example 4-4
Transfer From AFS to
HTM
Company Z purchases a security and classifies it
as AFS. The security is acquired at its par value of $4,000.
Immediately before the transfer date, the security’s fair value
is $3,500 and its allowance for credit losses is $300
(accordingly, Z recognizes in OCI an unrealized loss of $200
that is due to non-credit-related factors). Once Z transfers the
security from AFS to HTM, it estimates the allowance for credit
losses on the security to be $350 in accordance with ASC 326-20.
As of the transfer date, X would record the following journal
entries:
Keep in mind that the unrealized loss of $200 as of the transfer
date will continue to be recorded in AOCI; however, it should be
amortized prospectively over the remaining life of the security
from AOCI. The amortization should be performed in a manner
consistent with the recognition of a premium or discount (e.g.,
the effective interest method). In addition, the transfer will
create a discount of $200 on the carrying amount of the security
that should be amortized prospectively over the remaining life
of the security. Typically, this amortization will have no net
impact on the reported yield of the security because the
amortization of the amount in AOCI and the amortization of the
discount will offset each other. Effectively, the amortization
of the unrealized loss in AOCI will reduce the debt discount,
thereby increasing the carrying amount of the investment.
Footnotes
17
This issue was initially addressed by the TRG at
its June 2018 meeting and led to the FASB’s
issuance of ASU 2019-04.
Chapter 5 — Application of the CECL Model to Off-Balance-Sheet Commitments, Trade and Lease Receivables, and Reinsurance Receivables
Chapter 5 — Application of the CECL Model to Off-Balance-Sheet Commitments, Trade and Lease Receivables, and Reinsurance Receivables
5.1 Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
ASC 326-20
30-11 In estimating expected credit
losses for off-balance-sheet credit exposures, an entity shall
estimate expected credit losses on the basis of the guidance in
this Subtopic over the contractual period in which the entity is
exposed to credit risk via a present contractual obligation to
extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally
cancellable by the issuer. At the reporting date, an entity
shall record a liability for credit losses on off-balance-sheet
credit exposures within the scope of this Subtopic. An entity
shall report in net income (as a credit loss expense) the amount
necessary to adjust the liability for credit losses for
management’s current estimate of expected credit losses on
off-balance-sheet credit exposures. For that period of exposure,
the estimate of expected credit losses should consider both the
likelihood that funding will occur (which may be affected by,
for example, a material adverse change clause) and an estimate
of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded
over its estimated life. If an entity uses a discounted cash
flow method to estimate expected credit losses on
off-balance-sheet credit exposures, the discount rate used
should be consistent with the guidance in Section 310-20-35.
Off-balance-sheet arrangements, such as commitments to extend credit, guarantees, and
standby letters of credit, are subject to credit risk; therefore, arrangements that are
not considered derivatives under ASC 815 are within the scope of the CECL model.
Accordingly, under ASC 326, an entity’s method for determining the estimate of expected
credit losses on the funded portion of a loan commitment must be similar to its method
for determining the estimate for other loans. For an unfunded portion of a loan
commitment, an entity must estimate expected credit losses over the full contractual
period over which it is exposed to credit risk under an unconditional present legal
obligation to extend credit. Such an estimate takes into account both the likelihood
that funding will occur and the expected credit losses on commitments to be funded.
5.1.1 Allowances for Credit Card Loans
An allowance for expected credit losses on credit card loans
would only be required for the funded portion, not for the unfunded portion for
which the issuer has an unconditional right to cancel the commitment.
ASC 326-20-30-11 states that an entity must “estimate expected
credit losses . . . over the contractual period in which the entity is exposed
to credit risk via a present contractual obligation to extend credit, unless
that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the issuer.” Therefore, if an
entity has the unconditional ability to cancel the unfunded portion of a loan
commitment, it would not be required to estimate expected credit losses on that
portion, even if it historically has never exercised its cancellation right. In
other words, if the issuer has the unconditional right to cancel the commitment
at any time, it should not record an allowance for unfunded commitments
because it does not have a present contractual obligation to extend credit on
the unfunded commitments.
The example in ASC 326-20-55-55 and 55-56 illustrates
application of this guidance:
55-55 Bank M has a significant credit card
portfolio, including funded balances on existing cards and unfunded
commitments (available credit) on credit cards. Bank M’s card holder
agreements stipulate that the available credit may be unconditionally
cancelled at any time.
55-56 When determining the allowance for credit
losses, Bank M estimates the expected credit losses over the remaining
lives of the funded credit card loans. Bank M does not record an
allowance for unfunded commitments on the unfunded credit cards because
it has the ability to unconditionally cancel the available lines of
credit. Even though Bank M has had a past practice of extending credit
on credit cards before it has detected a borrower’s default event, it does not have a present contractual obligation to
extend credit. Therefore, an allowance for unfunded commitments
should not be established because credit risk on commitments that
are unconditionally cancellable by the issuer are not considered to
be a liability. [Emphasis added]
In addition, an entity should not recognize a contingent
liability under ASC 450 for the operational risk associated with extending loans
in the future under unconditionally cancelable credit commitments related to
accounts that are performing or are in default.
5.1.2 Effect of a Required Cancellation Notice Period on a Commitment to Extend Credit
When the issuer has the unconditional right to cancel a
commitment but only after a specific notice period is given, allowances for
credit losses should be provided on the unfunded portion of lines of credit or
expected losses related to estimated fundings during the notice period. In
estimating expected credit losses, an entity should report its credit loss
exposure for the period of exposure, which would include a specific notice
period if applicable. ASC 326-20-30-11 states, in part:
[A]n
entity shall estimate expected credit losses . . . over the contractual
period in which the entity is exposed to credit risk via a present
contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is
unconditionally cancellable by the issuer. . . . For that period of
exposure, the estimate of expected credit losses should consider both the
likelihood that funding will occur . . . and an estimate of expected credit
losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated
life.
Since a contractual period of exposure includes the notice
period, the estimate of expected credit losses should include expected credit
losses related to expected future borrowings during the notice period. The
entity is not required to estimate losses for any expected borrowings that would
occur beyond the period when the issuer has an unconditional right to cancel the
commitment (i.e., after the notice period).
5.1.3 Recognition of the Allowance for Credit Losses Related to Unfunded Loan Commitments Assumed in a Business Combination
Unfunded loan commitments assumed by an acquirer in a business
combination must be measured and recognized at fair value as of the acquisition
date in accordance with ASC 805.
We believe that an acquirer should recognize
a separate liability under ASC 326-20 for expected credit losses related
to an unfunded portion of a loan commitment acquired if that commitment is
noncancelable by the acquirer. In a manner consistent with how other unfunded
loan commitments are accounted for under ASC 326-20, the acquirer must estimate
expected credit losses over the full contractual period in which it is exposed
to credit risk under an unconditional present legal obligation to extend the
credit. Such an estimate takes into account both the likelihood that funding
will occur and the expected credit losses on commitments to be funded.
5.1.4 Accounting for the Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposure Related to a Forward Commitment to Purchase Loans
As stated in Section
2.1.2, a forward commitment to purchase loans from a third party is
within the scope of ASC 326-20 because it exposes the purchaser to the credit
risk associated with the underlying loans to be purchased if it is neither (1)
unconditionally cancelable by the issuer nor (2) accounted for as a derivative
under ASC 815.
The accounting for off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to
a forward commitment to purchase loans depends on whether the loans are
determined to be PCD as of the date on which the forward commitment is entered
into. If the loans are not determined to be PCD, the entity would recognize a
liability at inception of the commitment and would reflect the credit losses
expected over the loans’ contractual term.
If the loans are determined to be PCD as of the date on which
the forward commitment is entered into, the entity would not recognize a
liability for the credit exposure related to a forward commitment to purchase
the loans. Instead, it would recognize an allowance for expected credit losses
by applying the gross-up approach upon acquiring the assets, as discussed in
Chapter 6. That
is, when the entity acquires the PCD assets, it would recognize the allowance
for expected credit losses as an adjustment that increases the assets’ cost
bases. If the entity applies the gross-up approach when the loans are acquired
(and does not recognize a liability at inception of the commitment), the entity
would recognize credit exposure on PCD loans and credit exposure on forward
commitments to acquired PCD loans in a similar manner.
We generally believe that an entity should measure and recognize
a liability for off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to a forward
commitment to purchase loans from a third party as of the commitment inception
date even if the specific loans to be purchased are not specifically identified.
In such an arrangement, the entity has entered into a noncancelable commitment
to purchase loans for which it is exposed to credit losses and therefore should
recognize a liability for expected credit losses upon inception of the
commitment. We believe that the entity should analyze all facts and
circumstances related to the forward commitment to assess the type and quality
of loans expected to be purchased. In addition, the entity should use judgment
to (1) identify those loans that are expected to be accounted for as PCD and (2)
measure and recognize the liability for expected credit losses.
5.1.5 Guarantees
5.1.5.1 Overview
ASC 460-10
15-4 Except as provided in
paragraph 460-10-15-7, the provisions of this Topic
apply to the following types of guarantee
contracts:
-
Contracts that contingently require a guarantor to make payments (as described in the following paragraph) to a guaranteed party based on changes in an underlying that is related to an asset, a liability, or an equity security of the guaranteed party. For related implementation guidance, see paragraph 460-10-55-2.
-
Contracts that contingently require a guarantor to make payments (as described in the following paragraph) to a guaranteed party based on another entity’s failure to perform under an obligating agreement (performance guarantees). For related implementation guidance, see paragraph 460-10-55-12.
-
Indemnification agreements (contracts) that contingently require an indemnifying party (guarantor) to make payments to an indemnified party (guaranteed party) based on changes in an underlying that is related to an asset, a liability, or an equity security of the indemnified party.
-
Indirect guarantees of the indebtedness of others, even though the payment to the guaranteed party may not be based on changes in an underlying that is related to an asset, a liability, or an equity security of the guaranteed party.
Guarantee arrangements can take various forms and expose guarantors to
varying levels of obligations and risks. ASC 326-20 applies to certain
financial guarantee arrangements within the scope of ASC 460 that create
off-balance-sheet credit exposure for the guarantor. Examples of financial
guarantees that create off-balance-sheet credit exposure include financial
standby letters of credit and other types of guarantees related to the
nonpayment of a financial obligation. ASC 326-20 does not apply to financial
guarantees that create off-balance-sheet exposure and that are (1) accounted
for as insurance or (2) within the scope of ASC 815-15. See Chapter 2 for more information about the
scope of ASC 326-20.
5.1.5.2 Initial Recognition and Measurement
ASC 460-10
25-2 The issuance of a
guarantee obligates the guarantor (the issuer) in
two respects:
-
The guarantor undertakes an obligation to stand ready to perform over the term of the guarantee in the event that the specified triggering events or conditions occur (the noncontingent aspect).
-
The guarantor undertakes a contingent obligation to make future payments if those triggering events or conditions occur (the contingent aspect).
For guarantees that are not within
the scope of Subtopic 326-20 on financial
instruments measured at amortized cost, no
bifurcation and no separate accounting for the
contingent and noncontingent aspects of the
guarantee are required by this Topic. For guarantees
that are within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, the
expected credit losses (the contingent aspect) shall
be measured and accounted for in addition to and
separately from the fair value of the guarantee (the
noncontingent aspect) in accordance with paragraph
460-10-30-5.
25-3 Because the
issuance of a guarantee imposes a noncontingent
obligation to stand ready to perform in the event
that the specified triggering events or conditions
occur, the provisions of Section 450-20-25 regarding
a guarantor’s contingent obligation under a
guarantee should not be interpreted as prohibiting a
guarantor from initially recognizing a liability for
a guarantee even though it is not probable that
payments will be required under that guarantee.
Similarly, for guarantees within the scope of
Subtopic 326-20, the requirement to measure a
guarantor’s expected credit loss on the guarantee
should not be interpreted as prohibiting a guarantor
from initially recognizing a liability for the
noncontingent aspect of a guarantee.
25-4 At the inception of a
guarantee, a guarantor shall recognize in its
statement of financial position a liability for that
guarantee. This Subsection does not prescribe a
specific account for the guarantor’s offsetting
entry when it recognizes a liability at the
inception of a guarantee. That offsetting entry
depends on the circumstances in which the guarantee
was issued. See paragraph 460-10-55-23 for
implementation guidance.
30-2 Except as indicated
in paragraphs 460-10-30-3 through 30-5, the
objective of the initial measurement of a guarantee
liability is the fair value of the guarantee at its
inception. For example:
-
If a guarantee is issued in a standalone arm’s-length transaction with an unrelated party, the liability recognized at the inception of the guarantee shall be the premium received or receivable by the guarantor as a practical expedient.
-
If a guarantee is issued as part of a transaction with multiple elements with an unrelated party (such as in conjunction with selling an asset), the liability recognized at the inception of the guarantee should be an estimate of the guarantee’s fair value. In that circumstance, a guarantor shall consider what premium would be required by the guarantor to issue the same guarantee in a standalone arm’s-length transaction with an unrelated party as a practical expedient.
-
If a guarantee is issued as a contribution to an unrelated party, the liability recognized at the inception of the guarantee shall be measured at its fair value, consistent with the requirement to measure the contribution made at fair value, as prescribed in Section 720-25-30. For related implementation guidance, see paragraph 460-10-55-14.
30-5 At the inception of a
guarantee within the scope of Subtopic 326-20 on
financial instruments measured at amortized cost,
the guarantor is required to recognize both of the
following as liabilities:
-
The amount that satisfies the fair value objective in accordance with paragraph 460-10-30-2
-
The contingent liability related to the expected credit loss for the guarantee measured under Subtopic 326-20.
ASC 460-10-25-2 states that a guarantee comprises a
noncontingent obligation and a contingent obligation. The noncontingent
obligation is the “obligation to stand ready to perform over the
term of the guarantee” if certain events or conditions occur, while the
contingent obligation is the “obligation to make future payments”
if certain events or conditions occur.
For financial guarantees not within the scope of ASC 326-20,
ASC 460 requires the guarantor to initially recognize at fair value a
guarantee liability comprising both the noncontingent obligation and the
contingent obligation (i.e., the guarantor is not required to separately
recognize at fair value a liability for the noncontingent and contingent
aspects of the guarantee). However, for financial guarantees within the
scope of ASC 326-20, the guarantor must also recognize a liability related
to the expected credit losses on the guarantee, estimated in accordance with
ASC 326-20.
A guarantor’s estimation of expected credit losses related to the contingent
element of the financial guarantee should take into account both (1) the
likelihood that the guarantor will have to fulfill its obligation and (2) an
estimate of expected credit losses related to the guarantee obligation.
Example 5-1
Accounting for a Financial Guarantee Within the
Scope of ASC 326-20
Entity X is a guarantor of debt incurred by Entity Y.
The guarantee arrangement stipulates that X must
guarantee payment of 100 percent of Y’s debt
obligations owed to a third-party debtor for a
specified time frame. Entity X is not an insurance
entity, and the guarantee is not within the scope of
ASC 815.
On July 1, 20X1, Y borrows $5
million from a third-party debtor for which X is
obligated to guarantee repayment under the guarantee
arrangement. Entity X receives an up-front cash
premium payment of $250,000 for the guarantee and
the cash premium is considered to be at arm’s
length. Entity X measures the fair value of its
stand-ready obligation (i.e., the noncontingent
obligation) to guarantee Y’s repayment under the
debt arrangement to be $250,000 on the basis of the
arm’s-length premium it received. Entity X applies
ASC 326-20 and measures its estimate of expected
credit losses related to the guarantee to be
$100,000 (i.e., the contingent obligation). Entity X
would record the following journal entry for the
guarantee arrangement:
Journal
Entry: July 1, 20X1
Connecting the Dots
Changes to Guarantee
Liability Recognition Under the CECL Model
Before the adoption of ASU 2016-13, a guarantor was not required to
bifurcate and separately account for the contingent and
noncontingent aspects of a financial guarantee under ASC 460.
Rather, the guarantor was required to initially recognize the
guarantee liability at the greater of the following:
-
The noncontingent liability stand-ready obligation of the guarantee measured at fair value in accordance with ASC 460-10-30-2.
-
The contingent liability measured in accordance with ASC 450-20-30.
However, ASU 2016-13 amended ASC 460-10-30-5 to
remove the entity’s ability to initially and subsequently recognize
the “greater of” the unamortized noncontingent obligation (ASC 460)
or the contingent obligation (ASC 450) for financial guarantees
within the scope of ASC 326-20. In other words, a guarantor must
measure and recognize a liability for the contingent element of the
guarantee obligation in accordance with ASC 326-20 in addition
to the liability for the noncontingent element under ASC
460. See Chapter
9 for transition guidance related to guarantees
within the scope of ASC 326-20. In certain circumstances,
application of the guidance in ASC 460-10-30-5 may result in a
scenario in which the sum of the noncontingent and contingent
liabilities exceeds the total amount that the guarantor is obligated
to pay. Consider the example below.
Example 5-2
Accounting for a Financial Guarantee Within
the Scope of ASC 326-20
Entity X is a guarantor for debt incurred by
Entity Y. The guarantee arrangement stipulates
that X must guarantee payment of 30 percent of Y’s
debt obligations owed to a third-party debtor for
a specified time frame. The other 70 percent of
Y’s debt obligations is guaranteed by an
independent third-party entity. Entity X is not an
insurance entity and the guarantee is not within
the scope of ASC 815.
On July 1, 20X1, Y borrows $10
million from a third-party debtor with a term of
three years for which X is obligated to guarantee
repayment of $3 million ($10 million multiplied by
X’s 30 percent guarantee obligation). Entity X
receives an up-front cash premium payment of
$300,000 for the guarantee, and the cash premium
is considered to be at arm’s length. Entity X
measures the fair value of its stand-ready
obligation (i.e., the noncontingent obligation) to
guarantee Y’s repayment under the debt arrangement
to be $300,000 on the basis of the arm’s-length
premium it received. At inception, X applies ASC
326-20 and measures its estimate of expected
credit losses related to the guarantee to be
$100,000 (i.e., the contingent element). On July
1, 20X1, X would record the following journal
entry for the guarantee arrangement:
Journal
Entry: July 1, 20X1
In the latter half of 20X1,
there is a significant macroeconomic decline in
key input factors affecting Y’s business that is
expected to persist over the contractual term of
the debt. As a result, Y experiences significant
credit deterioration and there is general concern
that Y will not be able to service the entire debt
obligation. Entity X applies ASC 326-20 and
remeasures its estimate of expected credit losses
related to the guarantee as of December 31, 20X1,
to be $2.8 million. Entity X’s
subsequent-measurement accounting policy for the
noncontingent guarantee liability is to amortize
the obligation on a straight-line basis over the
life of the guarantee, which is equal to the term
of the debt (i.e., three years). As of December
31, 20X1, the unamortized noncontingent guarantee
obligation is $250,000. Entity X would record the
following journal entry on December 31, 20X1, to
reflect the change in the liability for
off-balance-sheet credit losses:
Journal
Entry: December 31, 20X1
In this example, X’s total liability under the
guarantee as of December 31, 20X1, is $3.05
million,1 which exceeds the total amount of debt of $3
million that X is obligated to pay. While this
example is meant to portray extreme facts and
circumstances, it illustrates a potential outcome
of applying the conceptual framework of measuring
and recognizing the noncontingent and contingent
obligations of guarantees within the scope of ASC
326-20.
5.1.5.2.1 Credit Guarantee Between Entities Under Common Control
As discussed in Chapter 2, we generally believe
that guarantee arrangements between common-control entities that are
related to third-party credit exposure are within the scope of ASC
326-20. Consider the example below.
Example 5-3
Entity X and Entity Y are wholly
owned subsidiaries of Parent. As a result, X and Y
are entities under common control. Entity X
originates loans to third-party entities. Entity Y
enters into a credit guarantee with X under which
Y must reimburse X in the event that the
third-party loans were to default. Entity Y cannot
unconditionally cancel the guarantee arrangement,
and the guarantee is not within the scope of ASC
815. Entity Y prepares separate, stand-alone
financial statements.
In its separate, stand-alone
financial statements, Y should separately measure
and recognize the expected credit losses related
to the contingent element of its guarantee
obligation with X. Entity Y is exposed to the
credit risk of the third-party entities through
its guarantee arrangement with X. Therefore, Y
must measure and recognize the contingent element
(i.e., the expected credit losses) separately from
the noncontingent element (i.e., the stand-ready
obligation) of the guarantee.
5.1.5.3 Subsequent Measurement
ASC 460-10
35-1 This Subsection does
not describe in detail how the guarantor’s liability
for its obligations under the guarantee would be
measured after its initial recognition. The
liability that the guarantor initially recognized
under paragraph 460-10-25-4 would typically be
reduced (by a credit to earnings) as the guarantor
is released from risk under the guarantee.
35-2 Depending on the
nature of the guarantee, the guarantor’s release
from risk has typically been recognized over the
term of the guarantee using one of the following
three methods:
-
Only upon either expiration or settlement of the guarantee.
-
By a systematic and rational amortization method.
-
As the fair value of the guarantee changes.
Although those three methods are
currently being used in practice for subsequent
accounting, this Subsection does not provide
comprehensive guidance regarding the circumstances
in which each of those methods would be appropriate.
A guarantor is not free to choose any of the three
methods in deciding how the liability for its
obligations under the guarantee is measured
subsequent to the initial recognition of that
liability. A guarantor shall not use fair value in
subsequently accounting for the liability for its
obligations under a previously issued guarantee
unless the use of that method can be justified under
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). For
example, fair value is used to subsequently measure
guarantees accounted for as derivative instruments
under Topic 815.
35-4 The discussion in
paragraph 460-10-35-2 about how a guarantor
typically reduces the liability that it initially
recognized does not encompass the recognition and
subsequent adjustment of the contingent liability
related to the contingent loss for the guarantee.
The contingent aspect of the guarantee shall be
accounted for in accordance with Subtopic 450-20
unless the guarantee is accounted for as a
derivative instrument under Topic 815 or the
guarantee is within the scope of Subtopic 326-20 on
financial instruments measured at amortized cost.
For guarantees within the scope of Subtopic 326-20,
the expected credit losses (the contingent aspect)
of the guarantee shall be accounted for in
accordance with that Subtopic in addition to and
separately from the fair value of the guarantee
liability (the noncontingent aspect) accounted for
in accordance with paragraph 460-10-30-5.
A guarantor subsequently measures the noncontingent and contingent elements
of financial guarantees within the scope of ASC 326-20 differently because
the noncontingent obligation is measured under ASC 460 and the contingent
obligation is measured under ASC 326-20.
The guidance in ASC 460 does not specifically prescribe how a guarantor
subsequently measures the noncontingent element of the guarantee obligation.
Instead, ASC 460 indicates that the liability is typically reduced through
the income statement as the guarantor is released from risk under the
guarantee and cites three methods for making such a reduction:
-
Upon either expiration or settlement of the guarantee.
-
Using a systematic and rational amortization method.
-
Through changes in the fair value of the guarantee liability.
Entities cannot freely choose to elect one of the above subsequent-accounting
alternatives. Often, a systematic and rational amortization method is
appropriate. At the 2003 AICPA Conference on Current SEC Developments, the
SEC staff stated that “[i]t would seem a systematic and rational
amortization method would most likely be the appropriate [subsequent]
accounting” for the obligation to stand ready. For some guarantees, an
entity is required or permitted by U.S. GAAP to use a fair value model for
subsequent measurement as follows:
-
A fair value model is required for a guarantee that meets the definition of a derivative and is within the scope of the derivative accounting guidance in ASC 815-10.
-
For a guarantee that meets the definition of a financial instrument or is otherwise within the scope of the guidance in ASC 825-10 on the fair value option (e.g., a warranty that permits the warrantor to settle by paying a third party to provide goods or services), an entity is permitted to elect a fair value model unless the guarantee is specifically exempted from the scope of that guidance under ASC 825-10-15-5.
A fair value model cannot be justified solely on the basis
of the statement in ASC 460-10-35-2 that for some guarantees, the
guarantor’s release from risk is recognized as the fair value of the
guarantee changes. ASC 460-10-35-2 states, in part, that a “guarantor shall
not use fair value in subsequently accounting for the liability for its
obligations under a previously issued guarantee unless the use of that
method can be justified under generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP).”
The contingent element (i.e., the expected credit losses) of the guarantee
within the scope of ASC 326-20 is subsequently measured in accordance with
ASC 326-20.
Footnotes
1
The sum of the unamortized noncontingent
guarantee obligation of $250,000 and the liability
for off-balance-sheet credit losses of $2.8
million.
5.2 Trade Receivables and Contract Assets
5.2.1 Trade Receivables
Receivables that result from revenue transactions under ASC 606 are subject to
the CECL model. ASC 606-10-25-1(e) requires an entity to perform an evaluation
at contract inception to determine whether it is “probable that the entity will
collect substantially all of the consideration to which it will be entitled” for
goods or services transferred to the customer (the “collectibility threshold”).
This evaluation takes into account “the customer’s ability and intention to pay
[the] consideration when it is due.” The purpose of the assessment is to
determine whether there is a substantive transaction between the entity and the
customer, which is a necessary condition for the contract to be accounted for
under ASC 606. Although a customer’s credit risk associated with trade
receivables that will be recorded under a contract with a customer is considered
as part of the collectibility threshold, the entity’s conclusion that the
collectibility threshold is reached does not imply that all receivables that
result from the revenue transaction are collectible. That is, once a receivable
is recorded, it is unlikely that the entity will be able to assert that there
are no expected losses on the trade receivable. The entity must calculate its
expected credit losses to determine whether it should recognize an impairment
loss related to the trade receivable and, if so, in what amount. The likely
result is that the entity will record an allowance for expected credit losses on
trade receivables earlier under a CECL model than it would under existing
accounting requirements.
ASU 2016-13 includes the following example illustrating how an
entity could use a provision matrix to apply the guidance to trade receivables.
ASC 326-20
Example 5:
Estimating Expected Credit Losses for Trade
Receivables Using an Aging Schedule
55-37 This Example illustrates
one way an entity may estimate expected credit losses
for trade receivables using an aging schedule.
55-38 Entity E manufactures and
sells products to a broad range of customers, primarily
retail stores. Customers typically are provided with
payment terms of 90 days with a 2 percent discount if
payments are received within 60 days. Entity E has
tracked historical loss information for its trade
receivables and compiled the following historical credit
loss percentages:
- 0.3 percent for receivables that are current
- 8 percent for receivables that are 1–30 days past due
- 26 percent for receivables that are 31–60 days past due
- 58 percent for receivables that are 61–90 days past due
- 82 percent for receivables that are more than 90 days past due.
55-39 Entity E believes that
this historical loss information is a reasonable base on
which to determine expected credit losses for trade
receivables held at the reporting date because the
composition of the trade receivables at the reporting
date is consistent with that used in developing the
historical credit-loss percentages (that is, the similar
risk characteristics of its customers and its lending
practices have not changed significantly over time).
However, Entity E has determined that the current and
reasonable and supportable forecasted economic
conditions have improved as compared with the economic
conditions included in the historical information.
Specifically, Entity E has observed that unemployment
has decreased as of the current reporting date, and
Entity E expects there will be an additional decrease in
unemployment over the next year. To adjust the
historical loss rates to reflect the effects of those
differences in current conditions and forecasted
changes, Entity E estimates the loss rate to decrease by
approximately 10 percent in each age bucket. Entity E
developed this estimate based on its knowledge of past
experience for which there were similar improvements in
the economy.
55-40 At the reporting date,
Entity E develops the following aging schedule to
estimate expected credit losses.
The example above illustrates that an entity’s use of a provision matrix to apply
the CECL model to trade receivables may not differ significantly from its
current methods for determining the allowance for doubtful accounts. However,
the example also shows that when using such a matrix, the entity is required to
consider the following:
- Whether expected credit losses should be recognized for trade receivables that are considered “current” (i.e., not past due). In the example above, a historical loss rate of 0.3 percent is applied to the trade receivables that are classified as current.
- When using historical loss rates in a provision matrix, the entity must assess whether and, if so, how the historical loss rates differ from what is currently expected over the life of the trade receivables (on the basis of current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts).
Connecting the Dots
Unit of Account
As discussed in Section 3.2, an entity is required to evaluate financial
assets within the scope of the model on a collective (i.e., pool) basis
when assets share similar risk characteristics. If a financial asset’s
risk characteristics are not similar to those of any of the entity’s
other financial assets, the entity would evaluate that asset
individually.
As a result, although an entity may be able to continue using a provision
matrix to estimate credit losses, it may need to apply the matrix to a
more disaggregated level of trade receivables because it is required to
estimate expected credit losses collectively only when assets share
similar risk characteristics. That is, instead of applying a single
provision matrix to all of its trade receivables, the entity may need to
establish pools of such receivables on the basis of risk characteristics
and then apply a provision matrix to each pool.
Although the CECL model requires entities to perform a different evaluation for
trade receivables, we generally do not expect that most entities will see a
significant change in the impairment losses recognized on trade receivables.
However, entities with long-term trade receivables (e.g., those with due dates
that extend beyond one year) may experience more of a change than those with
short-term receivables because entities with long-term receivables may need to
consider additional adjustments to historical loss experience to reflect their
expectations about macroeconomic conditions that could exist past one year.
5.2.1.1 Credit Risk Versus Variable Consideration
ASC 606-10-45-4 states, in part, that “[u]pon initial
recognition of a receivable from a contract with a customer, any difference
between the measurement of the receivable in accordance with Subtopic 326-20
and the corresponding amount of revenue recognized shall be presented as a
credit loss expense.” However, the amount of revenue recognized in a
contract with a customer can change as a result of changes in the
transaction price. This is because the amount of consideration to which an
entity expects to be entitled for promised goods or services that have been
transferred to a customer may vary depending on the occurrence or
nonoccurrence of future events, including potential price concessions that
an entity might grant. That is, an entity may accept (and is expected to
accept) less than the contractually stated amount of consideration in
exchange for promised goods or services. Concessions might be granted as a
result of product obsolescence but might also be granted because of credit
risk assumed by the vendor in the transaction. Consider the example below
reproduced from ASC 606.
ASC 606-10
Example 3 — Implicit Price
Concession
55-102 An entity, a hospital,
provides medical services to an uninsured patient in
the emergency room. The entity has not previously
provided medical services to this patient but is
required by law to provide medical services to all
emergency room patients. Because of the patient’s
condition upon arrival at the hospital, the entity
provides the services immediately and, therefore,
before the entity can determine whether the patient
is committed to perform its obligations under the
contract in exchange for the medical services
provided. Consequently, the contract does not meet
the criteria in paragraph 606-10-25-1, and in
accordance with paragraph 606-10-25-6, the entity
will continue to assess its conclusion based on
updated facts and circumstances.
55-103 After providing
services, the entity obtains additional information
about the patient including a review of the services
provided, standard rates for such services, and the
patient’s ability and intention to pay the entity
for the services provided. During the review, the
entity notes its standard rate for the services
provided in the emergency room is $10,000. The
entity also reviews the patient’s information and to
be consistent with its policies designates the
patient to a customer class based on the entity’s
assessment of the patient’s ability and intention to
pay. The entity determines that the services
provided are not charity care based on the entity’s
internal policy and the patient’s income level. In
addition, the patient does not qualify for
governmental subsidies.
55-104 Before reassessing
whether the criteria in paragraph 606-10-25-1 have
been met, the entity considers paragraphs
606-10-32-2 and 606-10-32-7(b). Although the
standard rate for the services is $10,000 (which may
be the amount invoiced to the patient), the entity
expects to accept a lower amount of consideration in
exchange for the services. Accordingly, the entity
concludes that the transaction price is not $10,000
and, therefore, the promised consideration is
variable. The entity reviews its historical cash
collections from this customer class and other
relevant information about the patient. The entity
estimates the variable consideration and determines
that it expects to be entitled to $1,000.
55-105 In accordance with
paragraph 606-10-25-1(e), the entity evaluates the
patient’s ability and intention to pay (that is, the
credit risk of the patient). On the basis of its
collection history from patients in this customer
class, the entity concludes it is probable that the
entity will collect $1,000 (which is the estimate of
variable consideration). In addition, on the basis
of an assessment of the contract terms and other
facts and circumstances, the entity concludes that
the other criteria in paragraph 606-10-25-1 also are
met. Consequently, the entity accounts for the
contract with the patient in accordance with the
guidance in this Topic.
As noted in the example above, the entity believes that it is probable that
it will collect $1,000 from the patient, which is less than the contractual
price of $10,000. Accordingly, the entity records a receivable of $1,000
when it renders services to the patient. Under ASC 326-20, the entity is
required to evaluate financial assets on a collective (i.e., pool) basis
when assets share similar risk characteristics. Therefore, in this example,
the entity would need to consider its portfolio of similar trade receivables
to determine whether it would have to record an additional allowance. This
is because, although it is probable that the entity will collect $1,000, it
is not certain that the entity will collect $1,000 from all similarly
situated patients. Accordingly, the entity would most likely need to record
an additional allowance for further expected credit losses on the basis of
the expected collections across its portfolio of trade receivables.
Entities will need to use significant judgment in determining whether
recorded receivables are not collectible because the entities have provided
an implicit price concession or because there is incremental credit risk
beyond what was contemplated when the transaction price was established.
This is particularly true of entities in highly regulated industries, such
as health care and consumer energy, which may be required by law to provide
certain goods and services to their customers regardless of the customers’
ability to pay. Therefore, entities will need to evaluate all of the
relevant facts and circumstances of their arrangements to determine whether
they have provided implicit price concessions or whether the anticipated
receipt of less than the total contractual consideration represents
additional credit risk, as a result of which they may be required to record
additional credit losses upon adopting ASC 326-20. These credit losses are
measured on the basis of the losses that would be expected to be incurred
over the entire contractual term (i.e., the period over which the
receivables recorded will be collected).
5.2.1.2 Measuring Expected Credit Losses on Trade Receivables When the Corresponding Revenue Has Not Been Recognized
In limited circumstances, an entity may have an
unconditional right to consideration (i.e., a receivable) before it
transfers goods or services to a customer. In those situations, the
entity would recognize the receivable as well as a contract liability
representing its obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer.
This contract liability is commonly referred to as deferred revenue.
Questions have arisen about whether an entity that is
determining the receivable balance on which to estimate expected credit
losses is allowed to reduce the receivable by the associated contract
liability (i.e., deferred revenue). We generally believe that the entity
should only estimate expected credit losses on receivables for which the
associated revenue has been recognized. This belief is premised on the
fact that the entity does not have credit loss exposure related to goods
or services yet to be transferred because if the customer were to
default before recognizing revenue, the entity could simply no longer
deliver the goods or services and avoid a credit loss. In this case, the
entity could use the deferred revenue balance to reduce or “offset” the
exposure related to the receivable balance for which the estimate of
expected credit losses is being determined.
However, we acknowledge that there may be situations in
which an entity is prohibited from recognizing revenue because of
certain requirements in ASC 606, even though it has transferred the
related goods or services. In this case, it would not be appropriate to
reduce the exposure related to the receivable by some or all of the
deferred revenue recognized by the entity because it has already
delivered the goods or services and therefore cannot reduce its exposure
to credit losses by not performing under the terms of the arrangement.
5.2.1.3 Recognition of Expected Credit Losses on Sales Tax Receivables From Customers
A receivable from a customer that is recognized as part
of a revenue transaction may include an amount collected from the
customer related to a sales tax imposed by a tax authority. The seller
will generally have a corresponding payable for the sales tax amount it
is required to remit to the tax authority. In limited circumstances, the
seller may not be obligated to pay the sales tax amount to the tax
authority if the customer defaults on the receivable.
We believe that if the entity is required to pay the
sales tax amount to a tax authority regardless of whether the customer
defaults on the sales tax receivable, the entity is exposed to credit
losses and an allowance for expected losses should be recognized in
accordance with ASC 326-20. However, if an entity is not obligated to
pay the sales tax amount to the tax authority if the customer defaults
on the receivable, the entity has no exposure to credit losses and would
not be required to recognize an allowance for credit losses.
5.2.2 Contract Assets
Contract assets arise when an entity recognizes revenue but the entity’s right to
consideration depends on something other than the mere passage of time (e.g., the
satisfaction of additional performance obligations in the contract). Contract assets
are commonly referred to as unbilled receivables. ASC 606-10-45-3 states that an
entity should assess whether a contract asset is impaired in accordance with ASC 310
(before the adoption of ASU 2016-13) or ASC 326-20 (after the adoption of ASU 2016-13).
Because the collection of unbilled receivables depends on something other than just
the passage of time (e.g., future performance under the contract), contract assets
may take longer to recover than trade receivables. Consequently, an entity that has
contract asset balances may be more exposed to expected credit losses for recorded
amounts than an entity that has only short-term trade receivables. If the entity’s
policy for determining incurred losses on trade receivables (e.g., a matrix
approach) does not contemplate contract assets, it may need to implement additional
policies and procedures to reflect such assets in its allowance for expected credit
losses.
The example below illustrates how a
contract asset is recorded under ASC 606 and is recovered over a contract period.
Example 5-4
On January 1, 20X1, Entity X enters into an
arrangement to license its software to Customer Y for five
years. As part of the arrangement, X also agrees to provide
coterminous postcontract customer support (PCS). In exchange
for the license to X’s software and PCS, Y agrees to pay X
an annual fee of $500, invoiced at the beginning of each
year (total transaction price of $2,500), with payments due
within 60 days of invoice (i.e., 60 days after the first of
each year).
Entity X concludes the following about its
arrangement with Y:
- The promises to deliver the software license and PCS represent distinct performance obligations. Using a stand-alone selling price allocation method, X allocates 60 percent of the total transaction price to the software license and 40 percent to the PCS.
- Entity X’s software is a form of functional intellectual property; therefore, the license grants Y the right to use its intellectual property for the five-year contract term. As a result, X satisfies its performance obligation to transfer the software license at a point in time (i.e., contract inception).
- Entity X’s promise to provide PCS is satisfied over time by using a time-based measure of progress (i.e., ratably over the five-year contract term).
- Entity X concludes that the contract does not contain a significant financing component.2
In accordance with ASC 606, X recognizes
revenue as follows:3
Journal Entry: January 1, 20X1
Each year, X provides PCS under the contract
and bills the customer $500. Of that $500, $300 effectively
is applied against the contract asset recorded when the
license was transferred to the customer while the other $200
is related to PCS provided each year. Consequently, the
contract asset would have a four-year contractual term (the
period over which X will collect the contract asset). Upon
adopting ASU 2016-13, X will need to estimate the losses
that it will incur over the contractual term (i.e., four
years) when determining the loss allowance to record on the
contract asset.
Footnotes
2
Entities may need to apply
significant judgment to determine whether the
transaction price should be adjusted to account
for a significant financing component. See ASC
606-10-32-15 through 32-20 for more
information.
3
For simplicity, only the journal
entries at contract inception and for annual
reporting periods are provided.
5.3 Lease Receivables
Unlike receivables arising from operating leases (see Section 2.2 for more information), net investments
resulting from sales-type or direct financing leases are within the scope of ASC 326 and
lessors will therefore need to determine expected credit losses for such instruments.
Under ASC 840, a lessor was required to assess the net investment in a lease for
impairments by assessing (1) the lease receivable in accordance with ASC 310 and (2) the
unguaranteed residual asset in accordance with ASC 360. However, ASC 842 did not carry
forward the dual model for assessing impairment of the net investment in the lease.
In the Background Information and Basis for Conclusions of
ASU 2016-02, the FASB noted that
including two impairment models would be overly complex and that the benefits of the
resulting financial statement information would not justify its costs. Moreover, the
Board indicated that the net investment in a lease primarily comprises a financial lease
receivable (i.e., the unguaranteed residual asset is often insignificant) and therefore
should be accounted for as a financial asset under ASC 310. Thus, although the
unguaranteed residual asset included in a lessor’s net investment in a lease does not
meet the definition of a financial asset, a lessor that adopts ASU 2016-13 will be
required to apply the CECL model to the net investment in the lease, including both the
lease receivable and the unguaranteed residual asset.
5.3.1 Measuring Expected Credit Losses on a Net Investment in a Lease
ASC 842-30-35-3 provides guidance on how a lessor should
determine an impairment related to a net investment in a lease. According to
that guidance, when a lessor performs its evaluation, the collateral it
considers should include the cash flows that the lessor would expect to derive
from the underlying asset after the end of the lease term. Specifically, ASC
842-30-35-3 states:
A lessor shall determine the loss
allowance related to the net investment in the lease and shall record any
loss allowance in accordance with Subtopic 326-20 on financial instruments
measured at amortized cost. When determining the loss allowance for a net
investment in the lease, a lessor shall take into consideration the
collateral relating to the net investment in the lease. The collateral
relating to the net investment in the lease represents the cash flows that the lessor would expect to receive (or
derive) from the lease receivable and the unguaranteed residual
asset during and following the end of the remaining lease term. [Emphasis
added]
The unit of account used when the impairment model is applied
from the lessor’s perspective is meant to encompass the amounts related to the
entire net investment in the lease, including the residual asset. Therefore,
when evaluating the net investment in a sales-type or direct financing lease for
impairment, a lessor should use the cash flows it expects to derive from the
underlying asset during the remaining lease term as well as those it expects to
derive from the underlying asset at the end of the lease term (i.e., cash flows
expected to be derived from the residual asset). When determining the cash flows
to be derived from the residual asset, the lessor should consider the amounts it
would receive for releasing or selling the underlying asset to a third party but
should not consider the expected credit risk of the potential future lessee or
buyer of the underlying asset (i.e., it would not be appropriate for the lessor
to include a credit risk assumption in its analysis since it does not know the
identity of the theoretical future lessee or buyer).
5.3.2 Gains and Losses on Subsequent Dispositions of Leased Assets
When measuring expected credit losses on a portfolio of net
investment in leases, an entity should consider gains arising from the
subsequent disposition of leased assets.
At the June 2018 TRG meeting, the FASB staff
stated that “entities should estimate expected cash flows from the subsequent
disposition of leased assets (whether those result in expected gains or losses
on disposal) when calculating expected credit losses on a portfolio of net
investments in leases under the guidance in Subtopic 326-20 if that estimate is
reasonable and supportable consistent with the treatment of other inputs to the
calculation of expected credit losses.” That is, the FASB staff does not view
the pool-level assessment required under ASC 326-20 as precluding the inclusion
of “cash flows from the subsequent disposition of leased assets expected to
result in gains on disposal from the calculation of expected credit losses.”4
However, we believe that the inclusion of expected gains on the
disposal of leased assets should not, by itself, cause an entity’s allowance for
expected credit losses to be negative. That is, while an entity should include
in its estimate of expected credit losses the cash flows expected upon the
disposition of the leased assets, we believe that the amount of cash flows
related to gains on the disposal of such assets should be limited to the amount
necessary to offset any expected credit losses on the lease payments.
Example 5-5
Lessor’s portfolio of sales-type leases
has a net investment balance of $6 million. On the basis
of its historical experience and its reasonable and
supportable forecasts, Lessor estimates that 4 percent
will default. Given the projected net investment balance
at the time of the defaults and the estimated proceeds
from the disposition of the leased assets, Lessor
expects $200,000 of credit losses. In addition, it
expects to recover $50,000 from the sale of the assets
included in its performing leases (i.e., those that will
not default during the lease term). On the basis of the
FASB staff’s response at the TRG meeting, Lessor would
estimate its expected credit losses as the sum of (1)
its expected credit losses resulting from expected
defaults plus (2) the gains it expects to recover from
the disposition of assets on the leases that do not
default. That is, Lessor’s expected credit losses would
be $150,000, calculated as the net amount expected to be
collected at the pool level.
Footnotes
4
See TRG Memo 7.
5.4 Reinsurance Receivables
A reinsurance transaction is one in which a reinsurer (an assuming entity) assumes all or
part of a risk undertaken originally by another insurer (a ceding entity) for
consideration. As noted in Chapter 2, ASC 326-20
applies to all reinsurance receivables that result from insurance transactions within
the scope of ASC 944 regardless of the underlying measurement basis of the receivables
(i.e., measured at amortized cost or on a discounted basis). The CECL model does not
have any special provisions or guidance that specifically applies to reinsurance
receivables. However, we believe that an entity will need to carefully consider the
following when applying the CECL model to reinsurance receivables:
- Isolating credit risk — Determining what portion of the collectibility concerns about reinsurance receivables is related to credit risk versus other risks (e.g., dispute risk, legal risk).
- Unit of account — ASC 326-20 requires entities to perform a collective assessment if the reinsurance receivables share similar risk characteristics.
5.4.1 Isolating Credit Risk
Before being amended by ASU 2016-13, ASC 944-310-35-4 stated, in part, that “the
ceding entity shall assess the collectibility of those [reinsurance]
recoverables in accordance with Subtopic 450-20.” Accordingly, under current
U.S. GAAP, an entity is not required to consider the reasons why collectibility
concerns exist. Rather, ASC 944 requires entities to evaluate such concerns in
accordance with ASC 450-20, even if they result from a combination of different
risks associated with the asset.
However, ASU 2016-13 amended ASC 944-310-35-4 to state that although “[a]n entity
shall measure contingent losses relating to disputed amounts in
accordance with Subtopic 450-20 on loss contingencies[,] the ceding entity shall
measure expected credit losses relating to reinsurance recoverables in
accordance with Subtopic 326-20 on financial instruments measured at amortized
cost” (emphasis added). Consequently, under ASU 2016-13, an entity is required
to isolate the collectibility concerns that are related only to credit risk and
measure the expected credit losses in accordance with ASC 326. The requirement
to bifurcate risks to isolate credit risk may be challenging for entities that
have reinsurance receivables.
5.4.2 Unit of Account
As described in Chapter 3, the CECL model does
not prescribe a unit of account (e.g., an individual asset or a group of financial
assets) in the measurement of expected credit losses. However, an entity is required
to evaluate financial assets within the scope of the model on a collective (i.e.,
pool) basis when assets share similar risk characteristics. If a financial asset’s
risk characteristics are not similar to those of any of the entity’s other financial
assets, the entity would evaluate that asset individually.
Although entities will be required to use judgment when evaluating the risk
characteristics of all financial assets, they will need to pay particular attention
to the specific risk characteristics of reinsurance receivables. Example 17 in ASC
326-20 illustrates the evaluation of different types of risks related to reinsurance
receivables.
ASC 326-20
Example 17:
Identifying Similar Risk Characteristics in
Reinsurance Recoverables
55-81 Reinsurance recoverables may
comprise a variety of risks that affect collectibility
including:
- Credit risk of the reinsurer/assuming company
- Contractual coverage disputes between the reinsurer/assuming company and the insurer/ceding company including contract administration issues
- Other noncontractual, noncoverage issues including reinsurance billing and allocation issues.
55-82 This Subtopic only requires
measurement of expected losses related to the credit risk of
the reinsurer/assuming company.
55-83 In situations in which
similar risk characteristics are not present in the
reinsurance recoverables, the ceding insurer should measure
expected credit losses on an individual basis. Similar risk
characteristics may not exist because any one or a
combination of the following factors exists, including, but
not limited to:
- Customized reinsurance agreements associated with individual risk geographies
- Different size and financial conditions of reinsurers that may be either domestic or international
- Different attachment points among reinsurance agreements
- Different collateral terms of the reinsurance agreements (such as collateral trusts or letters of credit)
- The existence of state-sponsored reinsurance programs.
55-84 However, similar risk
characteristics may exist for certain reinsurance
recoverables because any one or combination of the following
exists:
- Reinsurance agreements that have standardized terms
- Reinsurance agreements that involve similar insured risks and underwriting practices
- Reinsurance counterparties that have similar financial characteristics and face similar economic conditions.
55-85 Judgment should be applied by
ceding insurers in determining if and when similar risks
exist within their reinsurance recoverables.
Chapter 6 — Purchased Credit-Deteriorated Assets
Chapter 6 — Purchased Credit-Deteriorated Assets
6.1 Introduction
Since the beginning of its credit losses project, the FASB has sought to
develop a model in which an entity would recognize in net income, in each reporting
period (including upon initial recognition), a credit loss expense that arises from an
allowance for expected credit losses that reflects management’s current estimate of such
losses for both originated and purchased assets. However, as discussed in paragraph BC85
of ASU 2016-13,
the Board questioned whether the same model should be applied to all originated and
purchased assets:
[R]ecognizing interest revenue on the basis of contractual cash
flows for all purchased assets could result in situations in which an entity
accretes to an amount that it does not expect to collect, which would result in
artificially inflated yields. For this reason, the Board concluded that when
recognizing interest income on certain assets, it is inappropriate to accrete
from the purchase price to the contractual cash flows. Specifically, when a
purchased asset has deteriorated more than insignificantly since origination, it
is more decision useful to exclude the credit discount from the amount accreted
to interest income. As a result, the discount embedded in the purchase price
that is attributable to credit losses at the date of acquisition of a purchased
financial asset with credit deterioration should not be recognized as interest
income.
On the basis of that logic, the Board developed an alternative credit loss and interest
income recognition model for acquired assets for which a certain level of credit
deterioration has occurred since origination. The alternative model applies to PCD
assets (see discussion below of what constitutes a PCD asset). An entity’s method for
measuring expected credit losses on PCD assets should be consistent with its method for
measuring such losses on originated and purchased non-credit-deteriorated assets. Upon
acquiring a PCD asset, the entity would recognize its allowance for expected credit
losses as an adjustment that increases the asset’s cost basis (the “gross-up” approach).
After initial recognition of the PCD asset and its related allowance, the entity would
continue to apply the CECL model to the asset — that is, any changes in the estimate of
cash flows that the entity expects to collect (favorable or unfavorable) would be
recognized immediately as credit loss expense in the income statement. Interest income
recognition would be based on the purchase price plus the initial allowance accreting to
the contractual cash flows.
Changing Lanes
FASB Proposed ASU on Purchased Financial Assets
On June 27, 2023, the FASB issued a proposed ASU that would expand the model
for PCD assets to include all financial assets acquired in (1) a business
combination, (2) an asset acquisition, or (3) the consolidation of a VIE that is
not a business. The term PCD would be replaced with the term PFA.1
See Section
10.2.4 for more information.
Footnotes
1
AFS debt securities would be excluded from the PFA
model. In addition, for financial assets acquired as a result of an
asset acquisition or through consolidation of a VIE that is not a
business, the asset acquirer would apply the gross-up approach to
seasoned assets, which are acquired assets unless the asset is deemed
akin to an in-substance origination. A seasoned asset is an asset (1)
that is acquired more than 90 days after origination and (2) for which
the asset acquirer was not involved with the origination.
6.2 Scope of the PCD Model
ASU 2016-13 adds the following definition of PCD assets to the ASC
master glossary:
Acquired individual financial assets (or acquired groups of financial assets with
similar risk characteristics) that, as of the date of acquisition, have
experienced a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since
origination, as determined by an acquirer’s assessment.
ASC 326 does not specify either the cause of “more-than-insignificant
deterioration” or the factors an entity should consider when assessing whether the
deterioration in the credit quality of an asset (or a group of assets) has been more
than insignificant since origination. Paragraph BC90 of ASU 2016-13 notes that the FASB
did not want to identify which assets would meet the definition of a PCD asset:
Some stakeholders requested clarification on which purchased financial assets
should be recognized through a gross-up approach. The Board discussed the
definition of purchased assets with credit deterioration and did not intend for
the gross-up approach to be limited to nonaccrual loans or other assets that may
have been considered to be an “impaired” asset before the issuance of the
amendments in this Update. The Board was concerned that stakeholders would
misinterpret the guidance and apply the guidance to the same scope of assets as
Subtopic 310-30. As a result, the Board clarified that a gross-up approach
should be applied to purchased financial assets with a more-than-insignificant
amount of credit deterioration since origination. This change in wording was
recommended by user stakeholders. In addition, the Board concluded that this
will expand the population of purchased financial assets that are eligible to be
considered purchased financial assets with credit deterioration.
Although ASC 326 does not discuss what constitutes a
more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality, it does provide an example
illustrating one way in which an entity may evaluate the credit quality of PFAs.
ASC 326-20
Example 11: Identifying
Purchased Financial Assets With Credit
Deterioration
55-57 This Example illustrates factors
that may be considered when assessing whether the purchased
financial assets have more than an insignificant deterioration
in credit quality since origination.
55-58 Entity N purchases a portfolio of
financial assets subsequently measured at amortized cost basis
with varying levels of credit quality. When determining which
assets should be considered to be in the scope of the guidance
for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration, Entity
N considers the factors in paragraph 326-20-55-4 that are
relevant for determining collectibility.
55-59 Entity N assesses what is
more-than-insignificant credit deterioration since origination
and considers the purchased assets with the following
characteristics to be consistent with the factors that affect
collectibility in paragraph 326-20-55-4. Entity N records the
allowance for credit losses in accordance with paragraph
326-20-30-13 for the following assets:
- Financial assets that are delinquent as of the acquisition date
- Financial assets that have been downgraded since origination
- Financial assets that have been placed on nonaccrual status
- Financial assets for which, after origination, credit spreads have widened beyond the threshold specified in its policy.
55-60 Judgment is required when
determining whether purchased financial assets should be
recorded as purchased financial assets with credit
deterioration. Entity N’s considerations represent only a few of
the possible considerations. There may be other acceptable
considerations and policies applied by an entity to identify
purchased financial assets with credit deterioration.
Example 11 in ASC 326-20 illustrates that an entity could use the
factors in ASC 326-20-55-4 to evaluate whether the deterioration of an asset’s credit
quality has been more than insignificant. ASC 326-20-55-4 states, in part:
Examples of factors an entity may consider include any of the
following, depending on the nature of the asset (not all of these may be relevant to
every situation, and other factors not on the list may be relevant):
- The borrower’s financial condition, credit rating, credit score, asset quality, or business prospects
- The borrower’s ability to make scheduled interest or principal payments
- The remaining payment terms of the financial asset(s)
- The remaining time to maturity and the timing and extent of prepayments on the financial asset(s)
- The nature and volume of the entity’s financial asset(s)
- The volume and severity of past due financial asset(s) and the volume and severity of adversely classified or rated financial asset(s)
- The value of underlying collateral on financial assets in which the collateral-dependent practical expedient has not been utilized
- The entity’s lending policies and procedures, including changes in lending strategies, underwriting standards, collection, writeoff, and recovery practices, as well as knowledge of the borrower’s operations or the borrower’s standing in the community
- The quality of the entity’s credit review system
- The experience, ability, and depth of the entity’s management, lending staff, and other relevant staff
- The environmental factors of a borrower and the areas in
which the entity’s credit is concentrated, such as:
- Regulatory, legal, or technological environment to which the entity has exposure
- Changes and expected changes in the general market condition of either the geographical area or the industry to which the entity has exposure
- Changes and expected changes in international, national, regional, and local economic and business conditions and developments in which the entity operates, including the condition and expected condition of various market segments.
These factors are provided in the context of how an entity might adjust historical loss
information on the basis of certain conditions and characteristics that affect the
asset’s collectibility. While the existence of these factors may signify that
collectibility concerns are associated with a particular asset (or group of assets), it
may not indicate that the asset (or group of assets) should be considered PCD because an
entity can only conclude that an asset is PCD if the deterioration of its credit quality
has been more than insignificant since origination.
Connecting the Dots
Considerations Related to AFS Debt
Securities Under the PCD Model
The PCD model applies to an AFS debt security that meets the definition of a PCD
asset. To determine whether this definition is met, an entity must consider the
factors in ASC 326-30-55-1, which are the same factors that an investor uses to
identify whether there is a credit loss on an AFS debt security. In addition,
the subsequent-accounting guidance in ASC 326-30 on AFS debt securities that are
considered PCD assets slightly differs from the PCD model for assets measured at
amortized cost (e.g., loans and HTM debt securities). See Section
7.2.5 for further discussion of the accounting for AFS debt
securities that are considered PCD assets.
Changing Lanes
Scope of the PCD Model Differs From That
of the PCI Model
As noted previously, ASU 2016-13 defines a PCD asset as an acquired asset that
has “experienced a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since
origination.” Under current U.S. GAAP, a purchased credit-impaired (PCI) asset
accounted for under ASC 310-30 is considered credit-impaired if it is probable
that the investor would be unable to collect all contractual cash flows because
of deterioration in the asset’s credit quality since origination. Consequently,
in determining whether the credit deterioration of an acquired asset has been
more than insignificant, entities will most likely need to use more judgment
when applying the guidance in ASU 2016-13 than they do under current
guidance.
6.2.1 Application of PCD Model to BIs
The PCD model sometimes applies to BIs in securitized financial
assets. The PCD model applies to assets that meet the definition of PCD assets
as well as to certain BIs in debt securities that do not necessarily meet that
definition (see Connecting the Dots below). ASC 325-40-30-1A (added by ASU
2016-13) states:
An entity shall apply the initial
measurement guidance for purchased financial assets with credit
deterioration in Subtopic 326-20 to a beneficial interest classified as
held-to-maturity and in Subtopic 326-30 to a beneficial interest classified
as available for sale, if it meets either of the following conditions:
- There is a significant difference between contractual cash flows and expected cash flows at the date of recognition.
- The beneficial interests meet the definition of purchased financial assets with credit deterioration.
For more information about BIs accounted for under ASC 325-40,
see Section
6.4.
Connecting the Dots
PCD Model May Apply to a BI That
Does Not Meet the Definition of a PCD Asset
Under ASC 325-40-30-1A (see the section above), an
entity may need to account for a BI under the respective PCD model in
ASC 326-20 or ASC 326-30, even if the BI does not meet the definition of
a PCD asset. For example, the entity may be required to apply the PCD
model to certain BIs in new securitizations (i.e., securitizations for
which there is no deterioration in credit quality because they are new)
since there may be a significant difference between contractual cash
flows and expected cash flows on the date of recognition.
6.2.2 Application of PCD Model to Assets Acquired in a Business Combination
Assets acquired in a business combination are within the scope
of the PCD model. The PCD model applies to any acquired asset whose
deterioration in credit quality has been more than insignificant since
origination. Paragraph BC88 of ASU 2016-13 states that “the Board concluded that
there is no inherent difference between assets acquired in a business
combination and those that are purchased outside a business combination.”
An entity will still have to evaluate whether the individual
financial assets (or groups of financial assets with similar risk
characteristics) acquired in a business combination meet the definition of a PCD
asset before applying the PCD model. This may differ from the current practice
in which an entity can elect to apply ASC 310-30 to a pool of acquired assets
even if it cannot assert that each individual asset acquired is within the scope
of ASC 310-30.2
Note that while it may generally be relatively simple to
determine whether the PCD model applies to acquired assets in a business
combination, an entity may be required to perform an additional step if those
acquired assets were previously written off by the seller. We believe that, in
those instances, the acquirer would first need to evaluate whether it still has
a contractual right to the cash flows of the asset at the time of acquisition
and therefore has an asset to recognize. We believe that if the acquirer
determines that it has a contractual right to the cash flows of a financial
asset that was previously written off, it would then apply the PCD model to the
acquired assets as of the acquisition date.
6.2.3 Partially Funded Lines of Credit That Are PCD
Upon initially acquiring a partially drawn line of credit, an
acquirer should account for the funded portion (that is considered to be PCD and
noncancelable by the acquirer) in a manner similar to how it would account for
any other PCD asset, as described in ASC 326-20-30-13. The accounting for the
unfunded portion of the line of credit would be the same as that prescribed in
ASC 326-20-30-11 for all unfunded loan commitments. That is, a liability for the
expected credit losses should be recognized for the unfunded portion of the line
of credit for which subsequent adjustments as of each reporting date are
reported in net income as credit loss expense. In addition, adjustments to the
allowance for expected credit losses on the funded portion of the line of credit
are also reported in net income as credit loss expense.
As the entity continues to draw down on the line of credit, the
acquirer would revise its estimate for credit losses recognized on the unfunded
portion of the line of credit (i.e., potentially reducing its liability for
off-balance-sheet credit exposure) while adjusting the allowance for expected
credit losses on the funded loan amount (to reflect the newly funded amount).
6.2.4 Whether Pushdown Accounting Results in Applying PCD Accounting at the Subsidiary Level
Under ASC 805-50-30-10, if an acquiree elects to apply pushdown
accounting, the carrying amounts of its assets and liabilities in its separate
financial statements are adjusted to reflect the amounts recognized in the
acquirer’s consolidated financial statements as of the date on which control was
obtained. As a result, if the acquirer applies (or would have applied) PCD
accounting at the consolidated level to assets acquired and the acquiree elects to
apply pushdown accounting, the acquiree would need to adjust its assets to reflect
the application of PCD accounting in its separate, stand-alone financial statements.
Note that an acquiree that elects pushdown accounting must apply it in its entirety;
the acquiree cannot pick and choose which assets or liabilities to recognize in its
separate financial statements.
6.2.5 Accounting for a Net Investment in a Lease by Using the PCD Model
A lessor should consider a decline in the fair value of the
residual asset in an acquired net investment in a sales-type or direct financing
lease when evaluating whether the net investment in the lease meets the
definition of a PCD asset. The unit of account used when the impairment model is
applied from the lessor’s perspective is meant to encompass amounts related to
the entire net investment in the lease, which would include the residual asset.
Therefore, we believe that when evaluating whether the deterioration in the
credit quality of an acquired net investment in a sales-type or direct financing
lease has been more than insignificant since origination, the lessor should
consider declines in the (1) lessee’s credit quality that are related to lease
payments and (2) fair value of the underlying residual asset.
6.2.6 Unit of Account for PCD Assets
The unit of account used in the PCD model depends on the type of
financial asset to which the entity is applying the PCD model. An entity is allowed
to evaluate the applicability of the PCD model to loans, HTM debt securities, and
other assets measured at amortized cost on a collective basis if they share similar
risk characteristics (see Section
3.2). However, the entity is not permitted to determine whether PCD
accounting applies to AFS debt securities on a collective or pool basis; instead, it
must make that determination on the basis of each individual AFS debt security. For
more information about the PCD assessment for AFS debt securities, see
Section 7.2.5.
Connecting the Dots
Maintaining Integrity of Pool No
Longer Required
ASC 310-30-40-1 states that, among other things, “once a
pool of [PCI] loans is assembled, the integrity of the pool shall be
maintained” and that a loan could only be removed if it met certain
conditions. ASU 2016-13 removes that language. As a result, the general
principles in ASC 326-20 that address the unit of account apply similarly to
all assets measured at amortized cost. That is, an entity must evaluate
financial assets within the scope of the model on a collective (i.e., pool)
basis if they share similar risk characteristics. If a financial asset’s
risk characteristics are not similar to those of any of the entity’s other
financial assets, the entity would evaluate that financial asset
individually. For more information about when to remove a financial asset
from a pool of financial assets, including PCD assets, see Section 3.2.1.
However, note that the transition guidance in ASU 2016-13
allows an entity to continue to apply ASC 310-30 to pools of PCI assets if
it elects to maintain those pools when adopting ASU 2016-13. As discussed in
Section 9.2.1, entities have a choice of
maintaining their existing pools accounted for under ASC 310-30 either at
adoption only or on an ongoing basis after adoption. Furthermore, an
entity’s approach to maintaining its existing pools should be determined on
a pool-by-pool basis. As a result, while ASC 326-20 does not require an
entity to maintain the integrity of a pool of PCD assets, an entity would be
required to do so if it elected to maintain its pools of PCI assets upon
adopting ASU 2016-13.
Footnotes
2
In a December 18, 2009, letter to the SEC staff, the AICPA
documented the SEC staff’s position that after a purchase of loans in a
business acquisition or an asset purchase, an entity is permitted to
make an accounting policy election to accrete the discount on the basis
of either contractual cash flows (by using an ASC 310-20 approach) or
expected cash flows (by using an ASC 310-30 approach) for portfolios of
acquired assets for which the entity does not individually evaluate each
asset to determine whether it meets the scope requirements of ASC
310-30. Accordingly, some loans in the portfolio may individually meet
the scope criteria while others may not.
6.3 Recognition and Measurement Under the PCD Model
6.3.1 Overview
ASC 326-20
30-13 An entity shall record
the allowance for credit losses for purchased financial
assets with credit deterioration in accordance with
paragraphs 326-20-30-2 through 30-10, 326-20-30-12, and
326-20-30-13A. An entity shall add the allowance for
credit losses at the date of acquisition to the purchase
price to determine the initial amortized cost basis for
purchased financial assets with credit deterioration.
Any noncredit discount or premium resulting from
acquiring a pool of purchased financial assets with
credit deterioration shall be allocated to each
individual asset. At the acquisition date, the initial
allowance for credit losses determined on a collective
basis shall be allocated to individual assets to
appropriately allocate any noncredit discount or
premium.
30-13A The allowance for
credit losses for purchased financial assets with credit
deterioration shall include expected recoveries of
amounts previously written off and expected to be
written off by the entity and shall not exceed the
aggregate of amounts previously written off and expected
to be written off by the entity.
- If the entity estimates expected credit losses using a method other than a discounted cash flow method in accordance with paragraph 326-20-30-4, expected recoveries shall not include any amounts that result in an acceleration of the noncredit discount.
- The entity may include increases in expected cash flows after acquisition.
(See Examples 18 and 19 in paragraphs
326-20-55-86 through 55-90.)
30-14 If an entity estimates
expected credit losses using a discounted cash flow
method, the entity shall discount expected credit losses
at the rate that equates the present value of the
purchaser’s estimate of the asset’s future cash flows
with the purchase price of the asset. If an entity
estimates expected credit losses using a method other
than a discounted cash flow method, the entity shall
estimate expected credit losses on the basis of the
unpaid principal balance (face value) of the financial
asset(s). See paragraphs 326-20-55-66 through 55-78 for
implementation guidance and examples.
30-15 An entity shall account
for purchased financial assets that do not have a
more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality
since origination in a manner consistent with originated
financial assets in accordance with paragraphs
326-20-30-1 through 30-10 and 326-20-30-12. An entity
shall not apply the guidance in paragraphs 326-20-30-13
through 30-14 for purchased financial assets that do not
have a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit
quality since origination.
As previously stated, an entity’s initial recognition of expected credit losses
for PCD assets differs from that for non-PCD assets. Upon acquiring a PCD asset,
the entity would recognize its allowance for expected credit losses as an
adjustment that increases the asset’s cost basis (the “gross-up” approach).
After initial recognition of the PCD asset and its related allowance, the entity
would continue to apply the CECL model to the asset — that is, it would
immediately recognize in the income statement any changes in its estimate of the
cash flows it expects to collect (favorable or unfavorable). Consequently, any
subsequent changes to the entity’s estimate of expected credit losses — whether
unfavorable or favorable — would be recorded as credit loss expense (or a
reduction of expense) during the period of change. Interest income recognition
would be based on the purchase price plus the initial allowance accreting to the
contractual cash flows.
Changing Lanes
Eliminating Asymmetrical
Accounting From U.S. GAAP
Currently, an entity that is accounting for PCI assets recognizes
unfavorable changes in expected cash flows as an immediate credit
impairment but treats favorable changes in expected cash flows as
prospective yield adjustments. The CECL model’s approach to PCD assets
eliminates this asymmetrical treatment of cash flow changes by requiring
an entity to record all subsequent changes to its estimate of expected
credit losses — whether unfavorable or favorable — as impairment expense
(or a reduction of expense) during the period of change. However, in a
manner consistent with current practice, the model precludes an entity
from recognizing as interest income the discount embedded in the
purchase price that is attributable to the expected credit losses as of
the acquisition date.
6.3.2 Initial Recognition
A key difference between the PCD model and the credit losses model lies in how an
entity recognizes expected credit losses on a PCD asset when it is acquired. As
described in ASC 326-20-30-1, for financial assets not considered to be PCD, “[a]n
entity shall report in net income (as a credit loss expense) the amount
necessary to adjust the allowance for credit losses for management’s current
estimate of expected credit losses on financial asset(s)” (emphasis added). However,
as previously stated, the FASB believes that there is a certain subset of assets for
which the entity should not apply the guidance in ASC 326-20-30-1, specifically the
requirement to recognize in net income the credit losses the entity expects upon
acquisition.
As a result, for an asset that meets the definition of a PCD asset, the FASB believes
that an entity should apply the gross-up approach when initially recognizing
expected credit losses upon acquisition. That is, upon acquiring the PCD asset, the
entity would recognize such losses as an adjustment to the asset’s cost basis.
Because the entity applies the gross-up approach to recognize expected credit losses
on PCD assets, it does not recognize in net income the initial expected
credit losses on those assets.
Example 12 in ASC 326-20 illustrates how an entity would apply the PCD model,
specifically the gross-up approach to recognizing expected credit losses as an
adjustment to the amortized cost basis of the acquired assets.
ASC 326-20
Example 12:
Recognizing Purchased Financial Assets With Credit
Deterioration
55-61 This Example illustrates
application of the guidance to an individual purchased
financial asset with credit deterioration.
55-62 Under paragraphs 326-20-30-13
and 310-10-35-53B, for purchased financial assets with
credit deterioration, the discount embedded in the purchase
price that is attributable to expected credit losses should
not be recognized as interest income and also should not be
reported as a credit loss expense upon acquisition.
55-63 Bank O records purchased
financial assets with credit deterioration in its existing
systems by recognizing the amortized cost basis of the
asset, at acquisition, as equal to the sum of the purchase
price and the associated allowance for credit loss at the
date of acquisition. The difference between amortized cost
basis and the par amount of the debt is recognized as a
noncredit discount or premium. By doing so, the
credit-related discount is not accreted to interest income
after the acquisition date.
55-64 Assume that Bank O pays
$750,000 for a financial asset with a par amount of $1
million. The instrument is measured at amortized cost basis.
At the time of purchase, the allowance for credit losses on
the unpaid principal balance is estimated to be $175,000. At
the purchase date, the statement of financial position would
reflect an amortized cost basis for the financial asset of
$925,000 (that is, the amount paid plus the allowance for
credit loss) and an associated allowance for credit losses
of $175,000. The difference between par of $1 million and
the amortized cost of $925,000 is a non-credit-related
discount. The acquisition-date journal entry is as
follows:
55-65 Subsequently, the $75,000
noncredit discount would be accreted into interest income
over the life of the financial asset consistent with other
Topics. The $175,000 allowance for credit losses should be
updated in subsequent periods consistent with the guidance
in Section 326-20-35, with changes in the allowance for
credit losses on the unpaid principal balance reported
immediately in the statement of financial performance as a
credit loss expense.
6.3.3 Initial and Subsequent Measurement
ASC 326-20-30-14 permits an entity to use various methods to
estimate expected credit losses for PCD assets. This guidance is similar to that for
non-PCD assets in ASC 326-20-30-3 (see Section 4.4 for more information). ASC
326-20-30-14 states, in part:
If an entity estimates expected credit losses using a discounted cash flow
method, the entity shall discount expected credit losses at the rate that
equates the present value of the purchaser’s estimate of the asset’s future
cash flows with the purchase price of the asset. If an entity estimates
expected credit losses using a method other than a discounted cash flow
method, the entity shall estimate expected credit losses on the basis of the
unpaid principal balance (face value) of the financial asset(s).
Although there are similarities between the methods an entity uses to estimate
expected credit losses for PCD assets and those for non-PCD assets, there are also
two distinct differences:
- Application of the DCF method:
- Non-PCD assets — ASC 326-20-30-4 requires an entity to discount expected credit losses by using the asset’s EIR (i.e., the rate of return implicit in the financial asset).
- PCD assets — ASC 326-20-30-14 requires an entity to discount expected credit losses by using a “rate that equates the present value of the purchaser’s estimate of the asset’s future cash flows with the purchase price of the asset.” For an illustration of how an entity would apply the DCF method to estimate expected credit losses on PCD assets, see Example 14 in ASC 326-20-55-72 through 55-78.
- Application of a method other than the DCF method (e.g., a loss-rate method):
- Non-PCD assets — ASC 326-20-30-5 requires an entity to estimate expected credit losses on the basis of an asset’s amortized cost.
- PCD assets — ASC 326-20-30-14 requires an entity to estimate expected credit losses “on the basis of [the asset’s] unpaid principal balance.” For an illustration of how an entity would apply a loss-rate method to estimate expected credit losses on PCD assets, see Example 13 in ASC 326-20-55-66 through 55-71.
Paragraphs BC92 and BC93 of ASU 2016-13 provide the FASB’s rationale
for the differences between the measurement guidance for PCD assets and that for
non-PCD assets:
BC92. For purchased financial assets
with credit deterioration, the Board decided to include additional guidance
on how to determine the amortized cost basis and effective interest rate due
to circularity concerns. Stakeholders noted that there could be a
circularity issue because the amortized cost basis of the purchased asset
with credit deterioration should include the allowance for credit losses,
which may not be measured until one knows the amortized cost basis.
Similarity, a circularity concern was expressed on determining the effective
interest rate when measuring expected credit losses using a discounted cash
flow approach. Again, the effective interest rate could not be determined
for the amortized cost basis of the asset if one did not know the effective
interest rate to discount the expected credit loss.
BC93. After receiving feedback from
stakeholders on how best to operationalize the accounting for purchased
financial assets with credit deterioration, the Board decided that when
using a method to estimate expected credit losses that does not project
future interest and principal cash flows (for example, a loss rate
approach), the allowance for credit losses should be based on the unpaid
principal balance (or par) amount of the asset. When using a discounted cash
flow approach to estimate expected credit losses, the expected credit losses
should be discounted at the rate that equates the present value of estimated
future cash flows with the purchase price of the financial asset. The Board
concluded that this guidance, which stakeholders did not object to,
eliminates circularity concerns and maintains the flexibility to use various
approaches to measure credit risk.
After initial recognition of the PCD asset and its related allowance, an entity would
continue to apply the CECL model to the asset — that is, any changes to the estimate
of cash flows that the entity expects to collect (favorable or unfavorable) would be
recognized immediately in the income statement (such recognition differs from how
the original estimate of expected credit losses was recognized under the gross-up
approach).
6.3.3.1 Modification of a PCD Asset
Before the adoption of ASU 2022-01, an entity should
evaluate whether a modification of a PCD asset meets the definition of a
TDR. ASU 2016-13 deleted the guidance in ASC 310-40-15-11(d) that allowed an
entity not to evaluate whether a modification of an individual PCI asset
within a pool accounted for under ASC 310-30 was considered a TDR. As a
result of that amendment, an entity is now required to determine whether a
modification of an individual PCD asset is a TDR in accordance with ASC
310-40-15-5.3
However, note that the transition guidance in ASU 2016-13
allows an entity to continue to apply ASC 310-30 to pools of PCI assets if
it elects to maintain those pools when adopting ASU 2016-13. Accordingly, we
believe that an entity that makes this election would not be required to
evaluate whether a modification of an individual PCI asset within a pool
accounted for under ASC 310-30 is a TDR. See Section 9.2.1 for more information
about this transition guidance.
6.3.3.2 Expected Recoveries
ASC 326-20
30-13A The allowance for
credit losses for purchased financial assets with credit
deterioration shall include expected recoveries of
amounts previously written off and expected to be
written off by the entity and shall not exceed the
aggregate of amounts previously written off and expected
to be written off by the entity.
- If the entity estimates expected credit losses using a method other than a discounted cash flow method in accordance with paragraph 326-20-30-4, expected recoveries shall not include any amounts that result in an acceleration of the noncredit discount.
- The entity may include increases in expected cash flows after acquisition.
(See Examples 18 and 19 in paragraphs
326-20-55-86 through 55-90.)
ASU 2019-04
amended ASU 2016-13 to clarify that an entity should consider recoveries in its
allowance for expected credit losses. However, stakeholders questioned whether
an entity was required to apply this guidance to PCD assets. As a result, in
ASU 2019-11, the FASB
clarified that when measuring expected credit losses on a PCD asset by using an
approach other than a DCF method, an entity may include increases in expected
cash flows after acquisition and amounts written off or expected to be written
off. However, the ASU also states that an entity is prohibited from accelerating
the recognition of the asset’s noncredit discount. Accordingly:
- Entities should include expected recoveries within the allowance for expected credit losses and should not directly write up the related assets.
- Because an entity recognizes expected recoveries as an adjustment to the allowance for expected credit losses, the allowance may have a negative balance in situations in which a full or partial write-off has occurred.
- Unlike the guidance on recoveries that applies to non-PCD financial assets (see Section 4.5.2), ASU 2019-11’s guidance on expected recoveries is not limited to that on the aggregate of amounts previously written off and amounts that are expected to be written off by the entity.
When a non-DCF approach is applied to a PCD asset, an entity
could determine its negative allowance for a previously written-off PCD asset by
performing the following two steps:
- Subtracting the noncredit discount that existed just before write-off from the total recoveries expected to be received.
- Applying subsequent cash recoveries to the negative allowance until the negative allowance is reduced to zero. Any additional collections would be recognized as income.
We believe that the application of these two steps achieves the FASB’s objective
of not allowing entities to accelerate the recognition of the noncredit discount
when writing off a PCD asset because the noncredit discount is immediately
deducted from any expected recoveries. Once the noncredit discount is deducted,
any increases in expected recoveries would have the effect of increasing the
negative allowance and reducing the credit loss provision.
We acknowledge that there could be other acceptable methods of applying the
guidance in ASC 326-20-30-13A(a) that prohibits an entity from prematurely
recognizing the noncredit discount.
Footnotes
3
Because ASU 2022-02 eliminates
the accounting guidance on TDRs for creditors in ASC 310-40, an
entity that has adopted ASU 2022-02 will no longer be required to
determine whether a modification of an individual PCD asset is a
TDR.
6.4 Considerations Related to BIs
Under ASC 325-40, as amended by ASU 2016-13, an entity should measure an allowance for
expected credit losses for a purchased or retained BI in a manner consistent with how it
measures an allowance for expected credit losses for PCD assets if the BI is (1) within
the scope of ASC 325-40, (2) classified as AFS or HTM, and (3) meets the definition of a
PCD asset or there is a significant difference between the contractual cash flows and
expected cash flows of the BI.
Therefore, if a BI is within the scope of the PCD asset model, at initial recognition,
the BI holder would present an allowance for expected credit losses equal to the
estimate of expected credit losses and add that allowance to the purchase price to
determine the initial amortized cost basis of the BI. Any subsequent changes to the
entity’s estimate of expected credit losses — whether unfavorable or favorable — would
be recorded as a credit loss expense (or the reduction of an expense) during the period
of change. In addition, the entity must accrete changes in expected cash flows
attributable to factors other than credit into interest income over the asset’s life.
Changes in cash flows due to prepayments are considered credit-related and are therefore
reflected as a change to the entity’s estimate of expected credit losses.
Under the CECL model, an entity must determine the contractual cash flows of BIs in
securitized transactions. However, the BIs in certain structures may not have easily
determinable contractual cash flows (e.g., when a BI holder receives only residual cash
flows of a securitization structure). Further, ASU 2016-13 does not define the term
“contractual cash flows.” In these situations, the entity may need to use a proxy for
the contractual cash flows of the BI (e.g., the gross contractual cash flows of the
underlying debt instrument).
6.4.1 Prepayment Expectations in BIs
An entity should not assume that there will be no prepayments
when determining the contractual cash flows of BIs in securitized transactions.
As discussed at the June 2017 TRG meeting, while ASC 325-40-30-1A uses the term
“contractual cash flows,” it would be reasonable for entities to determine such
cash flows on the basis of the expected prepayments of the assets underlying the
securitization on the acquisition date. However, in determining contractual cash
flows, entities should assume that there will be no defaults. The rationale for
allowing an expected level of prepayments but no expected level of defaults was
to prevent expected prepayments alone from causing a BI to be accounted for
under the PCD model.
6.4.2 Accounting for BIs Classified as HTM Debt Securities — Comparison Between PCD and Non-PCD Guidance
The paragraphs below discuss how the guidance in ASC 325-40 on
non-PCD BIs classified as HTM debt securities differs from the PCD model for BIs
classified as HTM debt securities in ASC 326-20-30-13 through 30-15.
6.4.2.1 Initial Accounting Under ASC 325-40
Under ASC 325-40 (as amended by ASU 2016-13), entities must
initially estimate the timing and amount of all future cash inflows from a
BI within the scope of ASC 325-40 by employing assumptions used in the
determination of fair value at recognition. The excess of those expected
future cash flows over the initial investment is the accretable yield.
Entities recognize this excess as interest income over the life of the
investment by using the effective interest method.
6.4.2.2 Subsequent Accounting Under ASC 325-40
A subsequent adjustment to expected cash flows is recognized
as a yield adjustment affecting interest income or, if related to credit,
may be recognized through earnings by means of an allowance for credit
losses. In other words, a cumulative adverse change in expected cash flows
would be recognized as an allowance, and a cumulative favorable change in
expected cash flows would be recognized as a prospective yield
adjustment.
6.4.2.3 Initial Accounting Under the PCD Model in ASC 326-20
Under the PCD accounting model in ASC 326-20, entities are
required to gross up the cost basis of a PCD asset by the estimated credit
losses as of the date of acquisition and establish a corresponding allowance
for credit losses. The initial allowance is based on the difference between
expected cash flows and contractual cash flows (adjusted for prepayments as
discussed in Section
6.4.1).
6.4.2.4 Subsequent Accounting Under the PCD Model in ASC 326-20
For PCD assets within the scope of ASC 325-40 that are
classified as HTM debt securities, cumulative adverse changes in expected
cash flows would be recognized currently as an increase to the allowance for
credit losses (in a manner similar to recognition under the normal ASC
325-40 model, as amended by ASU 2016-13).
However, favorable changes in expected cash flows would
first be recognized as a decrease to the allowance for credit losses
(recognized currently in earnings). Favorable changes in expected cash flows
would be recognized as a prospective yield adjustment only when the
allowance for credit losses is reduced to zero.
6.4.3 Requirement for Using a DCF Approach to Measure Credit Losses on BIs
An entity is permitted to use various measurement methods to
estimate expected credit losses on assets within the scope of ASC 326 (see
Section 4.4).
However, the entity would not have the same flexibility when measuring expected
credit losses on BIs in securitization transactions.
ASC 325-40-35-7 requires an entity to use a DCF approach to measure expected
credit losses on a BI in a securitization transaction within the scope of ASC
325-40. While this requirement is similar to that in existing U.S. GAAP, the
requirement to use a DCF approach may result in differences between how an
entity measures expected credit losses on HTM debt securities that are BIs
within the scope of ASC 325-40 and how it measures such losses on other HTM debt
securities. In other words, the entity may choose to use a loss-rate approach
when measuring expected credit losses on an HTM debt security that is not a BI
within the scope of ASC 325-40 but may be required to use a DCF approach when
measuring expected credit losses on an HTM debt security that is a BI in a
securitization transaction within the scope of ASC 325-40.
Chapter 7 — Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
Chapter 7 — Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
7.1 Introduction
The CECL model does not apply to AFS debt securities. Instead, the FASB
decided to make targeted improvements to the existing OTTI model in ASC 320 for AFS debt
securities to eliminate the concept of “other than temporary” from that model. Although
the Board originally sought to develop an expected credit losses model that would apply
similarly to loans and debt securities, feedback received from stakeholders throughout
the model’s development indicated that an entity manages AFS debt securities differently
from how it manages other assets measured at amortized cost (e.g., loans and HTM debt
securities). Accordingly, in paragraph BC81 of ASU 2016-13, the Board indicates that “the
same credit loss model cannot apply because there are different measurement attributes.
The measurement attribute for available-for-sale debt securities necessitates a separate
credit loss model because an entity may realize the total value of the securities either
through collection of contractual cash flows or through sales of the securities.”
The targeted changes to the existing OTTI model can be summarized as follows (see
Section 7.2.3.1 for more information):
- The entity must use an allowance approach (as opposed to permanently writing down the security’s cost basis).
- The entity must limit the allowance to the amount at which the security’s fair value is less than its amortized cost basis.
- The entity may not consider the length of time fair value has been less than amortized cost.
- The entity may not consider recoveries in fair value after the balance sheet date when assessing whether a credit loss exists.
These targeted changes do not apply to an AFS debt security if (1) the entity intends to
sell the security or (2) it is more likely than not that the entity will be required to
sell the security before the recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis. In such
cases, the entity would write down the debt security’s amortized cost to its fair value,
as required under existing U.S. GAAP. The flowchart below illustrates how an entity
identifies and assesses impairment on AFS debt securities.
7.1.1 Generally Consistent With Existing U.S. GAAP
7.2 Identifying an Impairment
7.2.1 Whether Fair Value Is Less Than Amortized Cost
ASC 326-30
35-1 An investment is impaired
if the fair value of the investment is less than its
amortized cost basis.
35-4 Impairment shall be
assessed at the individual security level (referred to
as an investment). Individual security level means the
level and method of aggregation used by the reporting
entity to measure realized and unrealized gains and
losses on its debt securities. (For example, debt
securities bearing the same Committee on Uniform
Security Identification Procedures [CUSIP] number that
were purchased in separate trade lots may be aggregated
by a reporting entity on an average cost basis if that
corresponds to the basis used to measure realized and
unrealized gains and losses for the debt securities.)
Providing a general allowance for an unidentified
impairment in a portfolio of debt securities is not
appropriate.
Other than moving guidance from ASC 320-10 to ASC 326-30, ASU 2016-13 did not
affect how an entity identifies whether there is an impairment on an AFS debt
security. That is, an entity is still required to assess whether the security’s
fair value is less than its amortized cost and this evaluation must be performed
on an individual security level.
7.2.1.1 Expected Loss Presumption
If the fair value of an AFS debt security is less than its
amortized cost, there is not necessarily a presumption that a credit loss
must be recognized. For AFS debt securities that an entity does not intend
and is not more likely than not required to sell, ASC 326-30 requires the
entity to recognize in net income the impairment amount related only to
credit and to recognize in OCI the noncredit impairment amount. However, ASU
2016-13 requires an entity to use an allowance approach for AFS debt
securities when recognizing credit losses (as opposed to a permanent
write-down of the AFS security’s cost basis). ASC 326-30-35-2 states:
For [AFS debt securities], an entity shall determine
whether a decline in fair value below the amortized
cost basis has resulted from a credit loss or other factors. An
entity shall record impairment relating to credit losses through an
allowance for credit losses. However, the allowance shall be limited by
the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis.
Impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit
losses shall be recorded through other comprehensive income, net of
applicable taxes. An entity shall consider the guidance in paragraphs
326-30-35-6 and 326-30-55-1 through 55-4 when determining whether a
credit loss exists. [Emphasis added]
Entities should consider the following factors (not
all-inclusive) when determining whether a credit loss exists (for more
information about determining whether a credit loss exists, see Section 7.2.3):
- Adverse conditions related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area.
- The payment structure of the debt security and the likelihood that the issuer will be able to make payments that increase in the future.
- Failure of the issuer to make scheduled payments and all available information relevant to the security’s collectibility.
- Changes in the ratings assigned by a rating agency.
- Other credit enhancements that affect the security’s expected performance.
The fair value of an AFS security may fall below amortized
cost solely because of changes in interest rates or market liquidity, which
are considered noncredit events. In that case, the entire unrealized loss
will be recognized in OCI unless either (1) the entity intends to sell the
security or (2) it is more likely than not that the entity will be required
to sell the security. If the entity intends to sell the security or will
more likely than not be required to sell it before recovery of its amortized
cost basis, the entity must write down the amortized cost basis of the AFS
security to its fair value as of the reporting date.
7.2.1.2 Management’s Responsibilities
ASC 326-30-35-4 states that management must perform an
evaluation for impairment in each reporting period “at the individual
security level.” When performing this assessment, management should employ a
systematic and rational method for determining whether (1) an investment is
impaired and (2) a credit loss exists or the investment’s amortized cost
basis needs to be written down to its current fair value. Management should
document all factors it considered in reaching its conclusions about whether
an investment is impaired; such documentation would typically include:
- The nature of the investment.
- The cause or causes of the impairment.
- An evaluation of management’s intent to sell any debt securities as of the measurement date (see Section 7.2.2 for more information).
- Management’s assessment of whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell a particular debt security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis (see Section 7.2.2 for more information).
- All information relevant to the collectibility of a debt security that was considered in management’s conclusion about whether a credit loss exists (see Section 7.2.1.1 for more information about the assessment of the collectibility of debt securities).
7.2.1.3 Accrued Interest
ASC 326-30
30-1A If for the purposes of
identifying and measuring an impairment the applicable
accrued interest is excluded from both the fair value
and the amortized cost basis of the available-for-sale
debt security, an entity may develop its estimate of
expected credit losses by measuring components of the
amortized cost basis on a combined basis or by
separately measuring the applicable accrued interest
component from the other components of amortized cost
basis.
30-1B If an entity excludes
applicable accrued interest from both the fair value and
the amortized cost basis of the available-for-sale debt
security, the entity may make an accounting policy
election, at the major security-type level, not to
measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued
interest receivables if it writes off the uncollectible
accrued interest receivable balance in a timely manner.
An entity that elects the accounting policy in this
paragraph shall meet the disclosure requirements in
paragraph 326-30-50-3C. This accounting policy election
shall be considered separately from the accounting
policy election in paragraph 326-30-35-13A. An entity
may not analogize this guidance to components of
amortized cost basis other than accrued interest.
In addition to its amendments on accrued interest for financial
assets measured at amortized cost (see Section
4.4.5.1), ASU 2019-04 amended the guidance on how an entity considers
accrued interest when measuring expected credit losses on AFS debt securities.
The ASU states that for an AFS debt security, an entity is permitted to (1)
evaluate for impairment and measure the allowance for credit losses on accrued
interest receivable balances separately from other components of the security’s
amortized cost basis and (2) make an accounting policy election not to measure
an allowance for credit losses on accrued interest receivable amounts if the
entity excludes the accrued interest from both the fair value and amortized cost
basis of the security, writes off the uncollectible accrued interest receivable
balance in a timely manner, and provides certain disclosures (see Section 8.2.7).
7.2.2 Intent or Requirement to Sell
ASC 326-30
35-10 If an entity intends to sell
the debt security (that is, it has decided to sell the
security), or more likely than not will be required to sell
the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis,
any allowance for credit losses shall be written off and the
amortized cost basis shall be written down to the debt
security’s fair value at the reporting date with any
incremental impairment reported in earnings. If an entity
does not intend to sell the debt security, the entity shall
consider available evidence to assess whether it more likely
than not will be required to sell the security before the
recovery of its amortized cost basis (for example, whether
its cash or working capital requirements or contractual or
regulatory obligations indicate that the security will be
required to be sold before the forecasted recovery occurs).
In assessing whether the entity more likely than not will be
required to sell the security before recovery of its
amortized cost basis, the entity shall consider the factors
in paragraphs 326-30-55-1 through 55-2.
7.2.2.1 Intent to Sell
An investor is required to assess, in each reporting period, whether it intends
to sell an impaired AFS debt security. Under ASC 326-30-35-10, if the investor
intends to sell the security, it must write down the security’s amortized cost
basis to its fair value, write off any existing allowance for credit losses, and
recognize in earnings any incremental impairment.
An investor is considered to have the intent to sell an impaired AFS debt
security if it has decided to sell that security as of the reporting date. If
the entity decided to sell the impaired security in a prior period (and thus
recognized an impairment loss in that prior period) but has not sold the
security by the end of a subsequent period, it would be required to assess
whether it still has the intent to sell the security as of the end of that
subsequent period. If the entity continues to have such intent, any further
declines in fair value should be recognized as an additional impairment through
earnings. If the entity revokes its decision to sell in a subsequent period,
thereby asserting that it no longer has the intent to sell the security, it is
not permitted to reverse any prior-period impairments recognized in earnings.
(See Section 7.2.4 for a discussion of accounting for an
AFS debt security after a write-down.)
In assessing whether it has decided to sell an AFS debt security, the entity
should consider all available evidence, including the following:
- The investor or its agent (e.g., a third party that manages the investor’s securities portfolio) has approved the sale of the security (see Section 7.2.2.1.1).
- The investor has directed its agent to sell the security, and this sale is contingent on an event that is expected to occur (see Example 7-1).
- The security is part of a group of securities that the investor or its agent has identified as being for sale.
- The security or group of securities is being marketed to be sold at a price that does not significantly exceed fair value.
- The security is sold shortly after the balance sheet date, and the facts and circumstances suggest that the decision to sell was made before that date. (See Section 7.2.2.2.1 for a more detailed discussion of impaired debt securities sold at a loss after the balance sheet date.)
Example 7-1
Company A holds an AFS debt security with a carrying
(par) amount of $100, a fair value of $70, and a
remaining maturity of five years. Further, A expects
that, if it were to hold the security, it would recover
the security’s full carrying amount and does not
consider a credit loss to have occurred. On March 31,
20X1, A directs its third-party portfolio manager to
sell the security if the value reaches $80.
Although A intends to sell the security, that intention
is contingent on a future event (i.e., that the
security’s value reaches $80). However, A expects to
fully recover the security’s carrying amount by the
maturity date. That is, A, expects the security’s value
to reach $80 before maturity because of the mere passage
of time. Therefore, A would be considered to have the
present intent to sell the security and, accordingly,
should write the security’s amortized cost basis down to
$70 and record an impairment loss of $30 in
earnings.
If A has not sold the security by the end of a subsequent
period, A would still be considered to have the present
intent to sell it. Further declines in value would
necessitate further write-downs in the amortized cost
basis and would be considered impairment losses unless A
revokes its intention to sell or the security’s value is
no longer expected to reach $80 as a result of credit
losses (however, the security would still be evaluated
for an allowance for credit losses on the basis of the
current amortized cost basis). If A revokes its decision
to sell the security in a subsequent period, thereby
asserting that it no longer has the intent to sell, it
is not permitted to reverse any prior-period impairments
recognized in earnings.
7.2.2.1.1 Considerations Related to a Managed Investment Portfolio When the Manager Has Discretion to Sell
ASC 326-30-35-10 states, in part:
If
an entity intends to sell the [AFS] debt security (that is, it has
decided to sell the security), or more likely than not will be
required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost
basis, any allowance for credit losses shall be written off and the
amortized cost basis shall be written down to the debt security’s
fair value at the reporting date with any incremental impairment
reported in earnings.
In certain circumstances, an AFS debt security is
managed by an independent investment adviser that has discretion to
purchase and sell debt securities without management approval. In such
cases, management would evaluate whether an investor intends, or is more
likely than not required, to sell the security before recovery of its
amortized cost basis.
In performing such an evaluation, management should understand whether
the investment manager has decided to sell impaired AFS debt securities
as of the balance sheet date.1 Further, management should evaluate the facts and circumstances if
the third-party manager subsequently sells an impaired AFS debt security
after that date. See Section 7.2.2.2.1 for a discussion of impaired AFS debt
securities sold after the balance sheet date.
In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that
the entity will be required to sell an AFS debt security before recovery
of the security’s amortized cost basis (see Section 7.2.2.2), management
should consider the facts and circumstances that may affect this
assessment. An entity may be required to sell a debt security for legal,
regulatory, or operational reasons. For example, the entity may need to
sell an AFS debt security because it matures later than the date on
which it must be sold to meet a contractual obligation. In such cases,
management would need to consider whether it is more likely than not
that this required sale will occur before the expected recovery. A
history of “voluntary” sales of AFS debt securities in an investment
portfolio, including sales to meet tax and other investment objectives,
is not relevant in the assessment of the likelihood of required sales
from the portfolio in the future, regardless of whether the voluntary
sales were based on the actions of management or an independent
investment adviser. In addition, the possibility that AFS debt
securities could be sold anytime at the discretion of the third-party
investment manager is insufficient to support an assertion by management
that it is more likely than not that the investor will be required to
sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis (although
this factor should be considered in the evaluation of whether there is
an intent to sell AFS debt securities, as discussed above).
Note that the impairment model for AFS debt securities
differs from that for HTM debt securities. The entity should separately
evaluate AFS debt securities and HTM debt securities if they are managed
by the same third-party investment manager.
7.2.2.1.2 Evaluating Impairment of Investments in AFS Auction Rate Securities — Intent to Sell
Auction rate securities (ARSs) are distinct from other,
more traditional securities. ARSs generally have long-term stated
maturities; issuers are not required to redeem them until 20 to 30 years
after issuance. However, from an investor’s perspective, ARSs have
certain economic characteristics of short-term investments because of
their rate-setting mechanism. The return on these securities is designed
to track short-term interest rates through a “Dutch” auction process,
which resets the coupon (or dividend) rate.
The auction process gives an investor three options as
of each remarketing date: (1) hold its ARS “at market” without
participating in the auction process; (2) hold its ARS “at rate,”
allowing the investor to participate in the auction process; or (3)
tender its ARS, allowing the investor to sell its securities into the
auction process provided that the auction does not fail. Existing
investors that choose to hold their ARSs “at rate” and potential new
investors enter into a “blind” competitive-bid process in which they
specify the lowest interest/dividend rate and quantity they are willing
to accept. The lowest rate at which all of the securities can be placed
(including to investors that choose the “at market” option) becomes the
interest/dividend rate for these securities until the next auction
date.
A failed auction may occur if the demand for the ARS is
insufficient to allow existing investors to liquidate their holdings in
the auction process.2 For example, if there is a lack of demand for an ARS issuance and
no rate is established in the auction process that would clear the
entire issuance, a failed auction would occur and current investors
would be forced to continue holding their positions (generally,
investors in a failed auction receive a maximum predetermined interest
rate from the issuer unless and until sufficient bids are received by
the next auction date). In typical ARS issuances, investors cannot
require the issuer to redeem the securities resulting from a failed
auction.
An investor may sell its ARS into the secondary market.
However, when an auction has failed, the secondary market may be
inactive or nonexistent and the fair value of the ARS may be less than
par. Depending on market conditions and the underlying collateral of the
ARS, the discount from par may be significant.
Generally, investments in ARSs are debt securities that
should be accounted for under ASC 320. If the ARS is designated as an
AFS debt security and its fair value is less than its carrying amount,
management should evaluate the security to determine whether the
recognition of an impairment loss is required. If, for example,
management intends to sell the ARS, an impairment loss would be
recognized.
The existence of an auction process for an ARS generally
does not affect the evaluation of whether the investor has an intent to
sell it. If the investor elects to tender its ARS, the security is
typically tendered at its par amount. If this amount is equal to or
greater than the investor’s amortized cost basis, the investor would
expect to recover its entire amortized cost basis. In such instances, an
intent to sell before recovery does not exist because the tendering of
the securities is contingent on the investor’s receiving at least its
entire amortized cost basis in return. If the investor elects to hold
its ARS “at market” or “at rate,” an intent to sell does not exist since
the investor would continue to hold the ARS regardless of the outcome of
the auction.
If management determines that it does not intend to
sell, or that it is not more likely than not that it will be required to
sell, the ARS before recovery, the entity must assess whether a “credit
loss”3 has occurred (e.g., if an auction fails). See Section 7.2.3 for
a discussion of the calculation of credit losses.
7.2.2.2 Assessment of Whether It Is More Likely Than Not That the Entity Will Be Required to Sell
As discussed above, if an entity does not intend to sell an impaired AFS debt
security, it will still need to assess whether it is more likely than not that
it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the security’s
amortized cost basis. Such an evaluation should take into account (1) the
factors that might affect whether the entity is required to sell the security
and (2) the probability that those factors will occur during the expected
recovery period.
Factors that influence whether the entity may be required to sell the impaired
AFS debt security include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The entity’s cash and working capital requirements:
- The entity’s liquidity position, whether the entity expects that it will have to sell the debt security to meet expected cash requirements (e.g., to repay its existing obligations).
- Whether there have been any adverse changes in the entity’s business or industry that could compel the entity to sell the debt security to meet working capital requirements.
- Any contractual or regulatory obligations that may cause the debt
security to be sold:
- Whether it is likely that a third party (e.g., a regulator) could force the entity to sell the debt security.
- Whether the entity has contracts that would require it to sell specific debt securities upon the occurrence of certain events.
Once the entity has identified the factors that are relevant to
determining whether it will be required to sell an impaired AFS debt security,
it must consider the probability that those factors will occur during the
anticipated recovery period. In evaluating the existence of a credit loss and
estimating the debt security’s recovery period, the entity should consider the
guidance in ASC 326-30-55-1:
There are numerous factors to be considered in determining whether a
credit loss exists. The length of time a security has been in an
unrealized loss position should not be a factor, by itself or in
combination with others, that an entity would use to conclude that a
credit loss does not exist. The following list is not meant to be all
inclusive. All of the following factors should be considered:
- The extent to which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis
- Adverse conditions specifically related to the
security, an industry, or geographic area; for example, changes
in the financial condition of the issuer of the security, or in
the case of an asset-backed debt security, changes in the
financial condition of the underlying loan obligors. Examples of
those changes include any of the following:
- Changes in technology
- The discontinuance of a segment of the business that may affect the future earnings potential of the issuer or underlying loan obligors of the security
- Changes in the quality of the credit enhancement.
- The payment structure of the debt security (for example, nontraditional loan terms as described in paragraphs 825-10-55-1 through 55-2) and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments that increase in the future
- Failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest or principal payments
- Any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency.
A write-down of an AFS debt security’s amortized cost to fair value is required
if — in light of all relevant factors and the probability that those factors
will occur during the expected recovery period — an entity determines that it is
more likely than not that it will be required to sell the impaired security
before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis. Consequently, the entity
must recognize any incremental impairment loss (i.e., the difference between the
security’s fair value and amortized cost basis, less any existing allowance for
credit losses) in earnings.
An entity must use professional judgment in determining the factors to consider
and the probability that such factors will occur during the recovery period. In
addition, the entity should document its conclusions regarding whether it is
more likely than not that it will be required to sell the impaired AFS debt
security before recovery. The entity should also be mindful of the information
disclosed in its financial statements and MD&A and of how to reconcile that
information with its assertion that it is more likely than not that it will be
required to sell the impaired AFS debt security before recovery of the
security’s amortized cost basis.
7.2.2.2.1 Sale of an Impaired AFS Debt Security at a Loss After the Balance Sheet Date
A sale of an impaired AFS debt security at a loss after
the balance sheet date does not necessarily indicate that the security’s
amortized cost basis should have been written down to its fair value as
of the balance sheet date and that any incremental impairment loss
should have been recognized in earnings. Under ASC 326-30, an entity’s
objective is to write down an AFS debt security’s amortized cost basis
to its fair value, write off any allowance for credit losses, and record
any incremental impairment loss in earnings in the period in which the
investor (1) decides to sell the security or (2) determines that it is
more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security
before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis (the “MLTN
assertion”). Accordingly, if an impaired AFS debt security is sold after
the balance sheet date, the entity must consider whether those sales are
inconsistent with its assertions as of the balance sheet date. In doing
so, it should consider (1) when the decision to sell was made or (2)
whether the impaired debt security was sold as a result of a requirement
to sell the security and when it became more likely than not that it
would be required to sell.
To assess whether subsequent sales of impaired AFS debt
securities are consistent with the entity’s “lack of intent to sell”
assertion as of the balance sheet date, the entity should determine when
it decided to sell the impaired security. In performing this assessment,
the entity should consider factors that include, but are not limited to,
the following:
- How soon the entity sold the security after the balance sheet date.
- When the process of selling the security started and how long it took to sell the security (e.g., the length of the marketing period). The entity should consider whether the security is actively traded and whether the period between the decision to sell and the actual selling was in line with the customary marketing period for the security.
- Whether there were standing orders to sell the security as of the balance sheet date.
Assume that an entity originally asserts as of the
balance sheet date that it did not intend to sell the impaired AFS debt
security. If the entity then concludes that the decision to sell the
security was made after the balance sheet date, the original assertion
as of the balance sheet date would be supported. Decisions to sell after
the balance sheet date could be made for various reasons, including
changing market conditions that affect an entity’s risk appetite and
investment strategies.
In determining whether the subsequent sale of the
impaired AFS debt security is consistent with its MLTN assertion as of
the balance sheet date, an entity must first determine whether the
subsequent sale occurred as a result of a requirement to sell (e.g.,
because of regulatory or contractual obligations or cash flow or working
capital requirements). If the subsequent sale is not a result of a
requirement to sell, the MLTN assertion as of the balance sheet date
would be supported. However, if this subsequent sale resulted from a requirement to sell, the entity should consider
whether there has been a change in the factors that it considered as of
the balance sheet date, a change in the probability of those factors
occurring, or both.
Such an assessment is based, in part, on management’s
intent. Accordingly, an entity must exercise professional judgment in
performing this evaluation and should prepare documentation that
supports its “lack of intent to sell” and the MLTN assertions as of the
balance sheet date. The entity should also consider contemporaneously
documenting (1) when a decision to sell has been made and (2) a
requirement to sell the securities and when it becomes more likely than
not that it will need to comply with such a requirement. That said, the
threshold for not having the intent to sell is lower than that for
having the intent and ability to hold the security until recovery.
7.2.3 Whether a Credit Loss Exists
ASC 326-30
35-2 For individual debt securities
classified as available-for-sale securities, an entity shall
determine whether a decline in fair value below the
amortized cost basis has resulted from a credit loss or
other factors. An entity shall record impairment relating to
credit losses through an allowance for credit losses.
However, the allowance shall be limited by the amount that
the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis.
Impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance
for credit losses shall be recorded through other
comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. An entity
shall consider the guidance in paragraphs 326-30-35-6 and
326-30-55-1 through 55-4 when determining whether a credit
loss exists.
35-3 At each reporting date, an
entity shall record an allowance for credit losses that
reflects the amount of the impairment related to credit
losses, limited by the amount that fair value is less than
the amortized cost basis. Changes in the allowance shall be
recorded in the period of the change as credit loss expense
(or reversal of credit loss expense).
35-6 In assessing whether a credit
loss exists, an entity shall compare the present value of
cash flows expected to be collected from the security with
the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present
value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than
the amortized cost basis of the security, a credit loss
exists and an allowance for credit losses shall be recorded
for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair
value is less than amortized cost basis. Credit losses on an
impaired security shall continue to be measured using the
present value of expected future cash flows.
35-7 In determining whether a
credit loss exists, an entity shall consider the factors in
paragraphs 326-30-55-1 through 55-4 and use its best
estimate of the present value of cash flows expected to be
collected from the debt security. One way of estimating that
amount would be to consider the methodology described in
paragraphs 326-30-35-8 through 35-10. Briefly, the entity
would discount the expected cash flows at the effective
interest rate implicit in the security at the date of
acquisition.
35-7A As an accounting policy
election for each major security type of debt securities
classified as available-for-sale securities, an entity may
adjust the effective interest rate used to discount expected
cash flows to consider the timing (and changes in the
timing) of expected cash flows resulting from expected
prepayments.
35-8 The estimates of expected
future cash flows shall be the entity’s best estimate based
on past events, current conditions, and on reasonable and
supportable forecasts. Available evidence shall be
considered in developing the estimate of expected future
cash flows. The weight given to the information used in the
assessment shall be commensurate with the extent to which
the evidence can be verified objectively. If an entity
estimates a range for either the amount or timing of
possible cash flows, the likelihood of the possible outcomes
shall be considered in determining the best estimate of
expected future cash flows.
When an entity has an impaired AFS debt security and (1) the entity
does not intend to sell the security and (2) it is not more likely than not that it
will be required to sell the security before the recovery of the security’s
amortized cost basis, the entity will need to consider whether the decline in fair
value is related to a credit loss in accordance with ASC 326-30-35-2. If the entity
cannot qualitatively conclude that a credit loss does not exist, it must perform
this assessment quantitatively. Specifically, ASC 326-30-35-6 states, in part, that
“[i]f the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the
amortized cost basis of the security, a credit loss exists and an allowance for
credit losses shall be recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the
fair value is less than amortized cost basis.”
Therefore, the amount of credit loss for an impaired AFS debt
security is the excess of (1) the security’s amortized cost basis over (2) the
present value of the investor’s best estimate of the cash flows expected to be
collected from the security. In accordance with ASC 326-30-35-8, the investor
calculates the present value on the basis of its best estimate of the expected
future cash flows by using “past events, current conditions, and . . . reasonable
and supportable forecasts.” As indicated in ASC 326-20-30-4, the investor discounts
the expected future cash flows “at the financial asset’s effective interest rate.”
The ASC master glossary, as amended by ASU 2016-13, defines the EIR as the rate
implicit in the security as of the acquisition date (i.e., the contractual interest
rate “adjusted for any net deferred fees or costs, premium, or discount existing” as
of the acquisition date).
When calculating the present value of the expected future cash
flows, an entity should consider the guidance in ASC 326-30-55-2 through 55-4:
55-2 An entity should consider
available information relevant to the collectibility of the security,
including information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable
and supportable forecasts, when developing the estimate of cash flows
expected to be collected. That information should include all of the
following:
- The remaining payment terms of the security
- Prepayment speeds
- The financial condition of the issuer(s)
- Expected defaults
- The value of any underlying collateral.
55-3 To achieve the objective in
paragraph 326-30-55-2, the entity should consider, for example, all of the
following to the extent they influence the estimate of expected cash flows
on a security:
- Industry analyst reports and forecasts
- Credit ratings
- Other market data that are relevant to the collectibility of the security.
55-4 An entity also should consider
how other credit enhancements affect the expected performance of the
security, including consideration of the current financial condition of the
guarantor of a security (if the guarantee is not a separate contract as
discussed in paragraph 326-30-35-5), the willingness of the guarantor to
pay, and/or whether any subordinated interests are capable of absorbing
estimated losses on the loans underlying the security. The remaining payment
terms of the security could be significantly different from the payment
terms in prior periods (such as for some securities backed by nontraditional
loans; see paragraph 825-10-55-1). Thus, an entity should consider whether a
security backed by currently performing loans will continue to perform when
required payments increase in the future (including balloon payments). An
entity also should consider how the value of any collateral would affect the
expected performance of the security. If the fair value of the collateral
has declined, an entity should assess the effect of that decline on its
ability to collect the balloon payment.
When an investor holds an impaired AFS debt security that it does not
intend and will not more likely than not be required to sell before the recovery of
the security’s amortized cost basis, the investor must determine whether it expects
to recover the entire amortized cost basis (i.e., whether a credit loss exists).
Note that for securities within the scope of ASC 325-40, an investor
considers, as of each reporting date, current information and events to determine
whether there has been a favorable or adverse change in estimated cash flows
compared with previous projections. On the basis of such considerations, the
investor may adjust the accretable yield for these securities. This section does not
address the requirements of this guidance.
An investor must perform a quantitative analysis when determining
the amount of a credit loss, but it does not always need to perform such an analysis
to conclude that a credit loss does not exist. That is, in certain circumstances, it
may be sufficient for an investor to conclude that a credit loss does not exist by
performing a qualitative analysis of whether it expects to recover the entire
amortized cost basis of the debt security (i.e., whether a credit loss exists).
ASC 326-30-55-1 lists the following factors (not all-inclusive)4 for entities to consider in determining whether a credit loss exists:
- The extent to which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis
- Adverse conditions specifically related to the
security, an industry, or geographic area; for example, changes in the
financial condition of the issuer of the security, or in the case of an
asset-backed debt security, changes in the financial condition of the
underlying loan obligors. Examples of those changes include any of the
following:
- Changes in technology
- The discontinuance of a segment of the business that may affect the future earnings potential of the issuer or underlying loan obligors of the security
- Changes in the quality of the credit enhancement.
- The payment structure of the debt security (for example, nontraditional loan terms as described in paragraphs 825-10-55-1 through 55-2) and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments that increase in the future
- Failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest or principal payments
- Any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency.
In addition, entities should consider the following factors
addressed in ASC 326-30-55-2 through 55-4:
- Changes in prepayment speeds.
- Expected defaults.
- Credit enhancements, including guarantees (and the financial condition of the guarantor) and the “value of any underlying collateral.”
- Reports and forecasts by industry analysts.
- Sector credit ratings.
- The presence of “any subordinated interests [that] are capable of absorbing estimated losses on the loans underlying the security.”
- Other relevant market data (e.g., applicable credit default swap spreads of the issuer, relevant market indexes, or changes in market interest rates after the acquisition of the security).
If, after performing a qualitative assessment, an entity is unable
to obtain sufficient evidence that a credit loss does not exist for a particular
debt security (i.e., that the entity will recover the entire amortized cost basis of
the debt security), it will need to perform a detailed quantitative cash flow
analysis for that security.
7.2.3.1 Changes to the Existing Impairment Model
While the guidance in ASU 2016-13 will not affect the determination of whether a
credit loss exists on an AFS debt security (i.e., the comparison of the present
value of cash flows expected to be collected with the security’s amortized cost
basis), the ASU made some targeted amendments to the existing impairment model
for AFS debt securities, as described in the sections below.
7.2.3.1.1 Use of an Allowance Approach
One of the FASB’s objectives in developing an expected credit losses model
for an AFS debt security was to allow entities to recognize such losses on a
more timely basis. The Board believed that the existing requirement for
entities to recognize an OTTI as a direct write-down to the AFS debt
security’s amortized cost basis, among other things, made them reluctant to
recognize OTTIs. In other words, in the FASB’s view, since the model did not
allow entities to reflect improvements in such a security’s credit quality,
it caused delays in the recognition of OTTIs. Consequently, the Board
decided to require entities to use an allowance when recognizing expected
credit losses on an AFS debt security. This requirement is consistent with
the requirement to use an allowance approach for all other financial assets
that are within the scope of ASC 326-20. As stated in ASC 326-30-35-3, any
changes in the allowance for expected credit losses on an AFS debt security
would be recognized as an adjustment to the entity’s credit loss
expense.
7.2.3.1.2 Credit Losses Limited by a Fair Value Floor
ASC 326-30-35-3 requires an entity to recognize as an
allowance an AFS debt security’s expected credit losses, limited by the
difference between the security’s fair value and its amortized cost basis.
Paragraph BC83 of ASU 2016-13 states, in part:
[A]n entity could look to limit its credit loss exposure by selling a
security if the total fair value loss was less than the credit loss
measured for the security. That outcome could occur if a portion of
the fair value attributable to non-credit-related factors offset the
portion of fair value attributable to credit factors. Given the
importance of fair value in the measurement of available-for-sale
securities, the Board decided to incorporate a fair value floor in
the amended model.
Example 7-2
Entity ABC holds a corporate bond that it classifies
as an AFS debt security. On the reporting date, the
security’s amortized cost is $1,000 and its fair
value is $930. In assessing whether there is a
credit loss on the security, ABC compares the
present value of cash flows it expects to collect
from the security with its amortized cost and
determines that a credit loss of $100 is expected.
However, in accordance with ASC 326-30-35-3, ABC
must recognize only $70 as an allowance for credit
losses because the security’s fair value is $930 on
the reporting date. In other words, since ABC could
limit its exposure to credit losses by selling the
security at its fair value on the reporting date
($930), it should only recognize $70 ($1,000 – $930)
as its allowance for expected credit losses.
7.2.3.1.3 Information to Consider When Estimating Credit Losses
ASC 326-30-55-1 carries forward much of the guidance in ASC 320-10-35-33F on
the factors an entity considers when determining whether a credit loss
exists. However, because ASU 2016-13 removes the distinction between whether
an impairment is temporary or other than temporary, it also amends that
guidance by removing an entity’s ability to consider:
- The length of time in which fair value has been less than amortized cost.
- Recoveries in the securities’ fair value after the balance sheet date.
Example 7-3
Entity X owns a corporate debt security (that does
not have nontraditional terms) with a fair value of
$90 and an amortized cost basis of $100. Entity X
classifies the security as AFS and does not intend
to sell it. Further, X concludes that it is not more
likely than not that it will be required to sell the
debt security before the recovery of the security’s
amortized cost basis. To determine whether it will
recover the security’s entire amortized cost basis
and whether it has incurred a credit loss on the
security, X considers, among other factors,
(1) the fact that the corporate issuer was making,
and is expected to continue to make, timely payments
of principal and interest; (2) the relevant factors
in ASC 326-30-55-2 through 55-4; and (3) other
relevant market indicators.
On the basis of this qualitative assessment, X
obtains sufficient evidence that it expects to
recover the entire amortized cost basis of the
corporate debt security and therefore concludes that
a credit loss does not exist. In this circumstance,
X did not need to perform a quantitative analysis to
make such an assertion.
Connecting the Dots
Whether Changes in Prepayment Assumptions Alone Cause a Credit
Loss in Asset-Backed AFS Debt Securities Outside the Scope
of ASC 325-40 and PCD Accounting
Changes in prepayment speeds for the assets
underlying an asset-backed security (e.g., a mortgage-backed
security) often affect the present value of the cash flows expected
to be collected from the security. For example, assume that an
entity purchases a pass-through security that gives it the right to
a pro rata share of the cash flows from an underlying pool of
fixed-rate prepayable mortgage loans. If the security was purchased
at a premium to par, the present value of the cash flows expected to
be collected from the security will decrease when prepayments on the
underlying mortgage loans increase. However, if the security
was purchased at a discount to par, the present value of the cash
flows expected to be collected will decrease when prepayments on the
underlying mortgage loans decrease.
ASC 326-30-55-2 requires an investor to consider
prepayment speeds, among other factors, when estimating the cash
flows expected to be collected.
For AFS debt securities that are within the scope of
ASC 325-40 and those that are PCD assets, entities are explicitly
required to perform a discounted expected cash flow analysis in
every period because of the expectation that more than an
insignificant amount of the contractual cash flows will not be
collected. This Connecting the Dots addresses only the accounting
for asset-backed AFS debt securities that are not within the scope
of ASC 325-40 or PCD accounting and for which prepayments on the
assets underlying the asset-backed debt security are made at par,
plus accrued and unpaid interest.
On the basis of informal discussions with the FASB staff after the issuance of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 that
addressed the superseded OTTI guidance in ASC 320-10, an entity was
allowed to choose one of two views, discussed below, as an
accounting policy for an asset-backed AFS debt security that is not
within the scope of ASC 325-40 or PCD accounting. We do not believe
that the targeted changes to the impairment model for AFS debt
securities affect this policy choice. The policy choice an entity
elects should be consistently applied.
View A — Changes in Prepayment Assumptions Alone
Could Cause a Credit Loss
According to this view, prepayment speeds affect the
economic return to the investor in an asset-backed AFS debt security
that is acquired at a premium or discount; therefore, an entity
should recognize a credit loss when changes in prepayment speeds
alone cause the present value of the cash flows expected to be
collected to be less than the amortized cost basis of an impaired
asset-backed AFS debt security. View A is consistent with the
guidance in ASC 326-30-35-6 and ASC 326-30-55-2; accordingly, an
entity should consider whether changes in prepayment assumptions
alone cause the present value of the cash flows expected to be
collected to be less than the amortized cost basis of the impaired
asset-backed AFS debt security.
View B — Changes in Prepayment Assumptions Alone
Would Not Cause a Credit Loss
The guidance in ASC 310-20-35-26 continues to apply
to accounting for the impact of prepayments on the amortization or
accretion of a discount or premium on an asset-backed AFS debt
security. In addition, ASC 326-30-55-2 states, in part, that “[a]n
entity should consider available information relevant to the collectibility of the security” (emphasis
added). Therefore, according to this view, changes in prepayment
assumptions alone do not necessarily affect the “collectibility” of
cash flows due on the assets underlying an asset-backed AFS debt
security.
An entity that adopts View B should, in the absence
of a credit loss that occurs for other reasons, continue to apply
its accounting policy election under ASC 310-20-35-26 to account for
prepayments on an asset-backed debt security. If the entity
determines that there is a credit loss for reasons other than mere
changes in prepayment assumptions, it would generally be expected to
consider anticipated prepayments in determining the cash flows
expected to be collected (to calculate the amount of the credit
loss). This treatment is consistent with the guidance in ASC
326-20-30-4 and ASC 326-30-35-7 and 35-8, which requires an entity
to consider the amount and timing of cash flows in calculating an
impairment loss.
Note that for an entity that adopts View B, there
will generally not be an impairment on an agency mortgage-backed
security (e.g., one that is guaranteed by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae)
in the absence of an intent to sell the security or a conclusion
that it is more likely than not that the entity will be required to
sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. That
is, given the guarantee from the agency and the implicit support of
the agencies by the U.S. government, there generally will not be a
credit loss.
7.2.3.2 Variable-Rate Instruments
As originally issued, ASU 2016-13 stated that if a financial
asset’s contractual interest rate varies on the basis of an independent factor,
such as an index or rate, “[p]rojections of changes in the factor shall not
be made for purposes of determining the effective interest rate or
estimating expected future cash flows” (emphasis added). Since the issuance of
the ASU, however, stakeholders have questioned whether it was inconsistent to
prohibit an entity from projecting changes in the factor that leads to changes
in the financial asset’s contractual interest rate while requiring the entity to
consider projections when estimating expected cash flows.
As a result, the FASB clarified in ASU 2019-04 that an entity is permitted to
consider projections of changes in the factor as long as the projections are the
same as those used to estimate expected future cash flows.
Specifically, ASC 326-30-35-11 states:
If the security’s contractual interest rate varies based on subsequent
changes in an independent factor, such as an index or rate, for example,
the prime rate, the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), or the U.S.
Treasury bill weekly average, that security’s effective interest rate
(used to discount expected cash flows as described in paragraph
326-30-35-7) may be calculated based on the factor as it changes over
the life of the security or is projected to change over the life of the
security, or may be fixed at the rate in effect at the date an entity
determines that the security has a credit loss as determined in
accordance with paragraphs 326-30-35-1 through 35-2. The entity’s choice
shall be applied consistently for all securities whose contractual
interest rate varies based on subsequent changes in an independent
factor. An entity is not required to project changes in the factor for
purposes of estimating expected future cash flows. If the entity
projects changes in the factor for the purposes of estimating expected
future cash flows, it shall use the same projections in determining the
effective interest rate used to discount those cash flows. In addition,
if the entity projects changes in the factor for the purposes of
estimating expected future cash flows, it shall adjust the effective
interest rate used to discount expected cash flows to consider the
timing (and changes in the timing) of expected cash flows resulting from
expected prepayments in accordance with paragraph 326-30-35-7A. Subtopic
310-20 on receivables — nonrefundable fees and other costs provides
guidance on the calculation of interest income for variable rate
instruments.
Note that a change in cash flows due solely to a change in a variable interest
rate on a plain-vanilla debt instrument does not result in a credit loss.
Therefore, an entity would need to determine whether changes in estimated cash
flows on a variable-rate AFS debt security should be considered a credit loss or
are caused only by changes in expected contractual interest payments that
resulted from changes in interest rates.
7.2.4 Subsequent Measurement
7.2.4.1 Accounting for Debt Securities After an Impairment
ASC 326-30
35-12 An entity shall reassess
the credit losses each reporting period when there is an
allowance for credit losses. An entity shall record
subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses on
available-for-sale debt securities with a corresponding
adjustment recorded in the credit loss expense on
available-for-sale debt securities. An entity shall not
reverse a previously recorded allowance for credit
losses to an amount below zero.
35-13 An entity shall recognize
writeoffs of available-for-sale debt securities in
accordance with paragraph 326-20-35-8.
35-13A If for the purposes of
identifying and measuring an impairment the applicable
accrued interest is excluded from both the fair value
and the amortized cost basis of the available-for-sale
debt security, an entity may make an accounting policy
election, at the major security-type level, to write off
accrued interest receivables by reversing interest
income or recognizing credit loss expense, or a
combination of both. This accounting policy election
shall be considered separately from the accounting
policy election in paragraph 326-30-30-1B. An entity
that elects this accounting policy shall meet the
disclosure requirements in paragraph 326-30-50-3D. An
entity may not analogize this guidance to components of
amortized cost basis other than accrued interest.
An entity must continually assess its expectation of credit losses on an AFS debt
security. If its expectation changes, the entity is required to recognize that
change as an adjustment to the allowance for expected credit losses and an
adjustment to credit loss expense. However, the allowance for credit losses
cannot be reversed to an amount less than zero. In addition, the entity is
required to assess whether the AFS debt security has become uncollectible. If
so, the entity must apply the guidance in ASC 326-20-35-8 to write off the
uncollectible portion of the security and the allowance for expected credit
losses. For more information about write-offs, see Section
4.5.1.
7.2.4.2 Accounting for Debt Securities After a Write-Down
ASC 326-30
35-14 Once an individual debt
security has been written down in accordance with
paragraph 326-30-35-10, the previous amortized cost
basis less writeoffs, including non-credit-related
impairment reported in earnings, shall become the new
amortized cost basis of the investment. That new
amortized cost basis shall not be adjusted for
subsequent recoveries in fair value.
35-15 For debt securities for
which impairments were reported in earnings as a
writeoff because of an intent to sell or a
more-likely-than-not requirement to sell, the difference
between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows
expected to be collected shall be accreted in accordance
with existing applicable guidance as interest income. An
entity shall continue to estimate the present value of
cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the
debt security. For debt securities accounted for in
accordance with Subtopic 325-40, an entity should look
to that Subtopic to account for changes in cash flows
expected to be collected. For all other debt securities,
if upon subsequent evaluation, there is a significant
increase in the cash flows expected to be collected or
if actual cash flows are significantly greater than cash
flows previously expected, those changes shall be
accounted for as a prospective adjustment to the yield.
Subsequent increases in the fair value of
available-for-sale securities after the write-down shall
be included in other comprehensive income. (This Section
does not address when a holder of a debt security would
place a debt security on nonaccrual status or how to
subsequently report income on a nonaccrual debt
security.)
As is the case under existing U.S. GAAP, and as discussed in
Section 7.2.2, if an entity intends to
sell an AFS debt security or it is more likely than not that the entity will be
required to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost
basis, the entity must write down the amortized cost basis to its fair value,
write off any existing allowance for credit losses, and recognize in earnings
any incremental impairment.
After such a write-down, the entity must consider the security’s fair value to be
its new amortized cost basis in accordance with ASC 326-30-35-14 and 35-15. Any
subsequent decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as additional
impairments, while increases in expected cash flows are recognized as a
prospective adjustment to the security’s accretable yield.
7.2.5 PCD Considerations Related to AFS Debt Securities
ASC 326-30
30-2 A purchased debt security
classified as available-for-sale shall be considered to be a
purchased financial asset with credit deterioration when the
indicators of a credit loss in paragraph 326-30-55-1 have
been met. The allowance for credit losses for purchased
financial assets with credit deterioration shall be measured
at the individual security level in accordance with
paragraphs 326-30-35-3 through 35-10. The amortized cost
basis for purchased financial assets with credit
deterioration shall be considered to be the purchase price
plus any allowance for credit losses. See paragraphs
326-30-55-1 through 55-7 for implementation guidance.
30-3 Estimated credit losses shall
be discounted at the rate that equates the present value of
the purchaser’s estimate of the security’s future cash flows
with the purchase price of the asset.
30-4 An entity shall record the
holding gain or loss through other comprehensive income, net
of applicable taxes.
35-16 An entity shall measure
changes in the allowance for credit losses on a purchased
financial asset with credit deterioration in accordance with
paragraph 326-30-35-6. The entity shall report changes in
the allowance for credit losses in net income as credit loss
expense (or reversal of credit loss expense) in each
reporting period.
As discussed at the beginning of Chapter 6, upon acquiring a PCD asset, an
entity will recognize its allowance for expected credit losses as an adjustment that
increases the asset’s amortized cost basis (the “gross-up” approach) rather than as
an immediate credit loss expense in the income statement. After initially applying
the gross-up approach, the entity will recognize as a credit loss expense (or
reversal of credit loss expense) any changes in the allowance. To determine whether
an AFS security is a PCD asset, an entity must consider the factors in ASC
326-30-55-1, which are the same factors that an investor uses to identify whether a
credit loss exists on an AFS debt security. ASC 326-30-55-1 states:
There are numerous factors to be considered in determining whether a credit
loss exists. The length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss
position should not be a factor, by itself or in combination with others,
that an entity would use to conclude that a credit loss does not exist. The
following list is not meant to be all inclusive. All of the following
factors should be considered:
- The extent to which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis
- Adverse conditions specifically related to the
security, an industry, or geographic area; for example, changes in
the financial condition of the issuer of the security, or in the
case of an asset-backed debt security, changes in the financial
condition of the underlying loan obligors. Examples of those changes
include any of the following:
- Changes in technology
- The discontinuance of a segment of the business that may affect the future earnings potential of the issuer or underlying loan obligors of the security
- Changes in the quality of the credit enhancement.
- The payment structure of the debt security (for example, nontraditional loan terms as described in paragraphs 825-10-55-1 through 55-2) and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments that increase in the future
- Failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest or principal payments
- Any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency.
An entity would not use the same criteria for AFS debt securities as
it does for HTM debt securities when assessing whether it is required to apply PCD
accounting to those securities.
As described above, for an AFS debt security, an entity would
consider the factors in ASC 326-30-55-1 to determine whether a credit loss exists on
the acquisition date. If so, the investor would use the gross-up approach described
in Section 6.3.2 to
initially account for the PCD AFS debt security. By contrast, when evaluating
whether to apply the PCD model to an HTM debt security, an entity must consider
whether there has been a more-than-insignificant deterioration in the security’s
credit quality since its origination.
In addition, the unit of account differs depending on whether the
entity is evaluating the applicability of the PCD model to an HTM or AFS debt
security. While an entity can evaluate the applicability of the PCD model to HTM
debt securities on a collective basis if the securities share similar risk
characteristics (see Section 6.2.6), it is not
permitted to determine whether PCD accounting applies to AFS debt securities on a
collective or pool basis. Rather, it must make that determination on the basis of
each individual AFS debt security.
Changing Lanes
FASB Proposed ASU on Purchased Financial Assets
On June 27, 2023, the FASB issued a proposed ASU that would broaden the
population of financial assets that are within the scope of the gross-up
approach currently applied to PCD assets under ASC 326. While the scope of
assets subject to the gross-up approach would generally be expanded to
include more acquired financial assets, the gross-up approach would no
longer apply to AFS debt securities. See Section
10.2.4 for further discussion of the proposed ASU.
7.2.5.1 Differences Between ASC 325-40 and PCD Accounting for BIs Classified as AFS Debt Securities
The sections below summarize how the guidance in ASC 325-40
on non-PCD BIs differs from the PCD models for BIs classified as AFS debt
securities.
7.2.5.1.1 Initial Accounting Under ASC 325-40
Under ASC 325-40 (as amended by ASU 2016-13), entities
must initially estimate the timing and amount of all future cash inflows
from a BI within the scope of ASC 325-40 by employing assumptions used
in the determination of fair value upon recognition. The excess of those
expected future cash flows over the initial investment is the accretable
yield. Entities recognize this excess as interest income over the life
of the investment by using the effective interest method.
7.2.5.1.2 Subsequent Accounting Under ASC 325-40
A subsequent adjustment to expected cash flows is
recognized as a yield adjustment affecting interest income or, if
related to credit, may be recognized through earnings by means of an
allowance for credit losses. In other words, a cumulative adverse change
in expected cash flows would be recognized as an allowance, and a
cumulative favorable change in expected cash flows would be recognized
as a prospective yield adjustment.
If there has not been an adverse change in the cash
flows expected to be collected but the BI’s fair value is significantly
below its amortized cost basis, the entity is required to assess whether
it intends to sell the BI or it is more likely than not that it will be
required to sell the interest before recovery of the entire amortized
cost basis. If so, the entity would be required to write down the BI to
its fair value in accordance with ASC 326-30-35-10.
7.2.5.1.3 Initial Accounting Under the PCD Model in ASC 326-30
Under the PCD accounting model in ASC 326-30 for AFS
debt securities, entities are required to gross up the cost basis of a
PCD asset by the estimated credit losses as of the acquisition date and
establish a corresponding allowance for credit losses. The initial
allowance is based on the difference between expected cash flows and
contractual cash flows (adjusted for prepayments, as discussed in
Section 6.4.1).
7.2.5.1.4 Subsequent Accounting Under the PCD Model in ASC 326-30
For a PCD asset within the scope of ASC 325-40 that is
classified as an AFS debt security, cumulative adverse changes in
expected cash flows would be recognized currently as an increase to the
allowance for credit losses (in a manner similar to the accounting under
the normal ASC 325-40 model, as amended by ASU 2016-13). However, the
allowance is limited to the difference between the AFS debt security’s
fair value and its amortized cost. If any adverse change in cash flows
cannot fully be reflected in the allowance because of the “fair value
floor,” prospective yield should be adjusted downward to incorporate the
amount of the adverse change in cash flows that was not reflected in the
allowance. In that case, prospective interest income should be
recognized at the yield implied by the fair value of the beneficial
interest. Favorable changes in expected cash flows would first be
recognized as a decrease to the allowance for credit losses (recognized
currently in earnings). Such changes would be recognized as a
prospective yield adjustment only when the allowance for credit losses
is reduced to zero. A change in expected cash flows that is attributable
solely to a change in a variable interest rate on a plain-vanilla debt
instrument does not result in a credit loss and would be accounted for
as a prospective yield adjustment.
7.2.6 Accounting for Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates for Foreign-Currency-Denominated AFS Debt Securities
When determining whether an impairment exists on an AFS debt security that is
denominated in a foreign currency, an entity compares the security’s fair value
(measured in the entity’s functional currency at the current exchange rate) with its
amortized cost basis (measured at the historical exchange rate). If the fair value
of the security is below its amortized cost, the security is impaired. Before
adopting ASU 2016-13, an entity that determines an AFS debt security to be
other-than-temporarily impaired would recognize in earnings an impairment loss equal
to the entire difference between the security’s fair value and its cost basis.
ASC 326-30-35-10 is consistent with this guidance. Specifically,
this paragraph states, in part, that “[i]f an entity intends to sell the debt
security (that is, it has decided to sell the security), or more likely than not
will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis,
any allowance for credit losses shall be written off and the amortized cost basis
shall be written down to the debt security’s fair value at the reporting date with
any incremental impairment reported in earnings.” Accordingly, under ASU 2016-13, an
entity would continue to recognize in earnings the entire change in the fair value
of an AFS debt security if (1) it intends to sell the impaired security or (2) it is
more likely than not that it will be required to sell the impaired security before
recovery.
In addition, ASC 320-10-35-36 (as amended by ASU 2016-13) states, in part, that
“[t]he change in the fair value of foreign-currency-denominated available-for-sale
debt securities, excluding the amount recorded in the allowance for credit losses,
shall be reported in other comprehensive income.” As a result, if the entity does
not intend to sell the security or it is not more likely than not that it will be
required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the
entity would recognize in OCI the change in the security’s fair value related to the
changes in foreign exchange rates.
Connecting the Dots
Recognizing Unrealized Losses in
Earnings
In light of the amendments made by ASU 2016-13, stakeholders
have questioned when unrealized losses related to changes in foreign
exchange rates on an AFS debt security should be recognized in earnings and
whether the guidance will delay loss recognition. Consequently, at the TRG’s
November 2018 meeting, the FASB staff
confirmed that unrealized losses related to foreign exchange rates should be
reported in OCI and recognized in earnings “(a) at the maturity of the
security, (b) upon the sale of the security, (c) when an entity intends to
sell, or (d) when an entity is more likely than not required to sell the
security before recovery of its amortized cost basis.”5 In addition, the staff said that the concern that the amendments made
by ASU 2016-13 will result in delayed loss recognition “is beyond the scope
of the Credit Losses TRG because the topic relates to reporting changes in
fair value related to foreign exchange rates.”
We acknowledge that there is diversity in how an entity may translate its
credit loss expense to reflect changes in the spot rate. For example, an
entity may translate its credit loss expense at the end of the reporting
period by using the spot rate that existed when the asset was acquired or
the spot rate that exists at the end of the current reporting period. We
believe that either approach is acceptable.
The example below illustrates the accounting for an impairment of a
foreign-currency-denominated AFS debt security after adoption of ASU 2016-13. In
this example, the impairment is calculated on the basis of the spot rate that
existed as of the date of acquisition of the security.
Example 7-4
Impairment of a
Foreign-Currency-Denominated AFS Debt Security
Investor Co, a U.S. registrant whose
functional currency is the U.S. dollar, holds an investment
in an AFS debt security that is denominated in British pound
sterling (£). On December 31, 20X2, Investor Co’s balance
sheet date, the fair value of the debt security is £675,000
and its amortized cost is £900,000. Furthermore, the present
value of the expected cash flows to be collected is
£650,000. Assume that the exchange rates in effect on
December 31, 20X2, and the date on which Investor Co
acquired the investment are £1 = $1.2 and £1 = $1.5,
respectively.
After determining that the security’s fair
value is less than its amortized cost, in accordance with
ASC 326-30, Investor Co concludes that an impairment loss
exists. The table below summarizes the related
computation.
Assume that Investor Co reaches the
following conclusions:
-
It does not intend to sell the debt security.
-
It is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost.
Therefore, Investor Co concludes that the
impairment loss should be recognized, limited by the
difference between fair value and amortized cost, with
changes in foreign exchange rates recognized in OCI. Note
that Investor Co will translate its credit loss expense at
the end of the reporting period by using the spot rate that
existed as of the acquisition date of the security. In such
circumstances, Investor Co would record the following
journal entry to recognize the impairment loss:
7.2.7 High-Level Comparison of Credit Loss Models for HTM and AFS Debt Securities
The table below compares the credit
loss model for HTM securities with that for AFS securities.
HTM Debt Security (ASC 326-20)
|
AFS Debt Security (ASC 326-30)
| |
---|---|---|
Unit of account
|
Pool-level, if similar risk characteristics exist; otherwise,
at the individual debt security level
|
Individual debt security level
|
Measurement of credit losses
|
The amount needed to reduce the amortized cost basis to
reflect the net amount expected to be collected
|
The excess of the amortized cost basis over the present value
of the best estimate of expected future cash flows
|
Recognition threshold
|
Recognize a credit loss upon acquisition of the security
|
Recognize a credit loss when amortized cost exceeds fair
value
|
Recognition of credit loss
|
Apply an allowance approach
|
Apply an allowance approach
|
Write-offs
|
Write off security when it is deemed uncollectible
|
Write off security when it is deemed uncollectible
|
Footnotes
1
It is assumed that an independent investment
adviser has discretion to sell debt securities without
management approval. To the extent that agreements with
independent investment advisers give management discretion to
hold or sell at the individual security level, management’s
intent will also be relevant. These agreements are often
tailored to meet the needs of management as well as any
regulatory requirements, and an entity must thoroughly
understand the agreements’ terms and conditions to determine
whose intent is relevant.
2
This may be the case for more complex ARSs
issued by trusts in which the underlying collateral of the trust
is made up of asset-backed securities, including securities
backed by subprime mortgage loans. Given the complexity of many
ARSs and the credit profile and other risks associated with the
underlying collateral, the potential exists for a failed
auction.
3
ASC 326-30-35-6 states that when “assessing
whether a credit loss exists, an entity shall compare the
present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the
security with the amortized cost basis of the security.”
4
The factors are not necessarily relevant to every credit
loss determination and may be helpful in attributing an impairment to
something other than credit losses. Note that one or more of these factors
may be more relevant to the analysis than others, and an entity must
consider all available information about past events, current conditions,
and reasonable and supportable forecasts to conclude that a credit loss
related to a debt security does not exist. An entity must evaluate all facts
and circumstances associated with the debt security and use significant
judgment in performing such an assessment.
5
See TRG Memo 14.
Chapter 8 — Presentation and Disclosure
Chapter 8 — Presentation and Disclosure
8.1 Presentation
ASC 320-10
45-9 Subsequent increases or decreases
in the fair value of available-for-sale securities that do not
result in recognition or reversal of an allowance for credit
loss or write-down in accordance with Subtopic 326-30 on
measuring credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities
shall be included in other comprehensive income pursuant to
paragraphs 320-10-35-1(b) and 320-10-45-8.
ASC 326-20
45-1 For financial assets measured at
amortized cost within the scope of this Subtopic, an entity
shall separately present on the statement of financial position,
the allowance for credit losses that is deducted from the
asset’s amortized cost basis.
45-2 For off-balance-sheet credit
exposures within the scope of this Subtopic, an entity shall
present the estimate of expected credit losses on the statement
of financial position as a liability. The liability for credit
losses for off-balance-sheet financial instruments shall be
reduced in the period in which the off-balance-sheet financial
instruments expire, result in the recognition of a financial
asset, or are otherwise settled. An estimate of expected credit
losses on a financial instrument with off-balance-sheet risk
shall be recorded separate from the allowance for credit losses
related to a recognized financial instrument.
45-5 An entity may make an accounting
policy election, at the class of financing receivable or major
security-type level, to present separately on the statement of
financial position or within another statement of financial
position line item the accrued interest receivable balance, net
of the allowance for credit losses (if any). An entity that
presents the accrued interest receivable balance, net of the
allowance for credit losses (if any), within another statement
of financial position line item shall apply the disclosure
requirements in paragraph 326-20-50-3A.
ASC 326-30
45-1 An entity shall present
available-for-sale debt securities on the statement of financial
position at fair value. In addition, an entity shall present
parenthetically the amortized cost basis and the allowance for
credit losses. If for the purposes of identifying and measuring
an impairment the applicable accrued interest is excluded from
both the fair value and the amortized cost basis of the
available-for-sale debt security, an entity may present
separately on the statement of financial position or within
another statement of financial position line item the accrued
interest receivable balance, net of the allowance for credit
losses (if any). An entity that presents the accrued interest
receivable balance, net of the allowance for credit losses (if
any), within another statement of financial position line item
shall apply the disclosure requirements in paragraph
326-30-50-3A.
45-2 An entity shall separately
present, in the financial statement in which the components of
accumulated other comprehensive income are reported, amounts
reported therein related to available-for-sale debt securities
for which an allowance for credit losses has been recorded.
Like the current presentation requirements in U.S. GAAP, the presentation requirements in
ASU 2016-13 vary on the basis of the
type of financial asset. For example, in the statement of financial position, an
entity’s presentation of loans and other debt instruments measured at amortized cost and
their corresponding allowances for expected credit losses would differ from its
presentation of AFS debt securities and the corresponding allowances for such
losses.
The table below summarizes the
presentation requirements of ASU 2016-13.
Statement of Financial
Position
| |||
---|---|---|---|
Asset Type
|
Asset Balance
|
Allowance for Expected Credit Losses
|
Income Statement
|
Financial assets measured at amortized cost, including:
|
Presented at amortized cost.
|
Presented separately from the asset’s amortized cost balance.
|
Expected credit losses presented as a credit loss expense.
|
Loan commitments and other off-balance-sheet instruments
|
N/A, since these are unrecognized financial instruments.
|
Presented as a liability. Liabilities cannot be included with
other allowances for expected credit losses.
|
Expected credit losses presented as a credit loss expense.1
|
AFS debt securities
|
Presented at fair value. Entities must also include the
security’s amortized cost parenthetically. Changes in fair value
unrelated to credit are presented in OCI.
|
Presented parenthetically.
|
Expected credit losses presented as a credit loss expense.
|
8.1.1 Other Presentation Considerations
8.1.1.1 Changes in the Present Value of Expected Cash Flows
Changes in the present value of expected future cash flows may result from the
passage of time or from changes in the timing and amount of the cash flows the
entity expects to receive. Like existing U.S. GAAP, ASC 326 allows an entity
that uses a DCF approach to present a change in the present value of expected
future cash flows as an adjustment to credit loss expense (both favorable and
unfavorable) or as interest income (only if the change is related to the passage
of time). An entity that chooses to present the change as interest income must,
in accordance with ASC 326-20-50-12 and ASC 326-30-50-8, disclose that policy
decision as well as the amount recorded in interest income that represents the
change in present value attributable to the passage of time.
8.1.1.2 Changes in the Fair Value of the Collateral Securing a Collateral-Dependent Financial Asset
Like existing U.S. GAAP, ASC 326 requires an entity to present changes (both
favorable and unfavorable) in the fair value of the collateral securing a
collateral-dependent financial asset as an adjustment to credit loss
expense.
8.1.1.3 Accrued Interest
ASU 2016-13 defines “amortized cost basis” as “the amount at
which a financing receivable or investment is originated or acquired, adjusted
for applicable accrued interest, accretion or
amortization of premium, discount, and net deferred fees or costs, collection of
cash, writeoffs, foreign exchange, and fair value hedge accounting adjustments”
(emphasis added). As discussed in Section
4.4.5.1, the ASU’s inclusion of accrued interest in the
definition has three significant implications for financial statements with
respect to the measurement, presentation, and disclosure of the amortized cost
basis and the allowance for credit losses of financial assets:
- When measuring an allowance for credit losses on the amortized cost basis of the assets, entities will be required to include an allowance for the accrued interest that applies to those assets.
- Entities will have to present the accrued interest amount in the amortized cost basis of the financial assets in the same line item on the balance sheet.
- Accrued interest must be included in the disclosures of the amortized cost basis by class of financing receivable and vintage, as required by ASC 326-20-50-5 and 50-6, respectively.
After a discussion of these implications at the June 2018 TRG meeting, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, which
amends the presentation and disclosure requirements of ASC 326 related to
accrued interest. Specifically, the ASU states that an entity would be
permitted to do the following:
- “Make an accounting policy election to present accrued interest receivable balances and the related allowance for credit losses for those accrued interest receivable balances separately from the associated financial assets on the balance sheet. If the accrued interest receivable balances and the related allowance for credit losses [are presented separately from the associated financial assets but] are not presented as a separate line item on the balance sheet, an entity should disclose the amount of accrued interest receivable balances and the related allowance for credit losses and where the balance is presented.”
- “Elect a practical expedient to disclose separately the total amount of accrued interest included in the amortized cost basis as a single balance to meet certain disclosure requirements.”
- “Make an accounting policy election to write off accrued interest amounts by reversing interest income or recognizing credit loss expense, or a combination of both.”
For more information about the recognition and measurement
changes related to accrued interest, see Section
4.4.5.1.
Footnotes
1
In May 2020, the Federal Reserve System,
the FDIC, the National Credit Union Administration, and
the OCC issued a final interagency policy statement
on allowances for credit losses. The proposal on which
the final statement was based stated that “[p]rovisions
for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures
are included as part of ‘Other noninterest expense’ in
Schedule RI — Income Statement in the Call
Report and in ‘Credit Loss Expense — Off-Balance-Sheet
Credit Exposures’ in the Statement of Income and
Expense in NCUA Call Report Form 5300.” However,
the final statement eliminates any reference to the
income statement category in which amounts needed to
adjust the liability for expected credit losses for
off-balance-sheet credit exposures should be reported in
the agencies’ regulatory reports. See Section
10.3.2 for more information.
8.2 Disclosures
8.2.1 Financial Assets Measured at Amortized Cost
8.2.1.1 Overall Objective and Unit of Account
ASC 326-20
50-2 The disclosure guidance in
this Section should enable a user of the financial
statements to understand the following:
- The credit risk inherent in a portfolio and how management monitors the credit quality of the portfolio
- Management’s estimate of expected credit losses
- Changes in the estimate of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period.
50-3 For financing receivables,
the disclosure guidance in this Subtopic requires an
entity to provide information by either portfolio
segment or class of financing receivable. Net investment
in leases are within the scope of this Subtopic, and the
disclosure requirements for financing receivables shall
be applied to net investment in leases (including the
unguaranteed residual asset). For held-to-maturity debt
securities, the disclosure guidance in this Subtopic
requires an entity to provide information by major
security type. Paragraphs 326-20-55-10 through 55-14
provide implementation guidance about the terms
portfolio segment and class of financing
receivable. When disclosing information, an
entity shall determine, in light of the facts and
circumstances, how much detail it must provide to
satisfy the disclosure requirements in this Section. An
entity must strike a balance between not obscuring
important information as a result of too much
aggregation and not overburdening financial statements
with excessive detail that may not assist a financial
statement user in understanding the entity’s financial
assets and allowance for credit losses. For example, an
entity should not obscure important information by
including it with a large amount of insignificant
detail. Similarly, an entity should not disclose
information that is so aggregated that it obscures
important differences between the different types of
financial assets and associated risks.
50-3A An entity that makes an
accounting policy election to present the accrued
interest receivable balance within another statement of
financial position line item as described in paragraph
326-20-45-5 shall disclose the amount of accrued
interest, net of the allowance for credit losses (if
any), and shall disclose in which line item on the
statement of financial position that amount is
presented.
50-3B As a practical expedient,
an entity may exclude the accrued interest receivable
balance that is included in the amortized cost basis of
financing receivables and held-to-maturity securities
for the purposes of the disclosure requirements in
paragraphs 326-20-50-4 through 50-22. If an entity
applies this practical expedient, it shall disclose the
total amount of accrued interest excluded from the
disclosed amortized cost basis.
50-3C An entity that makes the
accounting policy election in paragraph 326-20-30-5A
shall disclose its accounting policy not to measure an
allowance for credit losses for accrued interest
receivables. The accounting policy shall include
information about what time period or periods, at the
class of financing receivable or major security-type
level, are considered timely.
50-3D An entity that makes the
accounting policy election in paragraph 326-20-35-8A
shall disclose its accounting policy to write off
accrued interest receivables by reversing interest
income or recognizing credit loss expense or a
combination of both. The entity also shall disclose the
amount of accrued interest receivables written off by
reversing interest income by portfolio segment or major
security type.
ASC Master Glossary
Class of Financing Receivable
A group of
financing receivables determined on the basis of both of the
following:- Risk characteristics of the financing receivable
- An entity’s method for monitoring and assessing credit risk.
See paragraphs 326-20-55-11 through
55-14 and 326-20-50-3.
Financing
Receivable
A financing arrangement that has both of
the following characteristics:
- It represents a contractual
right to receive money in either of the following
ways
- On demand
- On fixed or determinable dates.
- It is recognized as an asset in the entity’s statement of financial position.
See paragraphs 310-10-55-13 through
55-15 for more information on the definition of
financing receivable, including a list of items that are
excluded from the definition (for example, debt
securities).
Portfolio
Segment
The level at which an entity develops
and documents a systematic methodology to determine its
allowance for credit losses. See paragraphs 326-20-50-3
and 326-20-55-10.
Connecting the Dots
A Debt Security Is Not a
Financing Receivable
A debt security initially seems to meet the definition
of a financing receivable because the holder of the debt security (i.e.,
the investor) (1) has a contractual right to receive money either on
demand or on fixed or determinable dates and (2) recognizes the debt
security as an asset in its balance sheet. However, ASC 310-10-55-13
through 55-15 provide guidance on what should be considered a financing
receivable, and ASC 310-10-55-15 states that debt securities within the
scope of ASC 320 do not meet the definition of financing receivables.
The distinction between the two terms is important because, although
many of the disclosure requirements of ASC 326 apply to both financing
receivables and debt securities (e.g., those in ASC 326-20-50-5 and ASC
326-20-50-11 through 50-18), some only apply to financing receivables
(e.g., the vintage disclosure requirements in ASC 326-20-50-6). As a
result, an entity must carefully consider which disclosure requirements
apply to which type of financial asset within the scope of ASC 326-20.
For a summary of the disclosure requirements by type of financial asset,
see the table in Section 8.2.6.
ASC 326-20
Disclosure —
Application of the Term Portfolio
Segment
55-10 This implementation
guidance addresses the meaning of the term portfolio
segment. All of the following are examples of
portfolio segments:
- Type of financing receivable
- Industry sector of the borrower
- Risk rating.
Disclosure —
Application of the Term Class of Financing
Receivable
55-11 This implementation
guidance addresses application of the term class of
financing receivable. An entity should base its
principal determination of class of financing receivable
by disaggregating to the level that the entity uses when
assessing and monitoring the risk and performance of the
portfolio for various types of financing receivables. In
its assessment, the entity should consider the risk
characteristics of the financing receivables.
55-12 In determining the
appropriate level of its internal reporting to use as a
basis for disclosure, an entity should consider the
level of detail needed by a user to understand the risks
inherent in the entity’s financing receivables. An
entity could further disaggregate its financing
receivables portfolio by considering numerous factors.
Examples of factors that the entity should consider
include any of the following:
- Categorization of borrowers,
such as any of the following:
- Commercial loan borrowers
- Consumer loan borrowers
- Related party borrowers.
- Type of financing receivable,
such as any of the following:
- Mortgage loans
- Credit card loans
- Interest-only loans
- Finance leases.
- Industry sector, such as either
of the following:
- Real estate
- Mining.
- Type of collateral, such as any
of the following:
- Residential property
- Commercial property
- Government-guaranteed collateral
- Uncollateralized (unsecured) financing receivables.
- Geographic distribution,
including both of the following:
- Domestic
- International.
55-13 An entity also may
consider factors related to concentrations of credit
risk as discussed in Section 825-10-55.
55-14 Classes of financing
receivables generally are a disaggregation of a
portfolio segment. For determining the appropriate
classes of financing receivables that are related to a
portfolio segment, the portfolio segment is the starting
point with further disaggregation in accordance with the
guidance in paragraphs 326-20-55-11 through 55-13. The
determination of class for financing receivables that
are not related to a portfolio segment (because there is
no associated allowance) also should be based on the
guidance in those paragraphs.
The purpose of the disclosure requirements in ASC 326-20 is to give financial
statement users information about the credit risk inherent in an entity’s
financial statements and to explain management’s estimate of expected credit
losses and the changes in the allowance for such losses. Many of these
disclosure requirements, as well as the unit of account at which the disclosures
should be presented, are consistent with the requirements in existing U.S. GAAP.
That is, like the requirements of ASC 310-10-50, the disclosure requirements of
ASC 326-20 for financing receivables measured at amortized cost are applicable
at either the portfolio segment level or by class of financing receivable,
depending on the specific disclosure required. In addition, although a net
investment in a lease does not meet the definition of a financing receivable,
ASC 326-20-50-13 requires a lessor to consider it as such. Further, an entity
must provide disclosure information for HTM debt securities by major security
type in a manner similar to how it must provide disclosures under ASC 320-10-50.
Because the level of disaggregation for financing receivables differs from that
for HTM debt securities, an entity would be required to disclose information for
financing receivables separately from information about HTM debt securities.
Although ASU 2016-13 does not define “major security type,” ASC
320-10-50-1B states:
Major security types shall be based on the nature and
risks of the security. In determining whether disclosure for a
particular security type is necessary and whether it is necessary to
further separate a particular security type into greater detail, an
entity shall consider all of the following:
- (Shared) activity or business sector
- Vintage
- Geographic concentration
- Credit quality
- Economic characteristic.
Under this guidance, an entity could identify a major security
type on the basis of how it manages, monitors, and measures its securities as
well as the security’s nature and risks. For example, major security types could
comprise debt securities that are segregated by industry type, company size, or
investment objective; debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S.
government corporations and agencies; and corporate debt securities, residential
mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations, and other debt
obligations.
Changing Lanes
FASB ASU on Troubled Debt
Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02,
which requires new disclosures for receivables whose contractual cash
flows have been modified because borrowers are experiencing financial
difficulties. Modifications in the contractual cash flows of a
receivable are defined as principal forgiveness, interest rate
reductions, other-than-insignificant-payment delays, or term extensions
under ASC 310-10-50-39. Under the ASU, a term extension excludes
covenant waivers and modifications of contingent acceleration clauses.
Furthermore, the Board indicated that “collateral substitutions, or the
addition of a guarantor, will not be captured in the disclosure
enhancements.”2
For receivables whose contractual cash flows have been modified, ASU
2022-02 requires entities to disclose, by class of financing receivable,
the types of modifications, the financial effects of those
modifications, and the performance of these modified receivables
(through a 12-month trailing period after the modification).
The ASU also requires entities to disclose receivables involving (1) a
payment default during the current period and (2) modifications to the
contractual cash flows within the 12 months before the default. The
disclosures must show, by class of financing receivable, the type of
contractual change that the modification provided and the defaulted
amount.
Under ASU 2022-02, a delay in payment that is considered insignificant
does not need to be included in the disclosures stated above; however,
if the receivable has been previously restructured, an entity should
consider all restructurings within the past 12 months in determining the
insignificance of the delay in payment.
Importantly, the enhanced disclosures required by the ASU may differ from
an entity’s historical TDR disclosures because the scope of the new
disclosure requirements does not depend on whether the entity has
provided a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty.
Instead, an entity will need to evaluate whether a modification or
restructuring with a borrower experiencing financial difficulty results
in principal forgiveness, an interest rate reduction, an
other-than-insignificant-payment delay, or a term extension. These
disclosures are required regardless of whether the refinancing or
restructuring is accounted for as a new loan under ASC 310-20-35-9
through 35-11. As a result, an entity may need to update its internal
controls and processes to comply with the new requirements.
For more information about the ASU’s effective date and transition
requirements, see Section
10.2.1.8.
8.2.2 Credit Quality Information
ASC 326-20
50-4 An entity shall provide
information that enables a financial statement user to do
both of the following:
- Understand how management monitors the credit quality of its financial assets
- Assess the quantitative and qualitative risks arising from the credit quality of its financial assets.
50-5 To meet the objectives in
paragraph 326-20-50-4, an entity shall provide quantitative
and qualitative information by class of financing receivable
and major security type about the credit quality of
financial assets within the scope of this Subtopic
(excluding off-balance-sheet credit exposures and repurchase
agreements and securities lending agreements within the
scope of Topic 860), including all of the following:
- A description of the credit quality indicator(s)
- The amortized cost basis, by credit quality indicator
- For each credit quality indicator, the date or range of dates in which the information was last updated for that credit quality indicator.
50-6 When disclosing credit quality
indicators of financing receivables and net investment in
leases (except for reinsurance recoverables and funded or
unfunded amounts of line-of-credit arrangements, such as
credit cards), an entity shall present the amortized cost
basis within each credit quality indicator by year of
origination (that is, vintage year). For purchased financing
receivables and net investment in leases, an entity shall
use the initial date of issuance to determine the year of
origination, not the date of acquisition. For origination
years before the fifth annual period, an entity may present
the amortized cost basis of financing receivables and net
investments in leases in the aggregate. For interim-period
disclosures, the current year-to-date originations in the
current reporting period are considered to be the
current-period originations. The requirement to present the
amortized cost basis within each credit quality indicator by
year of origination is not required for an entity that is
not a public business entity.
Pending Content (Transition Guidance: ASC
326-10-65-5)
50-6When disclosing credit quality
indicators of financing receivables and net
investment in leases (except for reinsurance
recoverables and funded or unfunded amounts of
line-of-credit arrangements, such as credit
cards), a public business entity shall present the
amortized cost basis within each credit quality
indicator by year of origination (that is, vintage
year). For purchased financing receivables and net
investment in leases, an entity shall use the
initial date of issuance to determine the year of
origination, not the date of acquisition. For
origination years before the fifth annual period,
a public business entity may present the amortized
cost basis of financing receivables and net
investments in leases in the aggregate. For
interim-period disclosures, the current
year-to-date originations in the current reporting
period are considered to be the current-period
originations. A public business entity shall
present the gross writeoffs recorded in the
current period, on a current year-to-date basis,
for financing receivables and net investments in
leases by origination year. For origination years
before the fifth annual period, a public business
entity may present the gross writeoffs in the
current period for financing receivables and net
investments in leases in the aggregate. The
requirement to present the amortized cost basis
within each credit quality indicator by year of
origination is not required for an entity that is
not a public business entity.
50-6A For the purpose of the
disclosure requirement in paragraph 326-20-50-6, an entity
shall present the amortized cost basis of line-of-credit
arrangements that are converted to term loans in a separate
column (see Example 15 in paragraph 326-20-55-79). An entity
shall disclose in each reporting period, by class of
financing receivable, the amount of line-of-credit
arrangements that are converted to term loans in each
reporting period.
Pending Content (Transition Guidance: ASC
326-10-65-5)
50-6A For the purpose of the disclosure
requirement in paragraph 326-20-50-6, a public
business entity shall present the amortized cost
basis of line-of-credit arrangements that are
converted to term loans in a separate column (see
Example 15 in paragraph 326-20-55-79). A public
business entity shall disclose in each reporting
period, by class of financing receivable, the
amount of line-of-credit arrangements that are
converted to term loans in each reporting period
and the total of these financing receivables that
were written off in the current reporting period
in accordance with paragraph 326-20-50-6.
50-7 Except as provided in
paragraph 326-20-50-6A, an entity shall use the guidance in
paragraphs 310-20-35-9 through 35-12 when determining
whether a modification, extension, or renewal of a financing
receivable should be presented as a current-period
origination. An entity shall use the guidance in paragraphs
842-10-25-8 through 25-9 when determining whether a lease
modification should be presented as a current-period
origination.
Pending Content (Transition Guidance: ASC
326-10-65-5)
50-7 Except as provided in paragraph
326-20-50-6A, a public business entity shall use
the guidance in paragraphs 310-20-35-9 through
35-11 when determining whether a modification,
extension, or renewal of a financing receivable
should be presented as a current-period
origination. A public business entity shall use
the guidance in paragraphs 842-10-25-8 through
25-9 when determining whether a lease modification
should be presented as a current-period
origination.
50-8 If an entity discloses
internal risk ratings, then the entity shall provide
qualitative information on how those internal risk ratings
relate to the likelihood of loss.
50-9 The requirements to disclose
credit quality indicators in paragraphs 326-20-50-4 through
50-5 do not apply to receivables measured at the lower of
amortized cost basis or fair value, or trade receivables due
in one year or less, except for credit card receivables,
that result from revenue transactions within the scope of
Topic 605 on revenue recognition or Topic 606 on revenue
from contracts with customers.
Disclosure —
Application of the Term Credit Quality
Indicator
55-15 This implementation guidance
addresses application of the term credit quality
indicator. Examples of credit quality indicators
include all of the following:
- Consumer credit risk scores
- Credit-rating-agency ratings
- An entity’s internal credit risk grades
- Debt-to-value ratios
- Collateral
- Collection experience
- Other internal metrics.
55-16 An entity should use judgment
in determining the appropriate credit quality indicator for
each class of financing receivable and major security type.
As of the balance sheet date, the entity should use the most
current information it has obtained for each credit quality
indicator.
The objective of providing credit quality disclosures is to help financial statement
users understand how an entity continually monitors the credit quality of a
financial asset and to provide insight into the asset’s inherent credit quality.
Many of the requirements in ASC 326-20 to provide credit quality information about
an entity’s financing receivables are similar to those in existing U.S. GAAP. For
example, ASC 310-10-50-27 through 50-30 require an entity to provide quantitative
and qualitative information about the credit quality of its financing
receivables.
Although there are similarities between the amendments in ASU 2016-13 and existing
U.S. GAAP, the requirement in ASC 326-20-50-6 for a PBE to “present the amortized
cost basis within each credit quality indicator by year of origination (that is,
vintage year)” is a significant addition. That paragraph also requires entities to
provide the amortized cost basis for each of the five years preceding the financial
reporting date and to include this information in the aggregate for the period
before those five years.
Although it could be onerous for preparers to provide such detailed
information, on the basis of feedback provided during the development of the
disclosure requirements, the FASB believes that the benefits of providing such
information outweigh the costs associated with preparing it. Paragraph BC114 of ASU
2016-13 states, in part:
The Board performed extensive outreach on the disclosure requirements after
hosting a roundtable meeting to listen to the perspectives of both preparers
and users. Preparers indicated that vintage-year disclosures are more
operable than amortized cost basis rollforward disclosures, and users
supported the additional information that would be provided by vintage
disclosures about credit quality trends. The Board concluded that the
vintage disclosure requirements for financing receivables and net investment
in leases will allow users to understand the credit quality trends within
the portfolio from period to period. In addition, by utilizing information
disclosed in other areas in the financial statements and assumptions from
public sources, users may be able to derive their own rollforward of the
balances and related allowance for credit losses for each origination year.
This will provide useful information because it will help users develop
estimates of (a) originations by period for each class of financing
receivable, (b) an estimate of the initially expected credit losses and
subsequent changes to the estimate, and (c) an estimate of the
current-period provision that is attributable to originations and changes in
expected credit losses on previously originated loans.
Example 15 in ASC 326-20 illustrates how an entity may comply with
the vintage disclosure requirements. As noted in Section
8.2.2.3, ASU 2022-02 revised Example 15 to make it more consistent
with the requirements in ASC 326-20-50-4 through 50-9. Below is Example 15, as
revised by ASU 2022-02.
ASC 326-20
Pending Content (Transition
Guidance: ASC 326-10-65-5)
Example
15: Disclosing Credit Quality Indicators of
Financing Receivables by Amortized Cost
Basis
55-79 The
following Example illustrates the presentation of
credit quality disclosures for a financial
institution with a narrow range of loan products
offered to local customers — both consumer and
commercial. Depending on the size and complexity
of an entity’s portfolio of financing receivables,
the entity may present disclosures that are more
or less detailed than the following Example. An
entity may choose other methods of determining the
class of financing receivable and may determine
different credit quality indicators that reflect
how credit risk is monitored. Some entities may
have more than one credit quality indicator for
certain classes of financing receivables.
8.2.2.1 Scope of Vintage Disclosure Requirements
ASC 326-20-50-6 indicates that only PBEs are subject to the
vintage disclosure requirements. That is, only PBEs must present the
amortized cost basis of financing receivables and net investments in leases
“by year of origination (that is, vintage year)” for each credit quality
indicator. Paragraph BC114 of ASU 2016-13 discusses the FASB’s rationale for
requiring only PBEs to provide such disclosures:
This
disclosure requirement is applicable to public business entities only
because investors in private companies generally have greater access to
management to obtain the information they believe is necessary. The
Board considered exempting public business entities that are not SEC
filers because small community banks may meet the public business entity
definition, but the Board concluded that a distinction among public
business entities (that is, public business entities that are not SEC
filers) is inappropriate. The Board believes the disclosures are
relevant for users in all public business entities; however, given cost
considerations, the Board decided to allow public business entities that
are not SEC filers further transition relief in order to prepare for the
disclosure requirements and decided not to require this disclosure for
entities that are not public business entities.
However, all entities must comply with the
requirement in ASC 326-20-50-5 to disclose credit quality information by
class of financing receivable or by major type of security. Such information
would include a description of the credit quality indicators and the
amortized cost basis by credit quality indicator.
Note that for the initial year of adoption, ASC 326 provides
transition guidance on the vintage disclosure requirements in ASC
326-20-50-6. This guidance can be summarized as follows:
- PBEs that meet the U.S. GAAP definition of an SEC filer3 must disclose credit quality indicators disaggregated by year of origination for a five-year period.
- PBEs that do not meet the U.S. GAAP definition of an SEC filer must disclose credit quality indicators disaggregated by year of origination. However, upon adopting the ASU, those PBEs would only be required to disclose such information for the previous three years and would present an additional year of information until they have provided disclosures for the previous five years.
- Other entities are not required to disclose credit quality indicators disaggregated by year of origination.
See Chapter 9 for more information about transition.
8.2.2.2 Vintage Disclosures for Revolving Loans That Are Modified Into Term Loans
Under ASC 326-20-50, entities must disclose credit quality
information about their financing receivables and net investments in leases
that are measured at amortized cost. That is, ASC 326-20-50-6 requires an
entity to present the amortized cost basis within each credit quality
indicator by year of origination. However, that paragraph exempts “funded or
unfunded amounts of line-of-credit arrangements” (e.g., credit cards) from
the requirement because the timing of the underwriting decisions related to
those arrangements may not be aligned with the borrower’s use of funds.
Instead, entities may aggregate such revolving loan balances and report them
in a separate single column, without regard to when the initial underwriting
decisions were made.
However, ASC 326-20-50-7 requires an entity to apply the
guidance in ASC 310-20 to determine whether a loan that is modified should
be considered new. If such a loan is considered a new loan, the entity would
report it as a current-year origination in the year of the restructuring to
comply with the vintage disclosure requirements in ASC 326-20-50-6.
ASU 2019-04 addresses how an entity should apply the vintage
disclosure requirements in ASC 326-20-50-6 to a revolving arrangement that
is later converted into a term loan.4 Specifically, this ASU adds ASC 326-20-50-6A, which states, in part,
that “an entity shall present the amortized cost basis of line-of-credit
arrangements that are converted to term loans in a separate column (see
Example 15 in paragraph 326-20-55-79). An entity shall disclose in each
reporting period, by class of financing receivable, the amount of
line-of-credit arrangements that are converted to term loans in each
reporting period.”
8.2.2.3 Gross Write-Offs and Gross Recoveries
Example 15 in ASC 326-20-55-79 illustrates how an entity
could comply with the disclosure requirements for credit quality information
in ASC 326-20-50-4 through 50-9. The example includes a vintage disclosure
table showing an entity’s presentation of amortized cost information by
vintage year for gross write-offs and gross recoveries.
An entity needs to provide gross write-offs and gross
recoveries by class of financing receivable and by vintage year to comply
with the credit quality disclosure requirements in ASC 326-20-50-4 through
50-9.
As the FASB noted at its April 3, 2019, meeting, Example 15 in ASC
326-20-55-79 illustrates only one way in which an entity could comply with
the credit quality disclosure requirements in ASC 326-20-50-4 through 50-9.
Because the guidance in those paragraphs does not include a requirement to
provide gross write-offs and gross recoveries by class of financing
receivable and by vintage year, an entity is not required to provide such
information to comply with the credit quality disclosure requirements.
Changing Lanes
FASB ASU on Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage
Disclosures
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU
2022-02, which amends ASC 326-20-50-6 to require
that a PBE’s vintage disclosures include gross write-offs recorded
in the current period, on a year-to-date basis, by year of
origination. The amendments related to the presentation of gross
write-offs in the vintage disclosures should be applied
prospectively from the date of adoption. For more information about
the ASU’s effective date and transition, see Section
10.2.1.8.
8.2.2.4 Vintage Disclosure Requirements — Trade Receivables and Contract Assets Within the Scope of ASC 605 and ASC 606
ASC 326-20-50-9 states that the “credit quality indicators in paragraphs
326-20-50-4 through 50-5 do not apply to receivables measured at the lower of
amortized cost basis or fair value, or trade receivables due in one year or
less, except for credit card receivables, that result from revenue transactions
within the scope of Topic 605 on revenue recognition or Topic 606 on revenue
from contracts with customers.” Thus, while ASC 326-20-50-9 is clear on the
applicability of the vintage disclosure requirements and trade receivables due
in one year or less, it is less clear with respect to contract assets.
ASC 606 states that an entity should apply the CECL model to
contract assets, but the term “contract asset” is not used in ASC 326-20. While
ASC 606-10-45-3 clearly notes that contract assets are subject to the
measurement guidance in ASC 326 and that a credit loss of a contract asset
“shall be measured, presented, and disclosed in accordance with Subtopic
326-20,” questions have arisen about which disclosure requirements apply to such
assets. Some believe that ASC 606 indicates that a contract asset is a financial
asset measured at amortized cost that is within the scope of ASC 326-20 for
subsequent measurement and disclosure purposes, even though this is not
explicitly stated in ASC 326-20.5 Others believe that a contract asset does not meet the definition of a
financial asset6 measured at amortized cost because the entity does not have the
unconditional right to receive cash until the contract asset becomes a trade
receivable (i.e., when it has the right to collect the consideration from the
customer).
Connecting the Dots
Contract Assets
Contract assets may not be converted to receivables and subsequently
collected for more than one year. Consequently, if considered to be
within the scope of ASC 326-20, such assets may not qualify for the
short-term exception for certain disclosures that is described in ASC
326-20-50-9. On the basis of discussions held with the FASB staff, we
believe that contract assets do not meet the definition of a financing
receivable and are therefore outside the scope of the vintage disclosure
requirements in ASC 326-20-50-4 and 50-5. However, once the contract
asset is converted to a trade receivable, the entity would need to
include that converted trade receivable in its vintage disclosures if it
is not due in one year or less.
8.2.3 Allowance for Credit Losses
ASC 326-20
50-10 An entity shall provide
information that enables a financial statement user to do
the following:
- Understand management’s method for developing its allowance for credit losses
- Understand the information that management used in developing its current estimate of expected credit losses
- Understand the circumstances that caused changes to the allowance for credit losses, thereby affecting the related credit loss expense (or reversal) reported for the period.
50-11 To meet the objectives in
paragraph 326-20-50-10, an entity shall disclose all of the
following by portfolio segment and major security type:
- A description of how expected loss estimates are developed
- A description of the entity’s
accounting policies and methodology to estimate the
allowance for credit losses, as well as a discussion
of the factors that influenced management’s current
estimate of expected credit losses, including:
- Past events
- Current conditions
- Reasonable and supportable forecasts about the future.
- A discussion of risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment
- A discussion of the changes in the factors that influenced management’s current estimate of expected credit losses and the reasons for those changes (for example, changes in portfolio composition, underwriting practices, and significant events or conditions that affect the current estimate but were not contemplated or relevant during a previous period)
- Identification of changes to the entity’s accounting policies, changes to the methodology from the prior period, its rationale for those changes, and the quantitative effect of those changes
- Reasons for significant changes in the amount of writeoffs, if applicable
- A discussion of the reversion method applied for periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period
- The amount of any significant purchases of financial assets during each reporting period
- The amount of any significant sales of financial assets or reclassifications of loans held for sale during each reporting period.
50-12 Paragraph 326-20-45-3
explains that a creditor that measures expected credit
losses based on a discounted cash flow method is permitted
to report the entire change in present value as credit loss
expense (or reversal of credit loss expense) but also may
report the change in present value attributable to the
passage of time as interest income. Creditors that choose
the latter alternative shall disclose the amount recorded to
interest income that represents the change in present value
attributable to the passage of time.
Rollforward of the
Allowance for Credit Losses
50-13 Furthermore, to enable a
financial statement user to understand the activity in the
allowance for credit losses for each period, an entity shall
separately provide by portfolio segment and major security
type the quantitative disclosures of the activity in the
allowance for credit losses for financial assets within the
scope of this Subtopic, including all of the following:
- The beginning balance in the allowance for credit losses
- Current-period provision for expected credit losses
- The initial allowance for credit losses recognized on financial assets accounted for as purchased financial assets with credit deterioration (including beneficial interests that meet the criteria in paragraph 325-40-30-1A), if applicable
- Writeoffs charged against the allowance
- Recoveries collected
- The ending balance in the allowance for credit losses.
Many of the disclosure requirements in ASC 326-20-50-10 through 50-12 that describe
an entity’s allowance for credit losses are consistent with those in existing U.S.
GAAP. In general, the objective of these requirements is to help financial statement
users understand the information and methods that management uses in determining the
estimate of expected credit losses. In addition, the disclosures should be presented
in sufficient detail for financial statement users to understand the factors or
conditions that led to any changes in the allowance for credit losses from the prior
period.
The rollforward of the allowance for credit losses is generally the same as that
required under ASC 310-10-50-11B, with one notable difference. Because ASC 326
requires an entity to recognize at acquisition an allowance for credit losses on
assets deemed to be PCD that is not recognized through a provision for credit losses
(i.e., the gross-up approach), the entity must also include the allowance recognized
on PCD assets within the rollforward required by ASC 326-20-50-13.
8.2.4 Past-Due and Nonaccrual Status
ASC 326-20
Past Due Status
50-14 To enable a financial
statement user to understand the extent of financial assets
that are past due, an entity shall provide an aging analysis
of the amortized cost basis for financial assets that are
past due as of the reporting date, disaggregated by class of
financing receivable and major security type. An entity also
shall disclose when it considers a financial asset to be
past due.
50-15 The requirements to disclose
past-due status in paragraph 326-20-50-14 do not apply to
receivables measured at the lower of amortized cost basis or
fair value, or trade receivables due in one year or less,
except for credit card receivables, that result from revenue
transactions within the scope of Topic 605 on revenue
recognition or Topic 606 on revenue from contracts with
customers.
Example 16:
Disclosing Past-Due Status
55-80 The following table
illustrates certain of the disclosures in paragraph
326-20-50-14 by class of financing receivable.
Nonaccrual
Status
50-16 To enable a financial
statement user to understand the credit risk and interest
income recognized on financial assets on nonaccrual status,
an entity shall disclose all of the following, disaggregated
by class of financing receivable and major security type:
- The amortized cost basis of financial assets on nonaccrual status as of the beginning of the reporting period and the end of the reporting period
- The amount of interest income recognized during the period on nonaccrual financial assets
- The amortized cost basis of financial assets that are 90 days or more past due, but are not on nonaccrual status as of the reporting date
- The amortized cost basis of financial assets on nonaccrual status for which there is no related allowance for credit losses as of the reporting date.
50-17 An entity’s summary of
significant accounting policies for financial assets within
the scope of this Subtopic shall include all of the
following:
- Nonaccrual policies, including the policies for discontinuing accrual of interest, recording payments received on nonaccrual assets (including the cost recovery method, cash basis method, or some combination of those methods), and resuming accrual of interest, if applicable
- The policy for determining past-due or delinquency status
- The policy for recognizing writeoffs within the allowance for credit losses.
50-18 The requirements to disclose
nonaccrual status in paragraphs 326-20-50-16 through 50-17
do not apply to receivables measured at lower of amortized
cost basis or fair value, or trade receivables due in one
year or less, except for credit card receivables, that
result from revenue transactions within the scope of Topic
605 on revenue recognition or Topic 606 on revenue from
contracts with customers.
For certain loans, existing interest income recognition methods are based on the
initial investment, without a deduction for the allowance for credit losses, which
may allow certain entities to recognize interest income on principal that is not
expected to be collected. However, certain regulatory policies mitigate this risk by
requiring an entity to stop accruing interest when it believes that the collection
of principal, interest, or both is in doubt. As a result, some entities may have a
nonaccrual policy in which they no longer accrue interest in certain circumstances
(e.g., when a borrower is in default for a specified period, such as 90 days past
due).
ASU 2016-13 did not amend the
existing requirements related to placing a loan on nonaccrual status. However, ASC
326-20 requires an entity to provide information about financial assets that are
past due or for which the entity is no longer accruing interest (the disclosure
requirements do not apply to the assets described in ASC 326-20-50-15 and ASC
326-20-50-18). While these disclosure requirements are generally consistent with
those in ASC 310-10-50-5A through 50-8, an entity is now required to provide
additional information for financial assets on nonaccrual status under ASC 326. The
tables below compare the disclosure requirements for financial assets on nonaccrual
status under ASC 310 with those under ASC 326. Requirements added by ASC 326 are in
boldface.
ASC 310-10-50-6
|
ASC 326-20-50-17
|
---|---|
Accounting policies related to:
|
Accounting policies related to:
|
ASC 310-10-50-7
|
ASC 326-20-50-16
|
---|---|
As of each balance sheet date, the entity must present:
|
As of each balance sheet date, the entity
must present:
|
8.2.5 Other Disclosures
ASC 326-20
Purchased Financial
Assets With Credit Deterioration
50-19 To the extent an entity
acquired purchased financial assets with credit
deterioration during the current reporting period, an entity
shall provide a reconciliation of the difference between the
purchase price of the financial assets and the par value of
the assets, including:
- The purchase price
- The allowance for credit losses at the acquisition date based on the acquirer’s assessment
- The discount (or premium) attributable to other factors
- The par value.
8.2.5.1 PCD Assets
If, during the financial reporting period, an entity acquires a PCD asset (and
therefore applies the gross-up approach to that asset), it must disclose a
reconciliation between the PCD asset’s purchase price and its par value. Such a
reconciliation will enable financial statement users to understand how much of
the purchase price discount is related to expected credit losses or other
factors (discounts or premiums). The reconciliation should include the items
listed in ASC 326-20-50-19(a)–(d) above.
Note that entities are only required to provide this reconciliation in the
financial reporting period in which the PCD asset is acquired. It does not need
to be disclosed in subsequent periods.
ASC 326-20
Collateral-Dependent
Financial Assets
50-20 For a financial asset for
which the repayment (on the basis of an entity’s
assessment as of the reporting date) is expected to be
provided substantially through the operation or sale of
the collateral and the borrower is experiencing
financial difficulty, an entity shall describe the type
of collateral by class of financing receivable and major
security type. The entity also shall qualitatively
describe, by class of financing receivable and major
security type, the extent to which collateral secures
its collateral-dependent financial assets, and
significant changes in the extent to which collateral
secures its collateral-dependent financial assets,
whether because of a general deterioration or some other
reason.
8.2.5.2 Collateral-Dependent Financial Assets
Under ASC 326-20-50-20, if an asset is determined to be
collateral-dependent and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty (as
described in Section 4.4.9.1), the entity
must “describe the type of collateral by class of financing receivable and major
security type. The entity also shall qualitatively describe, by class of
financing receivable and major security type, the extent to which collateral
secures its collateral-dependent financial assets, and significant changes in
the extent to which collateral secures its collateral-dependent financial
assets, whether because of a general deterioration or some other reason.”
ASC 326-20
Off-Balance-Sheet
Credit Exposures
50-21 In addition to
disclosures required by other Topics, an entity shall
disclose a description of the accounting policies and
methodology the entity used to estimate its liability
for off-balance-sheet credit exposures and related
charges for those credit exposures. Such a description
shall identify the factors that influenced management’s
judgment (for example, historical losses, existing
economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable
forecasts) and a discussion of risk elements relevant to
particular categories of financial instruments.
50-22 Off-balance-sheet credit
exposures refers to credit exposures on
off-balance-sheet loan commitments, standby letters of
credit, financial guarantees not accounted for as
insurance, and other similar instruments, except for
instruments within the scope of Topic 815.
8.2.5.3 Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures
In a manner consistent with the disclosure requirements in
current U.S. GAAP (ASC 310-10-50-9 and 50-10), an entity must disclose its
accounting policy and method for estimating expected credit losses on
off-balance-sheet credit exposures. ASC 326-20-50-21 states, in part, that
“[s]uch a description shall identify the factors that influenced management’s
judgment (for example, historical losses, existing economic conditions, and
reasonable and supportable forecasts) and a discussion of risk elements relevant
to particular categories of financial instruments.”
8.2.6 Summary of ASC 326-20 Disclosure Requirements by Asset Type
Financing Receivables
|
Net Investment in Leases
|
Off-Balance- Sheet Exposures
|
HTM Debt Securities
| |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Disaggregated by Portfolio Segment or Class
of Financing Receivable
|
Disaggregated by Major Security Type
| |||||
Disclosure Category
|
ASC Reference
|
Roadmap Reference
|
Disclosure Required?
| |||
Credit quality information | 326-20-50-4 and 50-5 and 326-20-50-8 |
Yes(a), (b)
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
| |
Credit quality information — vintage
disclosures
|
326-20-50-6 and 50-7
|
Yes(b), (c)
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
| |
Allowance for credit losses
|
326-20-50-10 through 50-12
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
| |
Rollforward of the allowance for credit
losses
|
326-20-50-13
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
| |
Past-due status
|
326-20-50-14
|
Yes(b)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
| |
Nonaccrual status
|
326-20-50-16 and 50-17
|
Yes(b)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
| |
PCD financial assets
|
326-20-50-19
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
| |
Collateral-dependent financial assets
|
326-20-50-20
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
| |
Off-balance-sheet exposures
|
326-20-50-21 and 50-22
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
| |
(a) This disclosure requirement does not
apply to repurchase agreements and securities lending
agreements within the scope of ASC 860.
(b) As indicated in ASC 326-20-50-9, ASC
326-20-50-15, and ASC 326-20-50-18, these disclosure
requirements “do not apply to receivables measured at the
lower of amortized cost basis or fair value, or trade
receivables due in one year or less, except for credit card
receivables, that result from revenue transactions within
the scope of Topic 605 on revenue recognition or Topic 606
on revenue from contracts with customers.”
(c) On the basis of discussions held with
the FASB staff, we believe that contract assets do not meet
the definition of a financing receivable and are therefore
outside the scope of the vintage disclosure requirements in
ASC 326-20-50-4 and 50-5.
|
8.2.7 AFS Debt Securities
ASC 326-30
General
50-1 For instruments within the
scope of this Subtopic, this Section provides the following
disclosure guidance related to credit risk and the
measurement of credit losses:
- Available-for-sale debt securities in unrealized loss positions without an allowance for credit losses
- Allowance for credit losses
- Purchased financial assets with credit deterioration.
50-2 The disclosure guidance in
this Section should enable a user of the financial
statements to understand the following:
- The credit risk inherent in available-for-sale debt securities
- Management’s estimate of credit losses
- Changes in the estimate of credit losses that have taken place during the period.
50-3 An entity shall determine, in
light of the facts and circumstances, how much detail it
must provide to satisfy the disclosure requirements in this
Section and how it disaggregates information into major
security types. An entity must strike a balance between
obscuring important information as a result of too much
aggregation and overburdening financial statements with
excessive detail that may not assist a financial statement
user to understand an entity’s securities and allowance for
credit losses. For example, an entity should not obscure
important information by including it with a large amount of
insignificant detail. Similarly, an entity should not
disclose information that is so aggregated that it obscures
important differences between the different types of
financial assets and associated risks.
50-3A An entity that makes the
accounting policy election to present separately the accrued
interest receivable balance within another statement of
financial position line item as described in paragraph
326-30-45-1 shall disclose the amount of applicable accrued
interest, net of the allowance for credit losses (if any),
and shall disclose in which line item on the statement of
financial position that amount is presented.
50-3B If for the purposes of
identifying and measuring an impairment the applicable
accrued interest is excluded from both the fair value and
the amortized cost basis of the available-for-sale debt
security, an entity may, as a practical expedient, exclude
the applicable accrued interest that is included in the
amortized cost basis for the purposes of the disclosure
requirements in paragraphs 326-30-50-4 through 50-10. If an
entity elects this practical expedient, it shall disclose
the total amount of accrued interest, net of the allowance
for credit losses (if any), excluded from the disclosed
amortized cost basis.
50-3C An entity that makes the
accounting policy election in paragraph 326-30-30-1B shall
disclose its accounting policy not to measure an allowance
for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. The
accounting policy shall include information about what time
period or periods, at the major security-type level, are
considered timely.
50-3D An entity that makes the
accounting policy election in paragraph 326-30-35-13A shall
disclose its accounting policy to write off accrued interest
receivables by reversing interest income or recognizing
credit loss expense or a combination of both. The entity
also shall disclose the amount of accrued interest
receivables written off by reversing interest income by
major security type.
Available-for-Sale Debt
Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions Without an
Allowance for Credit Losses
50-4 For available-for-sale debt
securities, including those that fall within the scope of
Subtopic 325-40 on beneficial interests in securitized
financial assets, in an unrealized loss position for which
an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded, an
entity shall disclose all of the following in its interim
and annual financial statements:
- As of each date for which a
statement of financial position is presented,
quantitative information, aggregated by category of
investment — each major security type that the
entity discloses in accordance with this Subtopic —
in tabular form:
- The aggregate related fair value of investments with unrealized losses
- The aggregate amount of unrealized losses (that is, the amount by which amortized cost basis exceeds fair value).
- As of the date of the most recent
statement of financial position, additional
information (in narrative form) that provides
sufficient information to allow a financial
statement user to understand the quantitative
disclosures and the information that the entity
considered (both positive and negative) in reaching
the conclusion that an allowance for credit losses
is unnecessary. The disclosures required may be
aggregated by investment categories, but
individually significant unrealized losses generally
shall not be aggregated. This disclosure could
include all of the following:
- The nature of the investment(s)
- The cause(s) of the impairment(s)
- The number of investment positions that are in an unrealized loss position
- The severity of the impairment(s)
- Other evidence considered by
the investor in reaching its conclusion that an
allowance for credit losses is not necessary,
including, for example, any of the following:
- Performance indicators of the
underlying assets in the security, including any
of the following:01. Default rates02. Delinquency rates03. Percentage of nonperforming assets.
- Debt-to-collateral-value ratios
- Third-party guarantees
- Current levels of subordination
- Vintage
- Geographic concentration
- Industry analyst reports
- Credit ratings
- Volatility of the security’s fair value
- Interest rate changes since purchase
- Any other information that the investor considers relevant.
- Performance indicators of the
underlying assets in the security, including any
of the following:
50-5 The disclosures in (a)(1)
through (a)(2) in paragraph 326-30-50-4 shall be
disaggregated by those investments that have been in a
continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months
and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss
position for 12 months or longer.
50-6 The reference point for
determining how long an investment has been in a continuous
unrealized loss position is the balance sheet date of the
reporting period in which the impairment is identified. For
entities that do not prepare interim financial information,
the reference point is the annual balance sheet date of the
period during which the impairment was identified. The
continuous unrealized loss position ceases upon the investor
becoming aware of a recovery of fair value up to (or beyond)
the amortized cost basis of the investment during the
period.
Allowance for Credit
Losses
50-7 For interim and annual periods
in which an allowance for credit losses of an
available-for-sale debt security is recorded, an entity
shall disclose by major security type, the methodology and
significant inputs used to measure the amount related to
credit loss, including its accounting policy for recognizing
writeoffs of uncollectible available-for-sale debt
securities. Examples of significant inputs include, but are
not limited to, all of the following:
- Performance indicators of the
underlying assets in the security, including all of
the following:
- Default rates
- Delinquency rates
- Percentage of nonperforming assets
- Debt-to-collateral-value ratios
- Third-party guarantees
- Current levels of subordination
- Vintage
- Geographic concentration
- Industry analyst reports and forecasts
- Credit ratings
- Other market data that are relevant to the collectibility of the security.
50-8 Paragraph 326-30-45-3 explains
that an entity may report the change in the allowance for
credit losses due to changes in time value as credit loss
expense (or reversal of credit loss expense) but also may
report the change as interest income. An entity that chooses
the latter alternative shall disclose the amount recorded to
interest income that represents the change in present value
attributable to the passage of time.
Rollforward of the
Allowance for Credit Losses
50-9 For each interim and annual
reporting period presented, an entity shall disclose by
major security type, a tabular rollforward of the allowance
for credit losses, which shall include, at a minimum, all of
the following:
- The beginning balance of the allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities held by the entity at the beginning of the period
- Additions to the allowance for credit losses on securities for which credit losses were not previously recorded
- Additions to the allowance for credit losses arising from purchases of available-for-sale debt securities accounted for as purchased financial assets with credit deterioration (including beneficial interests that meet the criteria in paragraph 325-40-30-1A)
- Reductions for securities sold during the period (realized)
- Reductions in the allowance for credit losses because the entity intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis
- If the entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, additional increases or decreases to the allowance for credit losses on securities that had an allowance recorded in a previous period
- Writeoffs charged against the allowance
- Recoveries of amounts previously written off
- The ending balance of the allowance for credit losses related to debt securities held by the entity at the end of the period.
Purchased Financial
Assets With Credit Deterioration
50-10 To the extent an entity
acquired purchased financial assets with credit
deterioration during the current reporting period, an entity
shall provide a reconciliation of the difference between the
purchase price of the assets and the par value of the
available-for-sale debt securities, including:
- The purchase price
- The allowance for credit losses at the acquisition date based on the acquirer’s assessment
- The discount (or premium) attributable to other factors
- The par value.
Like the disclosure requirements for
financial assets measured at amortized cost, the disclosure requirements for AFS
debt securities were designed to help financial statement users understand the
credit quality of AFS debt securities and how management estimates expected credit
losses. As a result, many of the disclosure requirements are similar to those in
existing U.S. GAAP (e.g., those in ASC 320-10-50-1 through 50-8B). However, given
the change from an OTTI model to an expected credit losses model for AFS debt
securities, there are some differences. The table below compares the disclosure
requirements for AFS debt securities in existing U.S. GAAP with those in ASC 326.
Differences between the disclosure requirements are in boldface.
ASC 320-10-50
|
ASC 326-30-50
|
---|---|
Unit of Account
|
Unit of Account
|
An entity is required to provide disclosure information for
HTM debt securities by “major security type,” which is based
on the nature and risks of the security.
|
An entity is required to provide disclosure information for
HTM debt securities by “major security type,” which is based
on the nature and risks of the security.
|
AFS Debt Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position
|
AFS Debt Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position Without an
Allowance for Credit Losses
|
|
|
Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings
|
Allowance for Credit Losses
|
For interim and annual periods in which the entity recognizes
an OTTI, it must disclose the method and inputs used to
measure the credit loss.
|
For interim and annual periods in which there is an
allowance for credit losses, the entity must
disclose the method and inputs used to measure expected
credit losses, including its accounting policy for
recognizing the write-offs of uncollectible AFS debt
securities.
|
Rollforward of Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings
|
Rollforward of the Allowance for Credit Losses
|
For each interim and annual reporting period presented, an
entity discloses by major security type a tabular
rollforward of the credit losses recognized in earnings as follows:
|
For each interim and annual reporting period presented, an
entity discloses by major security type a tabular
rollforward of the allowance for credit losses as follows:
|
N/A
|
PCD Assets
|
If, during the financial reporting period, an entity
acquires AFS PCD assets, it must disclose a
reconciliation between the PCD asset’s purchase price
and par value that includes the following:
|
8.2.7.1 Changes in the Present Value of Expected Cash Flows
A change in the present value of expected future cash flows can result from the
passage of time, changes in the timing and amount of the cash flows the entity
expects to receive, or both. In a manner consistent with the requirements in
existing U.S. GAAP, ASC 326-30-45-3 allows an entity to present the change in
the present value of expected future cash flows as an adjustment to credit loss
expense (both favorable and unfavorable) or as interest income (only if the
change is related to the passage of time). In accordance with ASC 326-30-50-8,
if the entity chooses to present the change as interest income, it is required
to disclose that policy decision as well as “the amount recorded to interest
income that represents the change in present value attributable to the passage
of time.”
Footnotes
2
See paragraph BC28 of ASU 2022-02.
3
The ASC master glossary defines an SEC filer
as follows:
An entity that is
required to file or furnish its financial statements with
either of the following:
- The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
-
With respect to an entity subject to Section 12(i) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the appropriate agency under that Section.
Financial statements
for other entities that are not otherwise SEC filers whose
financial statements are included in a submission by another
SEC filer are not included within this definition.
4
This issue was originally discussed at the
November 2018 TRG meeting.
5
See ASC 326-20-15-2.
6
The ASC master glossary defines a financial asset as
“[c]ash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract
that conveys to one entity a right to do either of the following:
- Receive cash or another financial instrument from a second entity
- Exchange other financial instruments on potentially favorable terms with the second entity.”
Chapter 9 — Effective Date and Transition
Chapter 9 — Effective Date and Transition
9.1 Effective Dates
ASC 326-10
65-1 The following represents the
transition and effective date information related to
Accounting Standards Updates No. 2016-13, Financial
Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, No. 2018-19,
Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial
Instruments — Credit Losses, No. 2019-04,
Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial
Instruments — Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and
Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments, No.
2019-05, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic
326): Targeted Transition Relief, No. 2019-10,
Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326),
Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic
842): Effective Dates, No. 2019-11, Codification
Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments —
Credit Losses, and No. 2022-02, Financial
Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt
Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures:
-
The pending content that links to this paragraph shall be effective as follows:
- For public business entities that meet the definition of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filer, excluding entities eligible to be smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The one-time determination of whether an entity is eligible to be a smaller reporting company shall be based on an entity’s most recent determination as of November 15, 2019, in accordance with SEC regulations.
- Subparagraph superseded by Accounting Standards Update No. 2019-10.
- For all other entities, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years.
-
Early application of the pending content that links to this paragraph is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years.Note: See paragraph 250-10-S99-6 on disclosure of the impact that recently issued accounting standards will have on the financial statements of a registrant. . . .
9.1.1 Effective Date of ASU 2016-13, as Amended by ASU 2019-10
The effective date of ASU
2016-13, as amended by ASU
2019-10, depends on the nature of the reporting entity:
- For SEC filers,1 excluding those that meet the definition of a smaller reporting company (SRC),2 the ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years (“Bucket 1”).
- For all other entities, the ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years (“Bucket 2”).
In addition, entities are permitted to early adopt the new guidance for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those
fiscal years.
9.1.2 Effective Dates of ASU 2019-04, ASU 2019-05, and ASU 2019-11
For entities that have adopted ASU 2016-13, the amendments in ASU 2019-04, ASU 2019-05, and ASU 2019-11 are effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods therein. An entity may
early adopt ASU 2019-04, ASU 2019-05, and ASU 2019-11 in any interim period
after their issuance if the entity has adopted ASU 2016-13. ASU 2019-04 states
that the amendments should be applied “on a modified-retrospective basis by
means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance
in the statement of financial position as of the date an entity adopted the
amendments in Update 2016-13.”
For all other entities, the effective date will be the same as the effective date
in ASU 2016-13.
9.1.3 Effective Date of ASU 2022-02
For entities that have already adopted ASU 2016-13, the amendments in
ASU 2022-02 are effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods
within those fiscal years. For entities that have not yet adopted ASU 2016-13,
the amendments in ASU 2022-02 are effective upon adoption of ASU 2016-13.
Entities are permitted to early adopt the amendments in ASU 2022-02, including
adoption in any interim period, provided that the amendments are adopted as of
the beginning of the annual reporting period that includes the interim period of
adoption. In addition, entities are permitted to elect to early adopt the
amendments to TDR accounting and the related disclosure enhancements separately
from the amendments to the vintage disclosure requirements.
Entities may elect to apply the updated guidance on TDR recognition and
measurement by using a modified retrospective transition method, which would
result in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings, or to adopt the
amendments prospectively. If an entity elects to adopt the updated guidance on
TDR recognition and measurement prospectively, the guidance should be applied to
modifications occurring after the date of adoption. The amendments on TDR
disclosures and vintage disclosures should be adopted prospectively.
9.1.4 Emerging Growth Companies
As noted in Topic 10 of the SEC’s Financial Reporting
Manual, “Title I of the [Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS)] Act, which was
effective as of April 5, 2012, created a new category of issuers called
‘emerging growth companies, or EGCs’ whose financial reporting and disclosure
requirements in certain areas differ from [those of] other categories of
issuers.” For example, under SEC rules, an EGC is not required to comply with
new or revised accounting standards as of the effective dates for PBEs and may
elect to take advantage of the extended transition provisions by applying
non-PBE (or private-company) adoption dates for as long as the issuer qualifies
as an EGC.
During the 2019 AICPA Conference on Current SEC and PCAOB
Developments, SEC Division Deputy Chief Accountant Lindsay McCord addressed
transition requirements related to the adoption of the credit losses standard
for EGCs. She clarified that ASU 2019-10 does not benefit non-SRC, EGC
registrants that plan to adopt a new standard by using Bucket 2 adoption dates
but subsequently lose their EGC status. Therefore, a registrant’s loss of EGC
status before the non-PBE adoption date (Bucket 2) would affect its adoption
date of a new standard.
In a manner consistent with the circumstances addressed in Ms.
McCord’s remarks and our understanding of the requirements, the example below
illustrates the application of the transition requirements related to the
adoption of the credit losses standard. Although not explicitly discussed by the
SEC staff, the scenario addressed in Example 9-2 further demonstrates our
understanding of the transition requirements related to situations in which a
registrant loses EGC status after the end of the year containing the Bucket 1
adoption date.
Example 9-1
Calendar-Year-End Non-SRC Registrant Loses Its EGC
Status on December 31, 2020
Assume that a non-SRC registrant is a
calendar-year-end EGC that has elected to take advantage
of the extended transition provisions and adopt the
credit losses standard by applying private-company
adoption dates (Bucket 2).
A registrant that loses its EGC status on December 31,
2020, should do the following:
- Adopt ASC 326 for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2020.
- First present the application of ASC 326 in its 2020 annual financial statements included in its 2020 Form 10-K.
- Present the application of ASC 326 in its selected quarterly financial data (SEC Regulation S-K, Item 302(a)) for its 2020 quarterly periods in its 2020 Form 10-K. Further, we believe that the registrant should provide clear and transparent disclosures that the quarterly financial data presented in its 2020 Form 10-K do not mirror the information in its 2020 Forms 10-Q for the current year.
- Present the application of ASC 326 in its quarterly interim financial statements for its comparable 2020 quarterly periods presented in Forms 10-Q in 2021.
Example 9-2
Calendar-Year-End Non-SRC Registrant Loses Its EGC
Status on December 31, 2021
Assume the same facts as in the example
above except that the registrant loses its EGC status on
December 31, 2021. The registrant should do the
following:
- Adopt ASC 326 for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2021.
- First present the application of ASC 326 in its 2021 annual financial statements included in its 2021 Form 10-K.
- Present the application of ASC 326 in its selected quarterly financial data (SEC Regulation S-K, Item 302(a)) for its 2021 quarterly periods in its 2021 Form 10-K. Further, we believe that the registrant should provide clear and transparent disclosures that the quarterly financial data presented in its 2021 Form 10-K do not mirror the information in its 2021 Forms 10-Q for the current year.
- Present the application of ASC 326 in its quarterly interim financial statements for its comparable 2021 quarterly periods presented in Forms 10-Q in 2022.
Footnotes
1
The ASC master glossary defines an SEC filer as
follows:
An entity that is required to file or
furnish its financial statements with either of the
following:
- The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- With respect to an entity subject to Section 12(i) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the appropriate agency under that Section.
Financial statements for other entities
that are not otherwise SEC filers whose financial
statements are included in a submission by another SEC
filer are not included within this definition.
2
SEC Regulation S-K, Item 10(f)(1), defines an
SRC, in part, as:
[A]n issuer that is not an investment
company, an asset-backed issuer (as defined in §
229.1101), or a majority-owned subsidiary of a parent
that is not a smaller reporting company and that:
(i) Had a public float of less than $250
million; or
(ii) Had annual revenues of less than $100
million and either:
(A) No public float; or
(B) A public float of less
than $700 million.
9.2 Transition Approach
ASC 326-10
65-1 The following represents the
transition and effective date information related to
Accounting Standards Updates No. 2016-13 . . .
c. An entity shall apply the pending content that
links to this paragraph by means of a
cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening retained
earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting
period in which the pending content that links to
this paragraph is effective.
d. An entity shall apply prospectively the pending
content that links to this paragraph for purchased
financial assets with credit deterioration to
financial assets for which Subtopic 310-30 was
previously applied. The prospective application will
result in an adjustment to the amortized cost basis
of the financial asset to reflect the addition of
the allowance for credit losses at the date of
adoption. An entity shall not reassess whether
recognized financial assets meet the criteria of a
purchased financial asset with credit deterioration
as of the date of adoption. An entity may elect to
maintain pools of loans accounted for under Subtopic
310-30 at adoption. An entity shall not reassess
whether modifications to individual acquired
financial assets accounted for in pools are troubled
debt restructurings as of the date of adoption. The
noncredit discount or premium, after the adjustment
for the allowance for credit losses, shall be
accreted to interest income using the interest
method based on the effective interest rate
determined after the adjustment for credit losses at
the adoption date. The same transition requirements
should be applied to beneficial interests for which
Subtopic 310-30 was applied previously or for which
there is a significant difference between the
contractual cash flows and expected cash flows at
the date of recognition.
e. An entity shall apply prospectively the pending
content that links to this paragraph to debt
securities for which an other-than-temporary
impairment had been recognized before the date of
adoption, such that the amortized cost basis
(including previous write-downs) of the debt
security is unchanged. In addition, the effective
interest rate on a security will remain unchanged as
a result of the adoption of the pending content that
links to this paragraph. Amounts previously
recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
as of the adoption date that relate to improvements
in cash flows will continue to be accreted to
interest income over the remaining life of the debt
security on a level-yield basis. Recoveries of
amounts previously written off relating to
improvements in cash flows after the date of
adoption shall be recorded to income in the period
received. . . .
j. An entity that adjusts the effective interest
rate used to discount expected cash flows to
consider the timing (and changes in timing) of
expected cash flows resulting from expected
prepayments in accordance with paragraphs
326-20-30-4 through 30-4A for troubled debt
restructurings that exist as of the date of adoption
may, as an accounting policy election, calculate the
prepayment-adjusted effective interest rate using
the original contractual rate and the prepayment
assumptions as of the date of adoption.
For most debt instruments, entities must record a cumulative-effect adjustment to the
statement of financial position as of the beginning of the first reporting period in
which the guidance is effective (modified retrospective approach). However, ASU
2016-13 provides the following instrument-specific transition guidance:
-
Other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities — An entity must prospectively apply (1) the CECL model to HTM debt securities and (2) the changes to the impairment model for AFS debt securities. As a result, previous write-downs of a debt security’s amortized cost basis would not be reversed; rather, only cumulative unfavorable changes in the estimate of expected cash flows of the debt security occurring on or after the ASU’s effective date would be reflected as an allowance for credit losses. Upon adopting the guidance, an entity would continue to accrete into interest income any amounts previously recognized in OCI before the effective date that are related to improvements in expected cash flows. In addition, an entity would recognize in the period in which they are received recoveries of amounts that were previously written off before adoption of the guidance. An entity would recognize such write-offs in a manner consistent with how it would recognize recoveries on amounts written off after adopting the guidance (see Section 4.5.2).
-
PCD assets — An entity is required to apply the changes to PCD assets prospectively. That is, the change in the definition of a PCD asset applies only to assets acquired on or after the ASU’s effective date. For debt instruments accounted for under ASC 310-30, an entity would apply the gross-up approach as of the transition date (i.e., establish an allowance for expected credit losses and make a corresponding adjustment to the debt instrument’s cost basis).In addition, an entity would immediately recognize any postadoption changes to the estimate of cash flows that it expects to collect (favorable or unfavorable) in the income statement as credit loss expense (or as a reduction of expense). Accordingly, the yield on a PCD asset as of the date of adoption would be “locked” and would not be affected by subsequent changes in the entity’s estimate of expected credit losses.
-
Certain BIs within the scope of ASC 325-40 — ASC 326-10-65-1 states that entities holding “beneficial interests for which Subtopic 310-30 was applied previously or for which there is a significant difference between the contractual cash flows and expected cash flows at the date of recognition” would apply the same transition requirements as those that apply to PCD assets.
-
TDRs for which the EIRs are adjusted for prepayments — ASU 2019-11 amended ASU 2016-13 to allow entities to calculate the prepayment-adjusted EIR on preexisting TDRs by using the prepayment assumptions that exist as of the date on which an entity adopts ASU 2016-13, instead of the prepayment-adjusted EIR immediately before the restructuring date.3
9.2.1 Applying the Transition Guidance to Pools of PCI Assets Under ASC 310-30
ASC 326-10-65-1(d) allows entities to “elect to maintain pools
of loans accounted for under Subtopic 310-30 at adoption.” Under current U.S.
GAAP, entities are permitted to (1) pool PCI assets acquired in the same fiscal
quarter that have similar risk characteristics and (2) use a composite interest
rate to estimate the cash flows expected to be collected by the pool. In
addition, under ASC 310-30-40-1 (which was superseded by ASU 2016-13), pools of
loans must be maintained, and loans may be removed from a pool only in limited
circumstances (e.g., sale of a loan, receipt of assets in satisfaction of a
loan, a loan write-off).
If a TDR occurs on a loan accounted for in a pool, entities
still apply ASC 310-30 to the pool and do not apply TDR accounting to the
individual loan. Under ASC 326-20-30-2 (added by ASU 2016-13), entities are
required to reevaluate the characteristics of the assets in the pool and remove
assets that no longer have similar characteristics. In other words, if an asset
that was considered to be a PCI asset at transition no longer has
characteristics that are similar to those of the rest of the assets in the pool,
that asset should be removed and placed in a different pool containing loans
with similar risk characteristics.
At its June 2017 meeting, the TRG noted that while the transition
guidance permits entities to elect to maintain pools of loans accounted for
under ASC 310-30, ASU 2016-13 is unclear on the extent to which entities can
continue to apply the guidance in ASC 310-30 to these pools. However, TRG
members generally agreed that entities have the choice of maintaining their
existing pools accounted for under ASC 310-30 either at adoption only or on an
ongoing basis after adoption. Note that if an entity elects to maintain pools of
loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, it would continue to estimate its expected
credit losses by using a DCF approach, as it did when applying ASC 310-30 before
the adoption of ASU 2016-13.
Furthermore, the FASB staff noted in TRG Memo 6 that an entity’s
approach to maintaining its existing pools should be determined on a
pool-by-pool basis. The staff also stated:
[A]s part of
complying with the disclosure requirements in paragraphs 326-20-50-10
through 50-11, any entity that [maintains its existing pools on an ongoing
basis] should evaluate the need for disclosure of their election to maintain
pools and any additional qualitative or quantitative information that may be
necessary for a financial statement user to understand the size and nature
of former Subtopic 310-30 pools. Additionally, an entity would need to
consider disclosure of the accounting policies that are in place for these
pools that are different from other assets held by the entity.
9.2.2 Transition for PCD AFS Debt Securities
Questions have arisen regarding how an entity should apply the
transition provisions of ASU 2016-13 to an AFS debt security with an unrealized
gain that was previously accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30. ASC
326-10-65-1(d) provides transition guidance related to PFAs with credit
deterioration and states:
An entity shall apply
prospectively the pending content that links to this paragraph for purchased
financial assets with credit deterioration to financial assets for which
Subtopic 310-30 was previously applied. The prospective application will
result in an adjustment to the amortized cost basis of the financial asset
to reflect the addition of the allowance for credit losses at the date of
adoption. An entity shall not reassess whether recognized financial assets
meet the criteria of a purchased financial asset with credit deterioration
as of the date of adoption. An entity may elect to maintain pools of loans
accounted for under Subtopic 310-30 at adoption. An entity shall not
reassess whether modifications to individual acquired financial assets
accounted for in pools are troubled debt restructurings as of the date of
adoption. The noncredit discount or premium, after the adjustment for the
allowance for credit losses, shall be accreted to interest income using the
interest method based on the effective interest rate determined after the
adjustment for credit losses at the adoption date. The same transition
requirements should be applied to beneficial interests for which Subtopic
310-30 was applied previously or for which there is a significant difference
between the contractual cash flows and expected cash flows at the date of
recognition.
Example 9-3
Entity ABC purchases a debt security
with a par/UPB of $1,000 and a fair value of $600
(before the adoption of ASU 2016-13). Entity ABC
classifies the debt security as AFS in accordance with
ASC 320. The discount on the security is partially due
to a deterioration in credit since its issuance and
therefore is within the scope of ASC 310-30. At the time
of purchase, the credit portion of the discount is $150
and the noncredit discount (also known as the
“accretable yield”) is $250. Market interest rates have
dropped since the debt security was acquired by ABC, but
the expected cash flows are unchanged. As a result,
immediately before the adoption of ASU 2016-13, the
amortized cost basis has increased to $675 through
accretion but the fair value is $700.
In this scenario, ABC might conclude that it should increase the amortized cost
basis by $150, with an offsetting credit of $150 as an allowance for credit
losses. However, ASC 326-30 governs the accounting for credit losses for AFS
debt securities. Under ASC 326-30-35-1, “[a]n investment is impaired if the fair
value of the investment is less than its amortized cost basis.” In addition,
under ASC 326-30-35-2, if an investment in an AFS debt security is impaired, the
allowance for credit losses is “limited by the amount that the fair value is
less than the amortized cost basis.” If ABC were to gross up the debt security
in such a way that the amortized cost basis is now $825 ($675 + $150), but the
fair value is $700, ABC would be limited to having an allowance for credit
losses of $125 ($825 – $700).
On the basis of discussions with the FASB staff, we understand
that it would be appropriate for an entity to apply the guidance in ASC
326-30-35-1 in determining whether an allowance for credit losses is required
upon the adoption of ASU 2016-13. In other words, if an AFS debt security has a
fair value that is greater than its amortized cost as of the date of adoption,
that AFS debt security is not impaired. Accordingly, the entity would not adjust
the amortized cost basis of the AFS debt security upon adopting ASU 2016-13 and
would not establish an allowance for credit losses. With respect to the entity
in this example, the AFS debt security would continue to have an amortized cost
basis of $675 and no allowance for credit losses. In addition, the noncredit
discount would remain at $175 ($250 at inception minus $75 of accretion before
adoption).
If a PCD AFS debt security has an unrealized loss as of the date
of adoption, the amortized cost basis of the security should be adjusted for the
allowance for credit losses required by ASC 326-30 at transition (the full
“gross up” model).
9.2.3 Transition Relief by Providing the Fair Value Option
ASC 326-10
65-1 The following represents
the transition and effective date information related to
Accounting Standards Updates No. 2016-13 . . .
i. An entity may irrevocably elect the fair
value option in accordance with Subtopic 825-10
for financial instruments within the scope of
Subtopic 326-20, except for those financial assets
in paragraph 326-20-15-2(a)(2), that also are
eligible items in Subtopic 825-10.
In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05 to allow companies to irrevocably elect,
upon adopting ASU 2016-13, the fair value option for financial instruments that
were previously recorded at amortized cost and are within the scope of ASC
326-20 if the instruments are eligible for the fair value option under ASC
825-10. The entity would make this election on an instrument-by-instrument
basis. For the effective date of ASU 2019-05, see Section 9.1.
9.2.4 Transition for Financial Guarantees Within the Scope of ASC 326-20
As discussed in Chapter 5,
for guarantees within the scope of ASC 326-20, the guarantor is required to
recognize (1) the fair value of the obligation related to the noncontingent
portion of the guarantee and (2) an estimate of expected credit losses in
accordance with ASC 326-20 on the contingent obligation related to the
guarantee.
Before the adoption of ASU 2016-13, a guarantor was not required to bifurcate and
separately account for the contingent and noncontingent aspects of a financial
guarantee under ASC 460. Rather, the guarantor was required to initially
recognize the guarantee liability at the greater of the following:
- The noncontingent liability stand-ready obligation of the guarantee measured at fair value in accordance with ASC 460-10-30-2.
- The contingent liability measured in accordance with ASC 450-20-30.
ASC 460 distinguishes between the noncontingent “stand ready” obligation
associated with a guarantee (accounted for under ASC 460) and the contingent
obligation associated with a guarantee (accounted for under ASC 450-20). The ASC
460 liability, established at the inception of a guarantee, generally represents
unearned income related to the noncontingent liability (premium charged for
standing ready) and, as noted in ASC 460-10-35-1 and 35-2, is typically reduced
by a credit to earnings because the guarantor is released from risk under the
guarantee. ASC 450-20, on the other hand, provides guidance on establishing a
liability for a loss contingency, which represents an estimate of an entity’s
probable future obligation related to an incurred loss. The ASC 450-20 liability
is subsequently measured on the basis of facts and circumstances specific to the
contingency, and the related loss is recorded apart from the credit to earnings
recognized under ASC 460.
Neither ASC 460 nor ASC 450-20 provides explicit guidance on the
interaction between ASC 460 and ASC 450-20 after initial recognition.
Accordingly, entities generally established a systematic and rational method
with a reasonable basis for supporting subsequent accounting. The following is a
discussion of two different methods that entities have applied in practice to
determine the amount of an ASC 450-20 liability to record:
- Method 1: Incremental recognition of the ASC 450-20 contingent liability — After initial recognition, an entity would record a separate ASC 450-20 liability only when the entire estimated ASC 450-20 amount exceeds the unamortized ASC 460 liability. The ASC 450-20 liability equals the excess of the entire estimated probable obligation over (1) the unamortized ASC 460 liability or (2) the expected unamortized ASC 460 liability at the time of the expected payment. In subsequent periods, the ASC 450-20 liability may need to be adjusted so that it continues to equal the excess of the entire estimated probable obligation over the unamortized ASC 460 liability.
- Method 2: Gross recognition of the ASC 450-20 contingent liability — Under this method, after the initial recognition and measurement of the guarantee, an entity would record a separate ASC 450-20 liability for the entire amount of the estimated probable obligation. The entity would continue to amortize the ASC 460 liability in accordance with its established policy until the entity is released from its obligation to stand ready.
ASU 2016-13 amended ASC 460-10-35-4 to require an entity to
account for a guarantee that is within the scope of ASC 326-20 in a manner
consistent with Method 2 discussed above (i.e., the contingent and noncontingent
liabilities are recognized on a gross basis), although the measurement of that
contingent liability should be calculated in accordance with ASC 326-20.
Accordingly, the transition adjustments that an entity adopting ASU 2016-13 is
required to make in connection with the contingent liability of a guarantee
within the scope of ASC 326-20 will depend on the following factors:
- Whether a contingent liability was recognized before the adoption of ASU 2016-13.
- If a contingent liability was recognized before the adoption of ASU 2016-13, whether it was measured by using Method 1 or Method 2 above.
- Whether the contingent liability must now be measured on the basis of CECL in accordance with ASC 326-20 instead of by using the best estimate required under ASC 450-20.
Example 9-4
Transition
Adjustments Upon Adoption of ASU 2016-13
Scenario 1 —
Guarantor Recognized the Noncontingent Obligation
in Accordance With ASC 460 Before Adoption of ASU
2016-13
Entity X is a guarantor of debt incurred
by Entity Y. The guarantee arrangement stipulates that X
must guarantee payment of 100 percent of Y’s debt
obligations borrowed from a third-party debtor for a
specified time frame. Entity X is not an insurance
entity, and the guarantee is not within the scope of ASC
815.
On January 1, 20X9, Y borrows $1 million
from a third-party debtor for which X is obligated to
guarantee repayment under the guarantee arrangement. The
debt matures in five years, and X’s guarantee
arrangement covers the entire debt term. Entity X
receives an up-front cash premium payment of $25,000 for
the guarantee, and the cash premium is considered to be
at arm’s length. Entity X measures and recognizes the
fair value of its stand-ready obligation (i.e., the
noncontingent obligation) to guarantee Y’s repayment
under the debt arrangement to be $25,000 on the basis of
the arm’s-length premium it received. That is, the cash
premium that X received was greater than the contingent
liability amount that needed to be recognized at the
inception of the guarantee in accordance with ASC
450-20-30.
Entity X’s subsequent-measurement
accounting policy for the guarantee liability is to
amortize the obligation on a straight-line basis over
the life of the guarantee, which is equal to the term of
the debt (i.e., five years). As of December 31, 20X9,
the unamortized guarantee obligation is $20,000.
Upon adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January
1, 20Y0, X determines that this guarantee is within the
scope of ASC 326-20 and measures the contingent
obligation to be $50,000 in accordance with the guidance
in ASC 326-20. The table below summarizes the facts in
Scenario 1.
On January 1, 20Y0, X would record the
following journal entry related to the contingent
obligation associated with the guarantee:
Journal Entry:
January 1, 20Y0
Note: The contingent obligation is
measured and recognized in accordance with ASC
326-20 upon adoption of ASU 2016-13. The
noncontingent obligation that was recorded before
the adoption of ASU 2016-13 is not adjusted upon
adoption of ASU 2016-13.
Scenario 2 —
Guarantor Recognized Both a Noncontingent and
Contingent Obligation in Accordance With ASC 460
and ASC 450-20 Before Adoption of ASU
2016-13
Assume the same facts as in Scenario 1
above, except that X recorded a contingent obligation
amount after the inception of the guarantee under ASC
450-20 in accordance with ASC 460-10-35-4 (i.e., gross
recognition of the ASC 450-20 liability). That is, after
the initial recognition and measurement of the
guarantee, X separately recorded an ASC 450-20 liability
for the entire amount of the estimated contingent
obligation and recognized the establishment of that
liability in earnings.
The unamortized noncontingent obligation
as of December 31, 20X9, is $20,000, and the contingent
obligation recognized under ASC 450-20 is $30,000. Upon
adopting ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 20Y0, X determines
that this guarantee is within the scope of ASC 326-20
and measures the contingent obligation to be $50,000 in
accordance with the guidance in ASC 326-20. The table
below summarizes the facts in Scenario 2.
On January 1, 20Y0, X would record the
following journal entry related to the contingent
obligation associated with the guarantee.
Journal Entry:
January 1, 20Y0
Note: The contingent obligation is
remeasured and recognized in accordance with ASC
326-20 upon adoption of ASU 2016-13. The
noncontingent obligation that was recorded before
the adoption of ASU 2016-13 is not adjusted upon
adoption of ASU 2016-13.
9.2.5 Transition Disclosures
ASC 326-10
65-1 The following represents
the transition and effective date information related to
Accounting Standards Updates No. 2016-13 . . .
f. An entity shall disclose the following in
the period that the entity adopts the pending
content that links to this paragraph:
1. The nature of the
change in accounting principle, including an
explanation of the newly adopted accounting
principle.
2. The method of applying
the change.
3. The effect of the
adoption on any line item in the statement of
financial position, if material, as of the
beginning of the first period for which the
pending content that links to this paragraph is
effective. Presentation of the effect on financial
statement subtotals is not required.
4. The cumulative effect
of the change on retained earnings or other
components of equity in the statement of financial
position as of the beginning of the first period
for which the pending content that links to this
paragraph is effective.
g. An entity that issues interim financial
statements shall provide the disclosures in (f) in
each interim financial statement of the year of
change and the annual financial statement of the
period of the change.
h. In the year of initial application of the
pending content that links to this paragraph, a
public business entity that is not within the
scope of paragraph 326-10-65-1(a)(1) may phase-in
the disclosure of credit quality indicators by
year of origination by only presenting the three
most recent origination years (including the first
year of adoption). In each subsequent fiscal year,
the then-current origination year will be added in
the periods after adoption until a total of five
origination years are presented. Origination years
before those that are presented separately shall
be disclosed in the aggregate. For example, the
phase-in approach would work as follows assuming a
calendar year-end entity:
1. For the first annual
reporting period ended December 31, 2X23, after
the effective date of January 1, 2X23, an entity
would disclose the end of period amortized cost
basis of the current period originations within
2X23, as well as the two origination years of 2X22
and 2X21. The December 31, 2X23 end of period
amortized cost balances for all prior originations
would be presented separately in the
aggregate.
2. For the second annual
reporting period ended December 31, 2X24, after
the effective date of January 1, 2X23, an entity
would disclose the end of period amortized cost
basis of the current period originations within
2X24, as well as the three origination years of
2X23, 2X22, and 2X21. The December 31, 2X24 ending
amortized cost basis would be presented in the
aggregate for all origination periods before the
four years that are presented separately.
3. For the third annual
reporting period ended December 31, 2X25, after
the effective date of January 1, 2X23, an entity
would disclose the end-of-period amortized cost
basis of the current-period originations within
2X25, as well as the four origination years of
2X24, 2X23, 2X22, and 2X21. The December 31, 2X25
ending amortized cost basis would be presented in
aggregate for all origination periods before the
five years that are presented separately.
4. For interim-period
disclosures within the years discussed above, the
current year-to-date originations should be
disclosed as the originations in the interim
reporting period. . . .
As discussed in Section
8.2.2.1, only PBEs are required to provide the vintage
disclosures in ASC 326-20-50-6. That is, only PBEs are required to present the
amortized cost basis “by year of origination (that is, vintage year)” for each
credit quality indicator. However, the FASB decided to provide transition relief
to PBEs that are not within the scope of ASC 326-10-65-1(a) to make it less
burdensome for such entities to adopt these vintage disclosure requirements.
Specifically, ASC 326-10-65-1(h) requires PBEs that are not within the scope of
ASC 326-10-65-1(a) to only (1) disclose credit quality indicators disaggregated
for the previous three years and (2) add another year of information until they
have provided disclosures for the previous five years.
Footnotes
3
Note that once an entity adopts ASU 2022-02, ASU
2019-11’s transition relief for TDRs will no longer be relevant.
9.3 SAB Topic 11.M Disclosure Requirements
The SEC staff has continued to emphasize the importance of providing
investors with disclosures that explain the impact that new accounting standards are
expected to have on an entity’s financial statements (“transition disclosures”).4 Such disclosures include information that investors may need to determine the
effects of adopting a new standard and how the adoption will affect comparability
from period to period. Transition disclosures should include not only an explanation
of the transition method elected but also information about the impact that the
credit losses standard is expected to have on an entity’s financial statements. The
SEC staff has highlighted that, in the past, transparent disclosures about the
anticipated effects of a new standard in multiple reporting periods preceding its
adoption have prevented market participants from reacting adversely to significant
accounting changes. In addition, the staff has indicated that it expects to see
robust qualitative and quantitative disclosures about (1) the anticipated impact of
new standards and (2) the status of management’s progress with implementation as the
adoption date of the new standard approaches.
While much of the previous discussion of transition disclosures has
focused on the adoption of the new revenue and leasing standards, the SEC staff has
stated that similar considerations apply to the credit losses standard as well as
other significant new accounting standards.
The SEC staff has also reiterated that a registrant should provide
transparent transition disclosures that comply with the requirements of SAB Topic
11.M and has indicated that a registrant that is unable to reasonably estimate the
quantitative impact of adopting the credit losses standard should consider providing
additional qualitative disclosures about the significance of the impact on its
financial statements.
Connecting the Dots
SAB 74 Disclosures — Footnotes or
MD&A
Questions have arisen regarding whether an SEC registrant should provide SAB
74 disclosures in the financial statement footnotes or in its MD&A. On
the basis of informal discussions with the SEC staff on this issue, we
understand that the SEC would expect the following:
-
If material, the SAB 74 disclosures should be included in the financial statement disclosures (in addition to MD&A).
-
The determination of materiality would be based on specific facts and circumstances.
-
The disclosures in MD&A could have additional information that is not included in the financial statement footnotes. For example, if there is significant uncertainty regarding the impact of a new accounting standard, the MD&A may provide additional forward-looking statements and ranges that may not be replicated in the footnotes.
These views are supported by other SEC staff announcements, including those
in the following guidance:
-
ASC 250-10-S99-6 states (emphasis added in bold):The following is the text of SEC Staff Announcement: Disclosure of the Impact That Recently Issued Accounting Standards Will Have on the Financial Statements of a Registrant When Such Standards Are Adopted in a Future Period (in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin [SAB] Topic 11.M). [ASU 2017-03, paragraph 3]This announcement applies to Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606); ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842); and ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.FN1 [ASU 2017-03, paragraph 3]SAB Topic 11.M provides the SEC staff view that a registrant should evaluate ASUs that have not yet been adopted to determine the appropriate financial statement disclosuresFN2 about the potential material effects of those ASUs on the financial statements when adopted. Consistent with Topic 11.M, if a registrant does not know or cannot reasonably estimate the impact that adoption of the ASUs referenced in this announcement is expected to have on the financial statements, then in addition to making a statement to that effect, that registrant should consider additional qualitative financial statement disclosures to assist the reader in assessing the significance of the impact that the standard will have on the financial statements of the registrant when adopted. In this regard, the SEC staff expects the additional qualitative disclosures to include a description of the effect of the accounting policies that the registrant expects to apply, if determined, and a comparison to the registrant’s current accounting policies. Also, a registrant should describe the status of its process to implement the new standards and the significant implementation matters yet to be addressed. [ASU 2017-03, paragraph 3]__________________________________FN1 This announcement also applies to any subsequent amendments to guidance in the ASUs that are issued prior to a registrant’s adoption of the aforementioned ASUs. [ASU 2017-03, paragraph 3]FN2 Topic 11.M provides SEC staff views on disclosures that registrants should consider in both Management’s Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) and the notes to the financial statements. MD&A may contain cross references to these disclosures that appear within the notes to the financial statements.
-
SAB Topic 11.M, which states:Facts: An accounting standard has been issued5 that does not require adoption until some future date. A registrant is required to include financial statements in filings with the Commission after the issuance of the standard but before it is adopted by the registrant.Question 1: Does the staff believe that these filings should include disclosure of the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the financial position and results of operations of the registrant when such standard is adopted in a future period?Interpretive Response: Yes. The Commission addressed a similar issue and concluded that registrants should discuss the potential effects of adoption of recently issued accounting standards in registration statements and reports filed with the Commission.6 The staff believes that this disclosure guidance applies to all accounting standards which have been issued but not yet adopted by the registrant unless the impact on its financial position and results of operations is not expected to be material.7 MD&A8 requires registrants to provide information with respect to liquidity, capital resources and results of operations and such other information that the registrant believes to be necessary to understand its financial condition and results of operations. In addition, MD&A requires disclosure of presently known material changes, trends and uncertainties that have had or that the registrant reasonably expects will have a material impact on future sales, revenues or income from continuing operations. The staff believes that disclosure of impending accounting changes is necessary to inform the reader about expected impacts on financial information to be reported in the future and, therefore, should be disclosed in accordance with the existing MD&A requirements. With respect to financial statement disclosure, GAAS9 specifically address the need for the auditor to consider the adequacy of the disclosure of impending changes in accounting principles if (a) the financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles that were acceptable at the financial statement date but that will not be acceptable in the future and (b) the financial statements will be retrospectively adjusted in the future as a result of the change. The staff believes that recently issued accounting standards may constitute material matters and, therefore, disclosure in the financial statements should also be considered in situations where the change to the new accounting standard will be accounted for in financial statements of future periods, prospectively or with a cumulative catch-up adjustment.__________________________________5 Some registrants may want to disclose the potential effects of proposed accounting standards not yet issued, (e.g., exposure drafts). Such disclosures, which generally are not required because the final standard may differ from the exposure draft, are not addressed by this SAB. See also FRR 26.6 FRR 6, Section 2.7 In those instances where a recently issued standard will impact the preparation of, but not materially affect, the financial statements, the registrant is encouraged to disclose that a standard has been issued and that its adoption will not have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.8 Item 303 of Regulation S-K.9 See AU 9410.13–18.
Footnotes
4
See SAB Topic 11.M.
Chapter 10 — Stakeholder Activities
Chapter 10 — Stakeholder Activities
10.1 Overview
Since the issuance of ASU 2016-13, the FASB has released
various additional final ASUs to (1) make certain technical corrections and
improvements on the basis of technical inquiries and TRG recommendations, (2) delay
the effective date for certain entities, and (3) provide transition relief through
the use of a fair value option. In addition, the FASB staff has issued two Q&A
documents (see Section
10.2.2) addressing various aspects of the CECL model and a
proposed ASU that would change the scope of the PCD “gross up”
model (see Section 10.2.4).
The SEC and banking regulators — such as the Federal Reserve Board,
OCC, FDIC, National Credit Union Administration, and Federal Housing Finance Agency
— have also been involved in the standard-setting process (e.g., through their
involvement in TRG meetings). Given the impact that the CECL model will have on
certain industries, the level of implementation activity is not surprising.
Stakeholders should continue to monitor activity at the FASB, SEC, and other
standard setters or regulators for any relevant developments or interpretations.
In addition, the AICPA’s Financial Reporting Executive Committee has
reviewed various credit loss implementation issues identified by members of the
AICPA’s Depository Institutions and Insurance Expert Panel and has posted them to
its Web site. Many of those issues have been included in an AICPA
Audit and Accounting Guide on credit losses.
Further, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected major economic and financial markets, and
virtually all industries are facing challenges associated with the economic
conditions resulting from efforts to address it. In response to the pandemic,
governments and other regulatory bodies have taken certain actions to help alleviate
the financial burden caused by COVID-19. See Section 10.3.5 for
a summary of certain actions governments and other regulatory bodies have taken with
respect to the application of ASC 326 and other relevant topics.
10.2 FASB Activities
This Roadmap discusses the FASB’s standard setting through August 1,
2023, including the Board’s proposed ASU on PFAs (issued on June 27, 2023).
10.2.1 Final ASUs
As noted above, the FASB has released various final ASUs to amend and clarify
the guidance in ASC 326. These standards, which were largely issued in response
to TRG discussions, are discussed throughout this Roadmap, as applicable, and
include the following:
-
ASU 2018-19 on Codification improvements to ASC 326 (Section 10.2.1.1).
-
ASU 2019-04 on Codification improvements to ASC 326, ASC 815, and ASC 825 (Section 10.2.1.2).
-
ASU 2019-05 on transition relief related to the fair value option (Section 10.2.1.3).
-
ASU 2019-10 on effective-date considerations for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and smaller public companies (Section 10.2.1.4).
-
ASU 2019-11 on Codification improvements to ASC 326 (Section 10.2.1.5).
-
ASU 2020-02 on amendments to SEC paragraphs in accordance with SAB 119 (Section 10.2.1.6).
-
ASU 2020-03 on Codification improvements to the guidance on financial instruments (Section 10.2.1.7).
-
ASU 2022-02 on TDRs and vintage disclosures (Section 10.2.1.8).
10.2.1.1 ASU 2018-19 on Codification Improvements to ASC 326
In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19 to address questions
regarding (1) the transition and effective date for non-PBEs and (2) whether
billed operating lease receivables are within the scope of ASC 326.
10.2.1.1.1 Transition and Effective Date for Non-PBEs
The effective dates of ASU 2016-13 for financial statement preparers are
staggered; however, the ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2020, for both (1) PBEs that do not meet the U.S.
GAAP definition of an SEC filer and (2) non-PBEs. Further, for most debt
instruments, entities must record a cumulative-effect adjustment to the
statement of financial position as of the beginning of the first
reporting period in which the guidance is effective (modified
retrospective approach).
Consequently, in submissions to the TRG, stakeholders raised concerns
that for non-PBEs, the effective date and transition requirements
related to ASU 2016-13 would, in essence, eliminate the benefit of
receiving an additional year to implement the guidance, which is
inconsistent with the FASB’s original intent.
As a result, the Board amended the effective date for non-PBEs to fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods
within those fiscal years.
See Chapter 9 for more information
about effective date and transition.
Changing Lanes
Effective Dates Changing
Yet Again
In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10 on
effective-date considerations for private companies, not-for
profit organizations, and smaller public companies. For more
information, see Section 10.2.1.4.
10.2.1.1.2 Billed Operating Lease Receivables
In light of a stakeholder’s concerns, the TRG discussed
at its June 2018 meeting “whether billed operating lease
receivables are within the scope of the guidance in Subtopic 326-20.”1
On the basis of the TRG’s recommendations, the FASB amended ASC 326-20 to
clarify that operating lease receivables are not within its scope.
Accordingly, an entity will assess the collectibility of such
receivables in accordance with ASC 842.
For more information about billed operating lease receivables, see
Section 2.2.
10.2.1.2 ASU 2019-04 on Codification Improvements to ASC 326, ASC 815, and ASC 825
In April 2019, the FASB
issued ASU 2019-04 to make
certain technical corrections and amendments to the guidance on financial
instruments in ASC 326, ASC 815, and ASC 825. The tables below, reproduced
from ASU 2019-04, summarize the amendments that were made to ASC 326.
Area for Improvement
|
Summary of Amendments
|
---|---|
Issue 1A:
Accrued Interest
| |
The guidance in Subtopic 326-20,
Financial Instruments — Credit Losses — Measured at
Amortized Cost, and Subtopic 326-30, Financial
Instruments — Credit Losses — Available-for-Sale
Debt Securities, contains specific guidance on the
measurement, presentation, and disclosure of
financial assets within the scope of those
Subtopics. Because the definition of amortized
cost basis in the Codification includes
accrued interest, the guidance in Subtopics 326-20
and 326-30 also applies to the accrued interest
amounts included as part of the amortized cost of a
related financial asset. Applying the guidance in
Subtopics 326-20 and 326-30 to accrued interest as
part of the amortized cost basis of a related
financial asset potentially imposes unintended costs
to implement Update 2016-13.
The guidance in paragraph
326-20-35-8 (and by reference in paragraph
326-30-35-13) requires that writeoffs of financial
assets within the scope of Subtopics 326-20 and
326-30 be deducted from the allowance for credit
losses when the financial assets are deemed
uncollectible. Because accrued interest is included
in the definition of amortized cost basis, an
entity would be required to write off accrued
interest amounts through the allowance for credit
losses. The application of the writeoff guidance in
paragraph 326-20-35-8 (and by reference in paragraph
326-30-35-13) to accrued interest potentially
imposes unintended costs to implement Update
2016-13.
|
The amendments to Subtopic 326-20
allow an entity to:
Certain amendments in (a) through
(e) above are applicable to Subtopic 326-30.
[See Section 4.4.5.1 of this Roadmap.]
|
Issue 1B:
Transfers Between Classifications or Categories
for Loans and Debt Securities
| |
Subtopics 310-10, Receivables —
Overall, and 948-310, Financial Services — Mortgage
Banking — Receivables, provide guidance on how an
entity should account for loans with various
classifications. While a significant portion of that
guidance was superseded by Update 2016-13,
stakeholders questioned how to account for the
allowance for credit losses or valuation allowance
when transferring nonmortgage loans between
classifications (that is, not-held-for-sale and
held-for-sale classifications) and mortgage loans
between classifications (that is,
held-for-long-term-investment and held-for-sale
classifications).
Subtopic 320-10, Investments — Debt
Securities — Overall, provides guidance on how an
entity should account for transfers of debt
securities between categories. Stakeholders
questioned how to account for the allowance for
credit losses when transferring debt securities
between the available-for-sale category and the
held-to-maturity category.
|
The amendments require that an
entity reverse in earnings, any allowance for credit
losses or valuation allowance previously measured on
a loan or debt security, reclassify and transfer the
loan or debt security to the new classification or
category, and apply the applicable measurement
guidance in accordance with the new classification
or category.
[See Section 4.10 of
this Roadmap.]
|
Issue 1C:
Recoveries
| |
The guidance in paragraph
326-20-35-8 states that recoveries of financial
assets and trade receivables previously written off
should be recorded when received. Without proper
clarification, stakeholders noted that this guidance
could be interpreted to prohibit the inclusion of
recoveries in the estimation of expected credit
losses on financial assets measured at amortized
cost basis.
Furthermore, stakeholders questioned
how an entity should account for an amount expected
to be collected greater than the amortized cost
basis.
|
The amendments clarify that an
entity should include recoveries when estimating the
allowance for credit losses.
The amendments clarify that expected
recoveries of amounts previously written off and
expected to be written off should be included in the
valuation account and should not exceed the
aggregate of amounts previously written off and
expected to be written off by the entity. In
addition, for collateral-dependent financial assets,
the amendments clarify that an allowance for credit
losses that is added to the amortized cost basis of
the financial asset(s) should not exceed amounts
previously written off.
[See Section 4.5.2
of this Roadmap.]
|
Issue 2A:
Conforming Amendment to Subtopic
310-40
| |
Stakeholders noted that the
cross-reference to paragraph 326-20-35-2 in Example
2 in Subtopic 310-40, Receivables — Troubled Debt
Restructurings by Creditors, is incorrect. The
illustration describes an entity that determines
that foreclosure is probable on a
collateral-dependent loan. Therefore, stakeholders
asked whether the cross-reference should instead
link to paragraphs 326-20-35-4 through 35-5, which
require that an entity use the fair value of
collateral to determine expected credit losses when
foreclosure is probable.
|
The amendment clarifies the
illustration by removing the incorrect
cross-reference to paragraph 326-20-35-2 and
replacing it with the correct cross-reference to
paragraphs 326-20-35-4 through 35-5, which require
that an entity use the fair value of collateral to
determine expected credit losses when foreclosure is
probable.
|
Issue 2B:
Conforming Amendment to Subtopic 323-10
| |
Stakeholders noted that the guidance
on equity method losses in paragraphs 323-10-35-24
and 323-10-35-26 was not amended in Update 2016-13.
Specifically, the guidance describes the allocation
of equity method losses when an investor has other
investments, such as loans and debt securities, in
the equity method investee. Stakeholders asked
whether the guidance should refer an entity to Topic
326 for the subsequent measurement of those loans
and debt securities.
|
The amendment clarifies the equity
method losses allocation guidance in paragraphs
323-10-35-24 and 323-10-35-26 by adding
cross-references to Subtopics 326-20 and 326-30 for
the subsequent measurement of loans and
available-for-sale debt securities,
respectively.
|
Issue 2C:
Clarification That Reinsurance Recoverables Are
Within the Scope of Subtopic 326-20
| |
Stakeholders asked whether
reinsurance recoverables measured on a net present
value basis in accordance with Topic 944, Financial
Services — Insurance, are within the scope of
Subtopic 326-20. As written, the scope could be
interpreted to exclude those recoverables because
they are not measured at amortized cost basis.
|
The amendment clarifies the Board’s
intent to include all reinsurance recoverables
within the scope of Topic 944 within the scope of
Subtopic 326-20, regardless of the measurement basis
of those recoverables.
[See Section 2.1 of
this Roadmap.]
|
Issue 2D:
Projections of Interest Rate Environments for
Variable-Rate Financial Instruments
| |
Stakeholders asked whether the
prohibition of using projections of future interest
rate environments in estimating expected future cash
flows and determining the effective interest rate to
discount expected cash flow for variable-rate
financial instruments was consistent with the
Board’s intent. As written, an entity that chooses
to use a discounted cash flow method to determine
expected credit losses on a variable-rate financial
instrument is precluded from forecasting changes in
the variable rate for the purposes of estimating
expected cash flows and determining the effective
interest rate with which to discount those cash
flows.
Stakeholders also asked if an entity
is required to use a prepayment-adjusted effective
interest rate if it uses projections of interest
rate environments for variable-rate financial
instruments in estimating expected cash flows.
|
The amendments clarify the Board’s
intent to provide flexibility in determining the
allowance for credit losses by removing the
prohibition of using projections of future interest
rate environments when using a discounted cash flow
method to measure expected credit losses on
variable-rate financial instruments.
The amendments clarify that an
entity that uses projections or expectations of
future interest rate environments in estimating
expected cash flows should use the same assumptions
in determining the effective interest rate used to
discount those expected cash flows.
The amendments also clarify that if
an entity uses projections of future interest rate
environments when using a discounted cash flow
method to measure expected credit losses on
variable-rate financial instruments, it also should
adjust the effective interest rate to consider the
timing (and changes in the timing) of expected cash
flows resulting from expected prepayments.
[See Section 4.4.4.2
of this Roadmap.]
|
Issue 2E:
Consideration of Prepayments in Determining the
Effective Interest Rate
| |
Stakeholders asked whether an entity
may adjust the effective interest rate used to
discount expected cash flows in a discounted cash
flow method for the entity’s expectations of
prepayments on financial assets. Stakeholders noted
that expected prepayments are required to be
considered in estimating expected cash flows.
However, they noted that without incorporating those
expected prepayments into determining the effective
interest rate, the discounted cash flow calculation
fails to appropriately isolate credit risk in the
determination of an allowance for credit losses.
|
The amendments permit an entity to
make an accounting policy election to adjust the
effective interest rate used to discount expected
future cash flows for expected prepayments on
financial assets within the scope of Subtopic 326-20
and on available-for-sale debt securities within the
scope of Subtopic 326-30 to appropriately isolate
credit risk in determining the allowance for credit
losses.
The amendments also clarify that an
entity should not adjust the effective interest rate
used to discount expected cash flows for subsequent
changes in expected prepayments if the financial
asset is restructured in a troubled debt
restructuring.
[See Section 4.4.4.1
of this Roadmap.]
|
Issue 2F:
Consideration of Estimated Costs to Sell When
Foreclosure Is Probable
| |
Stakeholders asked whether an entity
is required to consider estimated costs to sell the
collateral when using the fair value of [the]
collateral to estimate expected credit losses on a
financial asset because foreclosure is probable in
accordance with paragraph 326-20-35-4. Stakeholders
noted that the collateral-dependent financial asset
practical expedient in paragraph 326-20-35-5
requires that an entity consider estimated costs to
sell if repayment or satisfaction of the asset
depends on the sale of the collateral.
Stakeholders also noted that
paragraphs 326-20-35-4 through 35-5 require that an
entity adjust the fair value of collateral for the
estimated costs to sell on a discounted basis if it
intends to sell rather than operate the collateral.
Stakeholders asked why an entity is required to
estimate the costs to sell on a discounted basis if
the fair value of collateral should be based on
amounts as of the reporting date.
|
The amendments clarify the guidance
in paragraph 326-20-35-4 by specifically requiring
that an entity consider the estimated costs to sell
if it intends to sell rather than operate the
collateral when the entity determines that
foreclosure on a financial asset is probable.
Additionally, the amendments clarify
the guidance that when an entity adjusts the fair
value of collateral for the estimated costs to sell,
the estimated costs to sell should be undiscounted
if the entity intends to sell rather than operate
the collateral.
[See Section 4.4.9.2
of this Roadmap.]
|
Area for Improvement
|
Summary of Amendments
|
---|---|
Issue 5A:
Vintage Disclosures — Line-of-Credit Arrangements
Converted to Term Loans
| |
Stakeholders asked how an entity
should disclose line-of-credit arrangements that
convert to term loans within the vintage disclosure
table.
|
The amendments require that an
entity present the amortized cost basis of
line-of-credit arrangements that are converted to
term loans in a separate column as illustrated in
Example 15.
[See Section 8.2.2.2 of this Roadmap.]
|
Issue 5B:
Contractual Extensions and Renewals
| |
Stakeholders asked whether an entity
should consider contractual extension or renewal
options in determining the contractual term of a
financial asset. Stakeholders stated that the
guidance in paragraph 326-20-30-6 appears to
preclude an entity from considering those
contractual extension or renewal options.
|
The amendments clarify that an
entity should consider extension or renewal options
(excluding those that are accounted for as
derivatives in accordance with Topic 815) that are
included in the original or modified contract at the
reporting date and are not unconditionally
cancellable by the entity.
[See Section 4.2.2 of
this Roadmap.]
|
10.2.1.3 ASU 2019-05 on Transition Relief by Providing the Fair Value Option
In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05 to allow entities to irrevocably elect,
upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, the fair value option for financial
instruments that (1) were previously recorded at amortized cost and (2) are
within the scope of ASC 326-20 if the instruments are eligible for the fair
value option under ASC 825-10. This election would be made on an
instrument-by-instrument basis.
First-time adopters of ASU 2016-13 would elect the fair value option upon
adoption, and entities would apply a modified retrospective approach in
which the cumulative effect of the election would be recorded in beginning
retained earnings in the period of adoption. An entity that has already
adopted the amendments in ASU 2016-13 should apply them for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those
fiscal years. The entity should apply the amendments on a modified
retrospective basis by making a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance
of opening retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting
period in which ASU 2016-13 was adopted. Early adoption will be permitted in
any interim period within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018,
provided that the entity has adopted ASU 2016-13.
For more information, see Chapter 9 on
effective date and transition.
10.2.1.4 ASU 2019-10 on Effective-Date Consideration for Private Companies, Not-for-Profit Organizations, and Small Public Companies
In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10,
which grants private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and certain
small public companies additional time to implement the Board’s standards on
CECL, leases, and hedging. Specifically, the ASU defers the effective dates
for (1) SRCs2 by three years, (2) PBEs that are not SEC filers3 by two years, and (3) non-PBEs by one year.
In summary, the amendments
change the effective dates as follows (for more information, see Section 9.1.1):
PBEs That Are SEC Filers
|
PBEs That Are Not SEC Filers
|
All Other Entities
| |
---|---|---|---|
ASU 2016-13
|
Fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2019, and interim periods therein.
|
Fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2020, and interim periods therein.
|
Fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2021, and interim periods therein.
|
SEC Filers Excluding SRCs
|
All Other Entities
| |
---|---|---|
ASU 2016-13, as amended by ASU
2019-10
|
Fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2019, and interim periods therein.
|
Fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2022, and interim periods therein.
|
10.2.1.5 ASU 2019-11 on Codification Improvements to ASC 326
In November 2019, the FASB
issued ASU
2019-11 to make certain technical corrections and
amendments to ASC 326. The table below, reproduced from ASU 2019-11,
summarizes these amendments.
Area of Improvement
|
Summary of Amendments
|
---|---|
Issue 1:
Expected Recoveries for Purchased Financial Assets
With Credit Deterioration
| |
The guidance in paragraph
326-20-30-1 states that expected recoveries of
amounts previously written off or expected to be
written off should be included in the allowance for
credit losses valuation account. Stakeholders
questioned whether this guidance applies to
purchased financial assets with credit deterioration
(PCD assets) measured at amortized cost basis in
Subtopic 326-20, Financial Instruments — Credit
Losses — Measured at Amortized Cost.
Specifically, stakeholders
questioned whether negative allowances were
permitted on PCD assets. The phrase negative
allowance is used to describe situations for which
an entity determines that it will recover the
amortized cost basis, or a portion of that basis,
after a writeoff and that “basis recovery” is
included in the allowance for credit losses through
a negative allowance. Those situations often are a
result of an entity applying regulatory charge-off
policies that are generally based on delinquency
status.
|
The amendments clarify that the
allowance for credit losses for PCD assets should
include in the allowance for credit losses expected
recoveries of amounts previously written off and
expected to be written off by the entity and should
not exceed the aggregate of amounts of the amortized
cost basis previously written off and expected to be
written off by an entity.
In addition, the amendments clarify
that when a method other than a discounted cash flow
method is used to estimate expected credit losses,
expected recoveries should not include any amounts
that result in an acceleration of the noncredit
discount. An entity may include increases in
expected cash flows after acquisition.
[See Section 6.3.3.2
of this Roadmap.]
|
Issue 2:
Transition Relief for Troubled Debt Restructurings
| |
At the June 2017 Credit Losses
Transition Resource Group (TRG) meeting,
stakeholders noted the operational complexities of
calculating a prepayment-adjusted effective interest
rate on troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) that
exist as of the adoption date by using the
prepayment assumptions in effect immediately before
the restructuring. They requested transition relief
when adjusting the effective interest rate for those
arrangements.
|
The amendments provide transition
relief by permitting entities an accounting policy
election to adjust the effective interest rate on
existing TDRs using prepayment assumptions on the
date of adoption of Topic 326 rather than the
prepayment assumptions in effect immediately before
the restructuring.
[See Section 9.2 of
this Roadmap.]
|
Issue 3:
Disclosures Related to Accrued Interest
Receivables
| |
Accounting Standards Update No.
2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326,
Financial Instruments — Credit Losses, Topic 815,
Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial
Instruments, amended the guidance in Subtopics
326-20 and 326-30, Financial Instruments — Credit
Losses — Available-for-Sale Debt Securities, to
allow an entity to elect a practical expedient to
disclose separately the total amount of accrued
interest included in the amortized cost basis as a
single balance to meet certain disclosure
requirements.
Stakeholders noted that an entity
would still be required to include accrued interest
in other disclosure requirements of its amortized
cost basis for financial assets under other Topics.
Stakeholders requested that the disclosure relief
for accrued interest receivable balances be extended
to all relevant disclosures involving amortized cost
basis.
|
The amendments extend the disclosure
relief for accrued interest receivable balances to
additional relevant disclosures involving the
amortized cost basis.
|
Issue 4:
Financial Assets Secured by Collateral Maintenance
Provisions
| |
The guidance in paragraph
326-20-35-6 for financial assets secured by
collateral maintenance provisions provides a
practical expedient to measure the estimate of
expected credit losses by comparing the amortized
cost basis of a financial asset and the fair value
of collateral securing the financial asset as of the
reporting date. Stakeholders questioned whether an
entity is required to evaluate whether a borrower
has the ability to continually replenish collateral
securing the financial asset to apply the practical
expedient.
Additionally, stakeholders
questioned how an entity should determine its
estimate of expected credit losses if the fair value
of the collateral securing the financial asset is
less than its amortized cost basis.
|
The amendments clarify that an
entity should assess whether it reasonably expects
the borrower will be able to continually replenish
collateral securing the financial asset to apply the
practical expedient.
The amendments clarify that an
entity applying the practical expedient should
estimate expected credit losses for any difference
between the amount of the amortized cost basis that
is greater than the fair value of the collateral
securing the financial asset (that is, the unsecured
portion of the amortized cost basis). An entity may
determine that the expectation of nonpayment for the
amount of the amortized cost basis equal to the fair
value of the collateral securing the financial asset
is zero.
[See Section 4.4.9.2.1 of this
Roadmap.]
|
Issue 5:
Conforming Amendment to Subtopic
805-20
| |
Stakeholders noted that paragraph
805-20-50-1 references Subtopic 310-30, Receivables
— Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with
Deteriorated Credit Quality, which was superseded by
the amendments in Update 2016-13.
|
The amendment to Subtopic 805-20,
Business Combinations — Identifiable Assets and
Liabilities, and Any Noncontrolling Interest,
clarifies the guidance by removing the
cross-reference to Subtopic 310-30 in paragraph
805-20-50-1 and replacing it with a cross- reference
to the guidance on PCD assets in Subtopic
326-20.
|
10.2.1.6 ASU 2020-02 on Amendments to SEC Paragraphs in Accordance With SAB 119
In February 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-02 to make certain amendments
to SEC paragraphs in accordance with SAB 119, which adds the text from SAB
Topic 6.M to ASC 326-20-S99-1.
10.2.1.7 ASU 2020-03 on Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments
In March 2020, the FASB
issued ASU
2020-03 to address various issues associated with
financial instruments. The table below, reproduced, in part, from ASU
2020-03, summarizes the amendments related to ASC 326.
Area of Improvement
|
Summary of Amendments
|
---|---|
Issue 6: Interaction of Topic 842 and Topic
326
| |
Stakeholders requested clarification on determining
the contractual term of a net investment in a lease
for the purposes of measuring expected credit
losses. Specifically, stakeholders noted that the
contractual term of the net investment in a lease
determined in accordance with Topic 842, Leases, may
not align with the contractual term determined in
accordance with Topic 326, Financial Instruments —
Credit Losses.
|
The amendments clarify that the contractual term of a
net investment in a lease determined in accordance
with Topic 842 should be the contractual term used
to measure expected credit losses under Topic
326.
|
Issue 7: Interaction of Topic 326 and Subtopic
860-20
| |
Stakeholders noted that paragraph 860-20-25-13, which
relates to a transferor regaining control of certain
financial assets after a transfer that was
previously accounted for as a sale is inconsistent
with the requirements in Topic 326.
Specifically, stakeholders noted that paragraph
860-20-25-13 precludes an entity from recognizing a
loan loss allowance for loans that do not meet the
definition of a security when they are
rerecognized.
|
The amendments to Subtopic 860- 20, Transfers and
Servicing — Sales of Financial Assets, clarify that
when an entity regains control of financial assets
sold, an allowance for credit losses should be
recorded in accordance with Topic 326.
|
10.2.1.8 ASU 2022-02 on TDRs and Vintage Disclosures
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02,
which eliminates the accounting guidance on TDRs for creditors in ASC 310-40
and amends the guidance on “vintage disclosures” to require disclosure of
current-period gross write-offs by year of origination. The ASU also updates
the requirements related to accounting for credit losses under ASC 326 and
enhances the disclosure requirements for creditors with respect to loan
refinancings and restructurings for borrowers experiencing financial
difficulty.
10.2.1.8.1 TDRs by Creditors
ASU 2022-02 supersedes the accounting guidance on TDRs
for creditors in ASC 310-40 in its entirety and requires entities to
evaluate all receivable modifications under ASC 310-20-35-9 through
35-11 to determine whether a modification made to a borrower results in
a new loan or a continuation of the existing loan. The ASU also amends
other Codification subtopics to remove references to TDRs for
creditors.
In addition to the elimination of TDR guidance, an
entity that has adopted ASU 2022-02 no longer considers renewals,
modifications, and extensions that result from reasonably expected TDRs
in calculating the allowance for credit losses in accordance with ASC
326-20. Further, an entity that employs a DCF method to calculate the
allowance for credit losses will be required to use a
postmodification-derived EIR as part of its calculation in accordance
with ASC 326-20-30-4.
Further, entities are required to provide new
disclosures about receivables whose contractual cash flows have been
modified because borrowers are experiencing financial difficulties.
Modifications to the contractual cash flows of a receivable are defined
as principal forgiveness, interest rate reductions,
other-than-insignificant-payment delays, or term extensions under ASC
310-10-50-39. For more information about the new modification-related
disclosures, see Section
8.2.1.
10.2.1.8.2 Vintage Disclosures — Gross Write-Offs
ASU 2022-02 amends ASC 326-20-50-6 to require public
business entities to disclose gross write-offs recorded in the current
period, on a year-to-date basis, by year of origination in the vintage
disclosures. The amendments to the presentation of gross write-offs in
the vintage disclosures should be applied prospectively from the date of
adoption. For more information, see Section
8.2.2.3.
10.2.1.8.3 Effective Date and Transition
For entities that have already adopted ASU 2016-13, the
amendments in ASU 2022-02 are effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years.
For entities that have not yet adopted ASU 2016-13, the amendments in
ASU 2022-02 are effective upon adoption of ASU 2016-13.
Entities are permitted to early adopt these amendments,
including adoption in any interim period, provided that the amendments
are adopted as of the beginning of the annual reporting period that
includes the interim period of adoption. In addition, entities are
permitted to elect to early adopt the amendments to TDR accounting and
related disclosure enhancements separately from the amendments to the
vintage disclosure requirements.
Entities may elect to apply the updated guidance on TDR
recognition and measurement by using a modified retrospective transition
method, which would result in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained
earnings, or to adopt the amendments prospectively. If an entity elects
to adopt the updated guidance on TDR recognition and measurement
prospectively, the guidance should be applied to modifications occurring
after the date of adoption. The amendments related to TDR disclosures
and vintage disclosures should be adopted prospectively.
10.2.1.9 ASU 2022-01 on Fair Value Hedge Accounting
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-01,
which clarifies the guidance in ASC 815 on fair value hedge accounting of
interest rate risk for portfolios of financial assets. The ASU amends the
guidance in ASU
2017-12 that, among other things, established the
“last-of-layer” method for making the fair value hedge accounting for these
portfolios more accessible. ASU 2022-01 also addresses questions raised by
stakeholders about the interaction between the last-of-layer method guidance
and ASC 326 or other impairment guidance (for entities that have not yet
adopted ASC 326) by explicitly prohibiting entities from considering basis
adjustments related to existing portfolio layer method hedges when measuring
credit losses on the assets included in the closed portfolio.
For more information about ASU 2022-01, see Deloitte’s March 29, 2022,
Heads Up.
10.2.2 FASB Staff Q&A Documents
The FASB staff issued two Q&A documents in January and July 2019:
-
Topic 326, No. 1: Whether the Weighted-Average Remaining Maturity Method Is an Acceptable Method to Estimate Expected Credit Losses (January 2019) — This Q&A discusses the FASB staff’s views that (1) the WARM method is one of many methods that an entity can use to estimate an allowance for credit losses, particularly on less complex financial asset pools, and (2) an entity needs to consider whether qualitative adjustments should be made. In addition, the Q&A provides examples illustrating how an entity would estimate the allowance for credit losses by using the WARM method. For more information about the WARM method, see Section 4.4.8.
-
Topic 326, No. 2: Developing an Estimate of Expected Credit Losses on Financial Assets (July 2019) — This Q&A discusses the FASB staff’s views on acceptable approaches for “determining reasonable and supportable forecasts and techniques for reverting to historical loss information when developing an estimate of expected credit losses on financial assets.”
10.2.3 TRG Activity
As discussed in Chapter 1, shortly before
issuing ASU 2016-13, the FASB formed a credit losses TRG. Although the TRG does
not issue guidance, it provides feedback on potential issues related to the
implementation of the CECL model. By analyzing and discussing such issues, the
TRG helps the Board determine whether it needs to take action, such as providing
clarification or issuing additional guidance. Since the issuance of ASU 2016-13,
the TRG has met three times, discussing the following issues:
10.2.3.1 June 2017
-
Determining the EIR under the CECL model (see Section 4.4.4.1).
-
The scope of the guidance on PFAs with credit deterioration with respect to BIs accounted for under ASC 325-40 (see Section 6.2).
-
Applying the transition guidance to pools of PCI assets under ASC 310-30 (see Section 9.2.1).
-
Accounting for TDRs under the CECL model (see Section 4.7).
-
Estimating the life of a credit card receivable under the CECL model (see Section 4.2.3).
10.2.3.2 June 2018
-
Considering capitalized interest by using a method other than a DCF method under the CECL model (see Section 4.4.5.4).
-
Definition of “amortized cost basis” and the reversal of accrued interest on nonperforming financial assets (see Section 4.4.5.1).
-
Transfer of loans from HFS to HFI and transfer of credit-impaired debt securities from AFS to HTM (see Section 4.10).
-
Accounting for recoveries under the CECL model (see Section 4.5.2).
-
Refinancing and loan prepayments (see Section 4.2.1).
10.2.3.3 November 2018
-
Contractual term: extensions and measurement inputs (see Section 4.2.2).
-
Vintage disclosures for revolving loans (see Section 8.2.2.2).
-
Recoveries (see Section 4.5.2).
10.2.4 Proposed ASU on Purchased Financial Assets
On June 27, 2023, the FASB issued a proposed ASU that would broaden the population
of financial assets that are within the scope of the gross-up approach currently
applied to PCD assets under ASC 326. Accordingly, an asset acquirer would apply the
gross-up approach to all financial assets acquired in a business combination in
accordance with ASC 805 rather than first determining whether an acquired financial
asset is a PCD asset or a non-PCD asset. For financial assets acquired as a result
of an asset acquisition or through consolidation of a VIE that is not a business,
the asset acquirer would apply the gross-up approach to seasoned assets, which are
acquired assets unless the asset is deemed akin to an in-substance origination. A
seasoned asset is an asset (1) that is acquired more than 90 days after origination
and (2) for which the asset acquirer was not involved with the origination. In
addition, the gross-up approach would no longer apply to AFS debt securities.
Comments on the proposed ASU are due by August 28, 2023. The Board
will determine the effective date, as well as whether to permit early adoption,
after considering stakeholder feedback on the proposed ASU.
Footnotes
1
See TRG Memo 7.
2
SEC Regulation S-K, Item 10(f)(1), defines an SRC,
in part, as:
[A]n issuer that is not an
investment company, an asset-backed issuer (as defined in §
229.1101), or a majority-owned subsidiary of a parent that is
not a smaller reporting company and that:
(i) Had a public float of less than $250 million;
or
(ii) Had annual revenues of less than $100 million and
either:
(A) No public float; or
(B) A public float of less than
$700 million.
3
The ASC master glossary defines an SEC filer as
follows:
An entity that is required to file or
furnish its financial statements with either of the following:
a. The Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC)
b. With respect to an entity subject to Section
12(i) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, the appropriate agency under that
Section.
Financial statements for other entities that
are not otherwise SEC filers whose financial statements are
included in a submission by another SEC filer are not
included within this definition.
10.3 Regulator Activities
10.3.1 Interagency FAQs
In April 2019, the federal financial institution regulatory agencies issued
updated FAQs to help institutions and examiners
with the implementation of the accounting standard on credit losses. The updates
can be summarized as follows:
-
The updated FAQs combined recent Q&As (FAQs 38 through 46) as well as those previously issued in 2017 and 2016.
-
Recent FAQs address collateral-dependent loans; reasonable and supportable forecasts; internal control considerations related to data; and the continued relevance of concepts, processes, and practices in existing supervisory guidance on the allowance for loan and lease losses.
-
Certain previously issued FAQs have been updated in response to recent developments, including the amendment to the effective date for non-PBEs.
-
The appendix to the FAQs includes links to relevant resources that are available to institutions to assist with the implementation of CECL.
10.3.2 Interagency Policy Statement
In April 2023, the federal financial institution regulatory
agencies issued an updated interagency policy statement on allowances for credit
losses. The policy statement is intended to promote consistency in the
interpretation and application of ASC 326 and updates concepts and practices
detailed in existing supervisory guidance that remain applicable.
10.3.3 Bank Accounting Advisory Series
In August 2022, the OCC released the annual update to its Bank Accounting
Advisory Series, which “expresses the OCA’s interpretations of accounting topics
relevant to national banks and federal savings associations.” The publication
includes Topic 12, “Credit Losses,” which addresses various questions related to
ASU 2016-13 (e.g., credit losses on AFS and HTM debt securities, TDRs, acquired
loans, and allowances for credit losses).
10.3.4 SAB 119
In November 2019, the SEC staff issued SAB
119 to update the staff’s guidance in light of the FASB’s
issuance of ASU 2016-13. The SAB addresses the staff’s expectation for
management’s policies, procedures, internal controls, and documentation of
judgments related to ASC 326. An SEC registrant must apply the guidance in SAB
119 when it adopts ASU 2016-13.
10.3.5 The CARES Act and Interim Final Rule
On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law to provide
relief from certain accounting and financial reporting requirements under U.S.
GAAP. The CARES Act, in part, provides certain qualifying entities with optional
temporary relief from the application of ASC 326. In addition, the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the FDIC, and the OCC issued an
interim final rule (IFR) that, as of its
effective date of March 31, 2020, gives certain qualifying entities the option
of delaying the estimated impact on regulatory capital stemming from the
implementation of ASC 326 for two years, followed by a three-year transition
period. The IFR applies to banking organizations that implement the CECL
standard (ASU 2016-13) before the end of 2020.
10.3.5.1 Deferral of the CECL Standard
Section 4014 of the CARES Act offers optional temporary relief from the
application of ASC 326 for the following qualifying entities:
- Insured depository institutions,4 as defined in Section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
- Credit unions regulated by the National Credit Union Administration.
Qualifying entities are not required to comply with the requirements of ASC
326 during the period beginning on the date of enactment and ending on the
earlier of the following:
- The termination date of the national emergency declared under the National Emergencies Act on March 13, 2020, related to the outbreak of COVID-19.
- December 31, 2020.
10.3.5.2 Delay of the Impact of the CECL Standard on Regulatory Capital
As noted above, the IFR gives banking organizations that
implement ASC 326 before the end of 2020 the option of delaying the
estimated impact on regulatory capital stemming from the implementation of
the ASC 326 for two years, followed by a three-year transition period.
10.3.5.3 Relief From Troubled Debt Restructurings
Section 4013 of the CARES Act provides temporary relief from the accounting
and reporting requirements for TDRs with respect to certain loan
modifications related to COVID-19 that are offered by insured depository
institutions and credit unions (i.e., the same entities that qualify for the
optional deferral of ASC 326 described above). Specifically, under the CARES
Act, a qualifying financial institution may elect to suspend (1) the U.S.
GAAP requirements for certain loan modifications that would otherwise be
categorized as a TDR and (2) any determination that such loan modifications
would be considered a TDR, including the related impairment for accounting
purposes.
In addition, on April 7, 2020, a group of banking agencies
(the “Agencies”)5 issued an interagency statement that offers some practical
expedients for evaluating whether loan modifications that occur in response
to COVID-19 are TDRs. The interagency statement was originally issued on
March 22, 2020, but the Agencies revised it to address the relationship
between their TDR accounting and disclosure guidance and the TDR guidance in
Section 4013 of the CARES Act.
Footnotes
4
The CARES Act states that the relief applies
to an insured depository institution, bank holding company,
or any affiliate thereof.
5
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System, the FDIC, the National Credit Union Administration, the OCC,
the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the State Banking
Regulators.
Appendix A — Comparison of U.S. GAAP and IFRS Accounting Standards
Appendix A — Comparison of U.S. GAAP and IFRS Accounting Standards
A.1 Receivables Measured at Amortized Cost
Under U.S. GAAP, ASC 310 and ASC 326 are the primary sources of guidance on
receivables measured at amortized cost.
Under IFRS® Accounting Standards, IFRS 9 is the
primary source of guidance on recognition and measurement, as well as income
recognition, of receivables measured at amortized cost.
This section focuses on
differences between the accounting for receivables measured at amortized cost
under U.S. GAAP and that under IFRS Accounting Standards, specifically
discussing the recognition and measurement of (1) credit losses and (2) interest
income. Note, however, that it does not address differences in the accounting
for investments in debt securities classified as HTM under U.S. GAAP. See Section A.2 for guidance on
U.S. GAAP–IFRS differences related to investments in debt securities, including
those classified as HTM and AFS.
Subject
|
U.S. GAAP
|
IFRS Accounting Standards
|
---|---|---|
Recognition of credit losses
|
Expected loss approach in which an entity recognizes
expected (rather than incurred) credit losses.
|
Expected loss approach in which an
impairment loss on a financial asset accounted for at
amortized cost or fair value through other comprehensive
income (FVTOCI) is recognized immediately on the basis
of expected credit losses.
|
Measurement of impairment losses
|
Entities have flexibility in measuring expected credit
losses as long as the measurement results in an
allowance that:
The entity must evaluate financial assets on a collective
(i.e., pool) basis if they share similar risk
characteristics. If an asset’s risk characteristics are
not similar to those of any of the entity’s other
assets, the entity would evaluate the asset
individually.
|
Depending on the financial asset’s credit risk at
inception and changes in credit risk from inception, as
well as the applicability of certain practical
expedients, the measurement of the impairment loss will
differ. The impairment loss would be measured as either
(1) the 12-month credit loss or (2) the lifetime
expected credit loss. Further, for financial assets that
are credit-impaired at the time of recognition, the
impairment loss will be based on the cumulative changes
in the lifetime expected credit losses since initial
recognition.
|
Interest method — computation of the EIR
|
The EIR is computed on the basis of the contractual
cash flows over the contractual term of
the loan, except for (1) certain loans that are part of
a group of prepayable loans and (2) purchased loans that
are accounted for as PCD loans. Therefore, loan
origination fees, direct loan origination costs,
premiums, and discounts typically are amortized over the
contractual term of the loan.
|
The EIR is computed on the basis of the estimated cash
flows that are expected to be received over the
expected life of a loan by considering all of
the loan’s contractual terms (e.g., prepayment, call,
and similar options), excluding expected credit losses.
Therefore, fees, points paid or received, transaction
costs, and other premiums or discounts are deferred and
amortized as part of the calculation of the EIR over the
expected life of the instrument.
|
Interest method — revisions in estimates
|
“Retrospective” approach — If estimated payments
for certain groups of prepayable loans are revised, an
entity may adjust the net investment in the group of
loans — on the basis of a recalculation of the effective
yield to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated
future payments — to the amount that would have existed
if the new effective yield had been applied since the
loans’ origination/acquisition, with a corresponding
charge or credit to interest income.
|
“Cumulative catch-up” approach — If estimated
receipts are revised, the carrying amount is adjusted to
the present value of the future estimated cash flows,
discounted at the financial asset’s original EIR (or
credit-adjusted EIR for purchased or originated
credit-impaired financial assets). The resulting
adjustment is recognized within profit or loss. This
treatment applies not only to groups of prepayable loans
but also to all financial assets that are subject to the
effective interest method.
|
Interest recognition on PCD loans
|
Interest income is recognized on the basis of the
purchase price plus the initial allowance accreting to
the contractual cash flows by using the effective
interest method.
|
Interest income is calculated on the basis of the gross
carrying amount (i.e., the amortized cost before
adjusting for any loss allowance), unless the loan (1)
is purchased or originated credit-impaired or (2)
subsequently became credit-impaired. In those cases,
interest revenue is calculated on the basis of amortized
cost (i.e., net of the loss allowance).
|
Nonaccrual of interest
|
There is no explicit requirement in U.S. GAAP for when an
entity should cease the recognition of interest income
on a receivable measured at amortized cost. However, the
practice of placing financial assets on nonaccrual
status is acknowledged by U.S. GAAP.
|
IFRS Accounting Standards do not permit
nonaccrual of interest. However, for assets that have
become credit-impaired, interest income is based on the
net carrying amount of the credit-impaired financial
asset.
|
A.1.1 Recognition of Credit Losses
Under U.S. GAAP, ASC 326-20 does not specify a threshold for recognizing an
impairment allowance. Rather, an entity will recognize its estimate of
expected credit losses for financial assets as of the end of the reporting
period. Credit impairment will be recognized as an allowance — or
contra-asset — rather than as a direct write-down of the amortized cost
basis of a financial asset.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, an impairment loss on a
financial asset accounted for at amortized cost or FVTOCI is recognized
immediately on the basis of expected credit losses.
A.1.2 Measurement of Credit Losses
ASC 326-20 describes the impairment allowance as a
“valuation account that is deducted from, or added to, the amortized cost
basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net amount expected to be
collected on the financial asset.” An entity can use a number of measurement
approaches to determine the impairment allowance. Regardless of the
measurement method used, an entity’s estimate of expected credit losses
should reflect those losses occurring over the contractual life of the
financial asset and should incorporate all available relevant information,
including details about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and
supportable forecasts and their implications for expected credit losses.
ASC 326-20 does not prescribe a unit of account (e.g., an individual asset or
a group of financial assets) for measuring expected credit losses. However,
an entity is required to evaluate financial assets within the scope of the
model on a collective (i.e., pool) basis when assets share similar risk
characteristics. If a financial asset’s risk characteristics are not similar
to the risk characteristics of any of the entity’s other financial assets,
the entity would evaluate the financial asset individually.
For PCD assets, ASC 326-20 requires that an entity’s method for measuring
expected credit losses be consistent with its method for measuring expected
credit losses for originated and purchased non-credit-deteriorated assets.
However, upon acquiring a PCD asset, the entity would recognize its
allowance for expected credit losses as an adjustment that increases the
cost basis of the asset (the “gross-up” approach). After initial recognition
of the PCD asset and its related allowance, the entity would continue to
apply the CECL model to the asset — that is, any changes in the entity’s
estimate of cash flows that it expects to collect (favorable or unfavorable)
would be recognized immediately in the income statement through an
adjustment to the allowance for credit losses.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, IFRS 9’s dual-measurement
approach requires an entity to measure the loss allowance for an asset
accounted for at amortized cost or FVTOCI (other than one that is purchased
or originated credit-impaired) at an amount equal to either (1) the 12-month
expected credit losses or (2) lifetime expected credit losses.
The measurement of 12-month expected credit losses, which
reflects the expected credit losses arising from default events possible
within 12 months of the reporting date, is required if the asset’s credit
risk is (1) low as of the reporting date or (2) has not increased
significantly since initial recognition. As noted in paragraph B5.5.22 of
IFRS 9, the credit risk is considered low if (1) there is “a low risk of
default,” (2) “the borrower has a strong capacity to meet its contractual
cash flow obligations in the near term,” and (3) “adverse changes in
economic and business conditions in the longer term may, but will not
necessarily, reduce the ability of the borrower to fulfil its contractual
cash flow obligations.” Paragraph B5.5.23 of IFRS 9 suggests that an
“investment grade” rating might be an indicator of low credit risk.
Paragraph 5.5.9 of IFRS 9 states that in assessing whether a
financial asset’s credit risk has significantly increased, an entity is
required to consider “the change in the risk of a default occurring over the
expected life of the financial instrument instead of the change in the
amount of expected credit losses” since initial recognition. Paragraph
B5.5.17 of IFRS 9 provides a nonexhaustive list of factors that an entity
may consider in determining whether there has been a significant increase in
credit risk. For financial instruments for which credit risk has
significantly increased since initial recognition, the allowance is measured
as the lifetime credit losses, which IFRS 9 defines as the “expected credit
losses that result from all possible default events over the expected life
of a financial instrument,” unless the credit risk is low as of the
reporting date. This measurement is also required for certain contract
assets and trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing
component in accordance with IFRS 15, and it is available as an accounting
policy option for certain trade receivables that contain significant
financing components in accordance with IFRS 15 and for certain lease
receivables (see paragraph 5.5.15 of IFRS 9).
Purchased or originated credit-impaired financial assets
(e.g., distressed debt) are treated differently under IFRS 9. As stated in
paragraph 5.5.13 of IFRS 9, for these assets, an entity recognizes only “the
cumulative changes in lifetime expected credit losses since initial
recognition as a loss allowance.” Changes in lifetime expected losses since
initial recognition are recognized in profit or loss. Thus, any favorable
change in lifetime expected credit losses since initial recognition of a
purchased or originated credit-impaired financial asset is recognized as an
impairment gain in profit or loss regardless of whether a corresponding
impairment loss was recorded for the asset in previous periods.
A.1.3 Interest Method — Computation of the EIR
Under U.S. GAAP on non-PCD loans, the EIR used to recognize
interest income on loan receivables generally is computed in accordance with
ASC 310-20-35-26 on the basis of the contractual cash
flows over the contractual term of the loan.
Prepayments of principal are not anticipated. As a result, loan origination
fees, direct loan origination costs, premiums, and discounts are typically
amortized over the contractual term of the loan. However, ASC 310-20-35-26
indicates that if an entity “holds a large number of similar loans for which
prepayments are probable and the timing and amount of prepayments can be
reasonably estimated, the entity may consider estimates of future principal
prepayments” in calculating the EIR.
Under IFRS 9, an entity recognizes interest income by
applying the EIR. IFRS 9 defines the EIR of a financial asset or liability
as the “rate that exactly discounts estimated future
cash payments or receipts through the expected life
of the financial asset . . . to the gross carrying amount of a financial
asset” (emphasis added). Therefore, the effective interest method in IFRS 9,
unlike that in ASC 310-20, requires an entity to
compute the EIR on the basis of the estimated cash flows over the expected
life of the instrument in considering all contractual terms (e.g.,
prepayment, extension, call, and similar options) but not expected credit
losses. As a result, fees, points paid or received, transaction costs, and
other premiums or discounts are deferred and amortized as part of the
calculation of the EIR over the expected life of the instrument. Further, in
its definition of an EIR, IFRS 9 states that in “rare cases when it is not
possible to reliably estimate the cash flows or the expected life of a
financial instrument [an] entity shall use the contractual cash flows over
the full contractual term.”
A.1.4 Interest Method — Revisions in Estimates
Under U.S. GAAP, whether and, if so, how an entity recognizes a change in
expected future cash flows of a receivable depends on the instrument’s
characteristics and which effective interest method the entity is applying.
ASC 310-20-35-26 indicates that in applying the interest method to non-PCD
loans, an entity should use the payment terms of the loan contract without
considering the anticipated prepayment of principal to shorten the loan
term. However, if the entity can reasonably estimate probable prepayments
for a large number of similar loans, it may include an estimate of future
prepayments in the calculation of the constant effective yield under the
interest method. If prepayments are anticipated and considered in the
determination of the effective yield, and there is a difference between the
anticipated prepayments and the actual prepayments received, the effective
yield should be recalculated to reflect actual payments received to date and
anticipated future payments. The net investment in the loans should be
adjusted to reflect the amount that would have existed if the revised
effective yield had been applied since the acquisition or origination of the
group of loans, with a corresponding charge or credit to interest income. In
other words, under U.S. GAAP, entities may use a “retrospective” approach in
accounting for revisions in estimates related to such groups of loans.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, the original EIR must be
used throughout the life of the instrument for financial assets and
liabilities, except for certain reclassified financial assets and
floating-rate instruments that reset to reflect movements in market interest
rates. Upon a change in estimates, IFRS 9 generally requires entities to use
a “cumulative catch-up” approach when changes in estimated cash flows occur.
Specifically, paragraph B5.4.6 of IFRS 9 states, in part:
If an entity revises its estimates of payments or
receipts (excluding modifications in accordance with paragraph 5.4.3 and
changes in estimates of expected credit losses), it shall adjust the
gross carrying amount of the financial asset . . . to reflect actual and
revised estimated contractual cash flows. The entity recalculates the
gross carrying amount of the financial asset . . . as the present value
of the estimated future contractual cash flows that are discounted at
the financial instrument’s original effective interest rate (or
credit-adjusted effective interest rate for purchased or originated
credit-impaired financial assets). . . . The adjustment is recognised in
profit or loss as income or expense.
A.1.5 Interest Recognition on PCD Loans
Regarding an entity’s acquisition of a loan that it
determines to be PCD, ASC 326-20 states that in the calculation of the EIR
for PFAs with credit deterioration, ”the premium or discount at acquisition
excludes the discount embedded in the purchase price that is attributable to
the acquirer’s assessment of credit losses at the date of acquisition.” For
PCD loans, ASC 326-20 requires an entity to use the original EIR throughout
the life of the loan and to record all subsequent changes to its estimate of
expected credit losses — whether unfavorable or favorable — as impairment
expense (or a reduction of expense) during the period of change.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, the application of the
effective interest method depends on whether the financial asset is
purchased or originated credit-impaired or on whether it became
credit-impaired after initial recognition.
When recognizing interest revenue related to purchased or originated
credit-impaired financial assets under IFRS 9, an entity applies a
credit-adjusted EIR to the amortized cost carrying amount. The calculation
of the credit-adjusted EIR is consistent with the calculation of the EIR,
except that it takes into account expected credit losses within the
expected cash flows.
For a financial asset that is not purchased or originated credit-impaired,
paragraph 5.4.1 of IFRS 9 requires an entity to calculate interest revenue
as follows:
-
Gross method — If the financial asset has not become credit-impaired since initial recognition, the entity applies the EIR method to the gross carrying amount. IFRS 9 defines the gross carrying amount as “the amortised cost of a financial asset, before adjusting for any loss allowance.”
-
Net method — If the financial asset has subsequently become credit-impaired, the entity applies the EIR to the amortized cost balance, which is the gross carrying amount adjusted for any loss allowance.
An entity that uses the net method is required to revert to the gross method
if (1) the credit risk of the financial instrument subsequently improves to
the extent that the financial asset is no longer credit-impaired and (2) the
improvement is objectively related to an event that occurred after the net
method was applied (see paragraph 5.4.2 of IFRS 9).
IFRS 9 defines a credit-impaired financial asset as follows:
A financial asset is credit-impaired when one or
more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash
flows of that financial asset have occurred. Evidence that a financial
asset is credit-impaired include[s] observable data about the following
events:
- significant financial difficulty of the issuer or the borrower;
- a breach of contract, such as a default or past due event;
- the lender(s) of the borrower, for economic or contractual reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, having granted to the borrower a concession(s) that the lender(s) would not otherwise consider;
- it is becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation;
- the disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties; or
- the purchase or origination of a financial asset at a deep discount that reflects the incurred credit losses.
It may not be possible to identify a single discrete event —
instead, the combined effect of several events may have caused
financial assets to become credit-impaired.
A.1.6 Nonaccrual of Interest
There is no explicit U.S. GAAP requirement for when an
entity should cease recognizing interest income on receivables measured at
amortized cost. However, an entity is permitted to cease such recognition as
an accounting policy. In addition, U.S. financial institutions subject to
banking regulations look to regulatory reporting instructions for guidance
on placing financial assets on nonaccrual status and follow these regulatory
instructions for U.S. GAAP financial reporting purposes.1
Under IFRS 9, an entity is not allowed to cease the accrual of interest.
Rather, interest income recognition is determined on the basis of whether
the asset is considered to be credit-impaired. That is, if the financial
asset has not become credit-impaired since initial recognition, the entity
applies the EIR method to the gross carrying amount (“gross method”). If the
financial asset has subsequently become credit-impaired, the entity applies
the EIR to the amortized cost balance, which is the gross carrying amount
adjusted for any loss allowance (“net method”). An entity using the net
method should revert to the gross method if (1) the credit risk of the
financial instrument subsequently improves to the extent that the financial
asset is no longer credit-impaired and (2) the improvement is objectively
related to an event that occurred after the net method was applied.
A.2 Investments in Debt Securities
Under U.S. GAAP, ASC 320, ASC 326-20, and ASC 326-30 are the
primary sources of guidance on the accounting for investments in debt
securities.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, IFRS 9 is the primary source of
guidance on the accounting for financial assets and financial liabilities,
including investments in debt securities.
This section focuses on differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRS
Accounting Standards in the accounting for investments in debt securities,
specifically discussing the recognition and measurement of (1) credit losses and
(2) interest income. It does not address differences in the accounting for
financial assets measured at amortized cost except for investments in debt
securities classified as HTM under U.S. GAAP. See Section A.1 for guidance on differences
between U.S. GAAP and IFRS Accounting Standards related to financial assets
measured at amortized cost.
Subject
|
U.S. GAAP
|
IFRS Accounting Standards
|
---|---|---|
Credit losses —
recognition
|
An entity recognizes and measures expected credit losses
on an investment in a debt security classified as HTM by
using the same model as it does for loans in accordance
with ASC 326-20 (see Section
A.1 for more information).
An impairment loss on an investment in a debt security
classified as AFS is recognized when the security’s fair
value is less than its amortized cost. This evaluation
must be performed on an individual security level in
accordance with ASC 326-30.
|
An impairment loss on a financial asset accounted for at
amortized cost or FVTOCI is recognized immediately on
the basis of expected credit losses.
|
Credit losses —
measurement
|
Under ASC 326-30, the recognition of an impairment loss
depends on whether the entity “intends to sell the
security or more likely than not will be required to
sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost
basis” less any current-period credit loss.
If the entity “intends to sell the
security or more likely than not will be required to
sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost
basis” less any current-period credit loss, the
impairment loss is equal to the difference between the
amortized cost basis and fair value. Any change in the
impairment loss is recognized through earnings.
If neither condition is met, the impairment loss is
separated into the credit loss component (through
earnings) and all other factors (through OCI). The
credit loss component for an impaired AFS debt security
is the excess of (1) the security’s amortized cost basis
over (2) the present value of the investor’s best
estimate of the cash flows expected to be collected from
the security.
|
Under IFRS 9, the measurement of the impairment loss will
differ depending on the financial asset’s credit risk at
inception and changes in credit risk from inception, as
well as the applicability of certain practical
expedients. The impairment loss is measured as either
(1) the 12-month expected credit loss or (2) the
lifetime expected credit loss. Further, for financial
assets that are credit-impaired at the time of
recognition, the impairment loss will be based on the
cumulative changes in the lifetime expected credit
losses since initial recognition.
|
Credit losses — reversal of recognized losses
|
Under ASC 326-30, an entity must use an allowance when
recognizing expected credit losses on an AFS debt
security. Any changes in the allowance for expected
credit losses on an AFS debt security would be
recognized as an adjustment to the entity’s credit loss
expense.
|
Under IFRS 9, previously recognized expected credit
losses are reversed through profit or loss (as an
impairment gain) if expected credit losses decrease.
|
Subsequent measurement — interest method: interest
income recognition
|
The EIR is computed on the basis of contractual cash
flows over the contractual term of the loan, with
certain exceptions depending on the specific
characteristics of a debt security, such as whether the
debt security is (1) part of a group of prepayable debt
securities, (2) a BI in securitized financial assets,
(3) a callable bond purchased at a premium,
(4) considered a PCD asset, or (5) prepayable by the
issuer and has a stated interest rate that increases
over time.
|
Under IFRS 9, the EIR is computed on the basis of
estimated cash flows that the entity expects to receive
over the expected life of the financial asset. The
method used to calculate interest revenue depends on
whether the financial asset (1) is purchased or
originated credit-impaired or (2) has subsequently
become credit-impaired.
|
Subsequent measurement — interest method:
revisions in estimates (not from a modification)
|
Whether and, if so, how an entity recognizes a change in
expected future cash flows of an investment in a debt
security depends on the characteristics of the debt
security and the effective interest method applied.
|
An entity (1) adjusts a change in estimate that is not a
result of changes in the market rates of a floating-rate
instrument by applying a cumulative “catch-up” method
that uses the original EIR as a discount rate and (2)
recognizes the change in estimate through earnings.
|
Subsequent measurement —
nonaccrual of interest
|
There is no explicit requirement for when an entity
should cease the recognition of interest income on an
investment in a debt security. However, the practice of
placing investments in debt securities on nonaccrual
status is acknowledged by U.S. GAAP.
|
IFRS Accounting Standards do not permit
nonaccrual of interest. However, for assets that have
become credit-impaired, interest income is based on the
net carrying amount of the credit-impaired financial
asset.
|
Subsequent measurement — foreign exchange gains
and losses on AFS/FVTOCI debt securities
|
Under ASC 320, the unrealized change in fair value of an
investment in a debt security classified as AFS that is
attributable to changes in foreign currency rates must
be recognized in OCI.
|
Under IFRS 9, the unrealized change in fair value of a
debt instrument accounted for at FVTOCI that is
attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates
(calculated on the basis of the instrument’s amortized
cost) must be recognized in profit or loss.
|
A.2.1 Expected Credit Losses
A.2.1.1 Recognition
Under U.S. GAAP, expected credit losses on HTM debt
securities are accounted for in a manner consistent with loans
receivable. See Section A.1 for more
information.
For AFS debt securities, ASC 326-30 states that an impairment loss is
recognized when the security’s fair value is less than its amortized
cost. This evaluation must be performed on an individual security
level.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, an impairment loss on a
financial asset accounted for at amortized cost or FVTOCI is recognized
immediately on the basis of expected credit losses.
A.2.1.2 Measurement
Under U.S. GAAP, expected credit losses on HTM debt
securities are accounted for in a manner consistent with loans
receivable. See Section A.1 for
more information.
ASC 326-30 states that for AFS debt securities, the recognition of an
impairment loss depends on whether the entity “intends to sell the
security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security
before recovery of its amortized cost basis” less any current-period
credit loss.
If the entity “intends to sell the security or more
likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of
its amortized cost basis” less any current-period credit loss, the
impairment is equal to the difference between the amortized cost basis
and fair value. Changes in the impairment are recognized through
earnings. If neither condition is met, the impairment loss is separated
into the credit loss component (through earnings) and all other factors
(through OCI). Under ASC 326-30-35-6, “[i]f the present value of cash
flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis of
the security” when the credit loss component of the total impairment is
measured, “a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses shall
be recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair
value is less than amortized cost basis.” Therefore, the amount of
credit loss for an impaired AFS debt security is the excess of (1) the
security’s amortized cost basis over (2) the present value of the
investor’s best estimate of the cash flows expected to be collected from
the security.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, IFRS 9 employs a
dual-measurement approach that requires an entity to measure the loss
allowance for an asset accounted for at amortized cost or FVTOCI (other
than one that is purchased or originated credit-impaired) at an amount
equal to either (1) the 12-month expected credit losses or (2) lifetime
expected credit losses.
The measurement of 12-month expected credit losses, which reflects the
expected credit losses arising from default events possible within 12
months of the reporting date, is required if the asset’s credit risk has
not increased significantly since initial recognition. Further, an
entity is permitted to apply a 12-month expected credit loss measurement
if the credit risk, in absolute terms, is low as of the reporting date.
As noted in paragraph B5.5.22 of IFRS 9, the credit risk is considered
low if (1) there is a “low risk of default,” (2) “the borrower has a
strong capacity to meet its contractual cash flow obligations in the
near term,” and (3) “adverse changes in economic and business conditions
in the longer term may, but will not necessarily, reduce the ability of
the borrower to fulfill its contractual cash flow obligations.”
Paragraph B5.5.23 of IFRS 9 suggests that an “investment grade” rating
might be an indicator of low credit risk.
Paragraph 5.5.9 of IFRS 9 states that in assessing whether there has been
a significant increase in a financial asset’s credit risk, an entity is
required to consider “the change in the risk of a default occurring over
the expected life of the financial instrument instead of the change in
the amount of expected credit losses” since initial recognition.
Paragraph B5.5.17 of IFRS 9 provides a nonexhaustive list of factors
that an entity may consider in determining whether there has been a
significant increase in credit risk. For financial instruments for which
credit risk has significantly increased since initial recognition, the
allowance is measured as full lifetime expected credit losses, which
IFRS 9 defines as the “expected credit losses that result from all
possible default events over the expected life of a financial
instrument,” unless the credit risk is low as of the reporting date.
Purchased or originated credit-impaired financial assets (e.g.,
distressed debt) are treated differently under IFRS 9. As stated in
paragraph 5.5.13 of IFRS 9, for these assets, an entity recognizes only
“the cumulative changes in lifetime expected credit losses since initial
recognition as a loss allowance.” Changes in lifetime expected losses
since initial recognition are recognized in profit or loss. Thus, any
favorable change in lifetime expected credit losses since initial
recognition of a purchased or originated credit-impaired financial asset
is recognized as an impairment gain in profit or loss regardless of
whether a corresponding impairment loss was recorded for the asset in
previous periods.
A.2.1.3 Reversal of Recognized Losses
Under ASC 326-30, an entity must use an allowance when recognizing
expected credit losses on an AFS debt security. Any changes in the
allowance for expected credit losses on an AFS debt security would be
recognized as an adjustment to the entity’s credit loss expense.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, previously recognized
expected credit losses are reversed through profit or loss if the
expected credit losses decrease. Paragraph 5.5.8 of IFRS 9 states that
an “entity shall recognise in profit or loss, as an impairment gain or
loss, the amount of expected credit losses (or reversal) that is
required to adjust the loss allowance at the reporting date to the
amount that is required to be recognized in accordance with this
Standard [IFRS 9].”
A.2.2 Subsequent Measurement
A.2.2.1 Interest Method: Interest Income Recognition and Revisions in Estimates (Not From a Modification)
Under U.S. GAAP, an entity typically recognizes interest
income on investments in debt securities accounted for at amortized cost
or FVTOCI in accordance with ASC 310-20-35-18 and ASC 310-20-35-26 by
applying the effective interest method on the basis of the contractual
cash flows of the security. An entity should not anticipate prepayments
of principal. However, the following are exceptions to this method of
recognizing interest income:
-
If a debt security is part of a pool of prepayable financial assets and the timing and amount of prepayments are reasonably estimable, an entity is allowed to anticipate future principal prepayments when determining the appropriate EIR to apply to the debt security under ASC 310-20-35-26. If an entity anticipates estimated prepayments when measuring interest income of an investment in a debt security that is part of a pool of prepayable financial assets in accordance with ASC 310-20-35-26, the entity must continually recalculate the appropriate effective yield as prepayment assumptions change. That is, if the estimated future cash flows of a debt security change, the effective yield of the debt security must be recalculated to take into account the new prepayment assumptions. The adjustment to the interest method under ASC 310-20 must be retrospectively applied to the debt security. That is, the amortized cost of the debt security is adjusted to reflect what it would have been if the new effective yield had been used since the acquisition of the debt security, with a corresponding charge or credit to current-period earnings.
-
If an investment in a debt security meets the definition of a PCD asset, an entity must not recognize as interest income the discount embedded in the purchase price that is attributable to the acquirer’s assessment of expected credit losses as of the acquisition date. The entity must accrete or amortize as interest income the non-credit-related discount or premium of a PFA with credit deterioration in accordance with the existing applicable guidance in ASC 310-20-35 or ASC 325-40-35.
-
If the investment is a BI in a securitized financial asset, an entity would apply one of the following income recognition models:
-
Non-PCD BI not accounted for under ASC 325-40 — Apply the effective interest method on the basis of the contractual cash flows of the security in accordance with ASC 310-20.
-
Non-PCD BI accounted for under ASC 325-40 and classified as HTM:
-
Under ASC 325-40 (as amended by ASU 2016-13), entities must initially estimate the timing and amount of all future cash inflows from a BI within the scope of ASC 325-40 by employing assumptions used in the determination of fair value at recognition. The excess of those expected future cash flows over the initial investment is the accretable yield. Entities recognize this excess as interest income over the life of the investment by using the effective interest method.
-
A subsequent adjustment to expected cash flows is recognized as a yield adjustment affecting interest income or, if related to credit, may be recognized through earnings by means of an allowance for credit losses. In other words, a cumulative adverse change in expected cash flows would be recognized as an allowance, and a cumulative favorable change in expected cash flows would be recognized as a prospective yield adjustment.
-
-
Non-PCD BI accounted for under ASC 325-40 and classified as AFS:
-
Under ASC 325-40 (as amended by ASU 2016-13), entities must initially estimate the timing and amount of all future cash inflows from a BI within the scope of ASC 325-40 by employing assumptions used in the determination of fair value at recognition. The excess of those expected future cash flows over the initial investment is the accretable yield. Entities recognize this excess as interest income over the life of the investment by using the effective interest method.
-
A subsequent adjustment to expected cash flows is recognized as a yield adjustment affecting interest income or, if related to credit, may be recognized through earnings by means of an allowance for credit losses. In other words, a cumulative adverse change in expected cash flows would be recognized as an allowance, and a cumulative favorable change in expected cash flows would be recognized as a prospective yield adjustment.If there has not been an adverse change in the cash flows expected to be collected but the BI’s fair value is significantly below its amortized cost basis, the entity is required to assess whether it intends to sell the BI or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the interest before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis. If so, the entity would be required to write down the BI to its fair value in accordance with ASC 326-30-35-10.
-
-
PCD BI classified as HTM:
-
Under the PCD accounting model in ASC 326-20, entities are required to gross up the cost basis of a PCD asset by the estimated credit losses as of the date of acquisition and establish a corresponding allowance for credit losses. The initial allowance is based on the difference between expected cash flows and contractual cash flows (adjusted for prepayments).
-
For PCD assets within the scope of ASC 325-40 that are classified as HTM debt securities, cumulative adverse changes in expected cash flows would be recognized currently as an increase to the allowance for credit losses (in a manner similar to recognition under the normal ASC 325-40 model, as amended by ASU 2016-13). However, favorable changes in expected cash flows would first be recognized as a decrease to the allowance for credit losses (recognized currently in earnings). Favorable changes in expected cash flows would be recognized as a prospective yield adjustment only when the allowance for credit losses is reduced to zero.
-
-
PCD BI classified as AFS:
-
Under the PCD accounting model in ASC 326-20, entities are required to gross up the cost basis of a PCD asset by the estimated credit losses as of the acquisition date and establish a corresponding allowance for credit losses. The initial allowance is based on the difference between expected cash flows and contractual cash flows (adjusted for prepayments).
-
For a PCD asset within the scope of ASC 325-40 that is classified as an AFS debt security, cumulative adverse changes in expected cash flows would be recognized currently as an increase to the allowance for credit losses (in a manner similar to the accounting under the normal ASC 325-40 model, as amended by ASU 2016-13). However, the allowance is limited to the difference between the AFS debt security’s fair value and its amortized cost. Favorable changes in expected cash flows would first be recognized as a decrease to the allowance for credit losses (recognized currently in earnings). Such changes would be recognized as a prospective yield adjustment only when the allowance for credit losses is reduced to zero. A change in expected cash flows that is attributable solely to a change in a variable interest rate on a plain-vanilla debt instrument does not result in a credit loss and would be accounted for as a prospective yield adjustment.
-
-
-
If an investment in a callable bond is purchased at a premium, the premium must be amortized to the first call date in accordance with ASC 310-20-35-33.
-
If an investment in a debt security is considered a structured note but does not contain an embedded derivative that must be separated under ASC 815, the interest method articulated in ASC 320-10-35-40, which is based on estimated rather than contractual cash flows, must be applied.
-
If an investment in a debt security to which the interest method in ASC 310-20-35-18(a) applies has a stated interest rate that increases during the term in such a way that “interest accrued under the interest method in early periods would exceed interest at the stated rate . . . , interest income shall not be recognized to the extent that the net investment . . . would increase to an amount greater than the amount at which the borrower could settle the obligation.” Thus, a limit on the accrual of interest income applies to certain investments in debt securities that have a stepped interest rate and contain a borrower prepayment option or issuer call option.
Under IFRS 9, an entity calculates interest revenue on
financial assets accounted for at amortized cost or FVTOCI by applying
the effective interest method. Appendix A of IFRS 9 defines the EIR of a
financial asset or liability as the “rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts
through the expected life of the financial asset
. . . to the gross carrying amount of a financial asset” (emphasis
added). Therefore, the effective interest method in IFRS 9, unlike that
in ASC 310-20, requires an entity to compute the EIR on the basis of the
estimated cash flows over the expected life of the instrument by
considering all contractual terms (e.g., prepayment, extension, call,
and similar options) but not expected credit losses. Under IFRS
Accounting Standards, there is no limit on the accrual of interest
income for investments in debt securities that have a stepped interest
rate and contain a borrower prepayment option or issuer call option.
Further, in its definition of an EIR, IFRS 9 states that in rare cases
in which it is not possible to reliably estimate the cash flows or the
expected life of the financial instrument, an entity should “use the
contractual cash flows over the full contractual term.”
The application of the effective interest method depends on whether the
financial asset is purchased or originated credit-impaired or on whether
it became credit-impaired after initial recognition. When recognizing
interest revenue related to purchased or originated credit-impaired
financial assets under IFRS 9, an entity applies a credit-adjusted EIR
to the amortized cost carrying amount. The calculation of the
credit-adjusted interest rate is consistent with that of the EIR, except
that the calculation of the credit-adjusted interest rate takes into
account expected credit losses within the expected cash
flows.
For a financial asset that is not purchased or originated
credit-impaired, paragraph 5.4.1 of IFRS 9 requires an entity to
calculate interest revenue as follows:
-
Gross method — If the financial asset has not become credit-impaired since initial recognition, the entity applies the EIR to the gross carrying amount. Appendix A of IFRS 9 defines the gross carrying amount as the “amortised cost of a financial asset, before adjusting for any loss allowance.”
-
Net method — If the financial asset has subsequently become credit-impaired, the entity applies the EIR to the amortized cost balance, which is the gross carrying amount adjusted for any loss allowance.
An entity that uses the net method is required to revert to the gross
method if (1) the credit risk of the financial instrument subsequently
improves to the extent that the financial asset is no longer
credit-impaired and (2) the improvement is objectively related to an
event that occurred after the net method was applied (see paragraph
5.4.2 of IFRS 9).
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, paragraphs B5.4.5 and
B5.4.6 of IFRS 9 provide guidance on when an entity should recalculate
the EIR:
-
For floating-rate instruments that pay a market rate of interest, paragraph B5.4.5 of IFRS 9 specifies that the “periodic re-estimation of cash flows to reflect the movements in the market rates of interest alters the effective interest rate.” However, paragraph B5.4.5 of IFRS 9 further notes that for such floating-rate financial instruments, “re-estimating the future interest payments normally has no significant effect on the carrying amount of the asset or the liability” if the asset or liability was initially recognized at an amount that equals the principal receivable.
-
For other instruments and for revisions of estimates, paragraph B5.4.6 of IFRS 9 usually requires an entity to recalculate the gross carrying amount of the financial asset “as the present value of the estimated future contractual cash flows that are discounted at the financial instrument’s original effective interest rate (or credit-adjusted effective interest rate for purchased or originated credit-impaired financial assets).” The resulting “catch-up” adjustment to the carrying amount of the financial asset is recognized immediately in profit or loss. This catch-up approach of recognizing changes in estimated cash flows differs from both the prospective and retrospective approaches used under U.S. GAAP.
A.2.2.2 Nonaccrual of Interest
Under U.S. GAAP, there is no explicit requirement for when an entity
should cease recognizing interest income on investments in debt
securities. However, an entity is permitted to cease such recognition as
an accounting policy. In addition, while there is no indication in U.S.
GAAP on when the accrual of interest should cease, ASC 325-40 requires
that an entity use the cost recovery method when it cannot reliably
estimate cash flows on a BI within its scope. That is, once the decision
is made to put a BI within the scope of ASC 325-40 on nonaccrual status,
the cost recovery method should be applied (i.e., all cash receipts are
applied to the asset’s amortized cost basis). Other methods of
nonaccrual (e.g., recognition of interest income on a cash basis) are
not appropriate.
Under IFRS 9, an entity it not allowed to cease the accrual of interest.
Rather, interest income recognition is determined on the basis of
whether the asset is considered credit-impaired. That is, if the
financial asset has not become credit-impaired since initial
recognition, the entity applies the EIR method to the gross carrying
amount (the “gross method”). If the financial asset has subsequently
become credit-impaired, the entity applies the EIR to the amortized cost
balance, which is the gross carrying amount adjusted for any loss
allowance (“net method”). An entity using the net method should revert
to the gross method if (1) the credit risk of the financial instrument
subsequently improves to the extent that the financial asset is no
longer credit-impaired and (2) the improvement is objectively related to
an event that occurred after the net method was applied.
A.2.2.3 Foreign Exchange Gains and Losses on AFS/FVTOCI Debt Securities
Under U.S. GAAP, unrealized changes in the value of an
investment in a foreign-currency-denominated security classified as AFS
that are attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates are
recognized in OCI. ASC 320-10-35-36 states that the entire “change in
the fair value of foreign-currency-denominated available-for-sale debt
securities, excluding the amount recorded in the allowance for credit
losses, shall be reported in other comprehensive income.” An entity must
report credit losses on AFS debt securities as credit losses in the
income statement.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, unrealized changes in
the value of a foreign-currency-denominated debt instrument accounted
for at FVTOCI that are attributable to changes in the foreign exchange
rates are recognized in profit or loss. In accordance with paragraphs
5.7.10 and 5.7.11 of IFRS 9, the amount recognized in profit or loss for
debt instruments accounted for at FVTOCI is the same as the amount that
would be recognized in profit or loss for instruments accounted for at
amortized cost. Paragraph B5.7.2A of IFRS 9 further clarifies this
guidance:
For the purpose of recognising foreign
exchange gains and losses under IAS 21, a financial asset measured
at fair value through other comprehensive income in accordance with
paragraph 4.1.2A is treated as a monetary item. Accordingly, such a
financial asset is treated as an asset measured at amortised cost in
the foreign currency. Exchange differences on the amortised cost are
recognised in profit or loss and other changes in the carrying
amount are recognised in accordance with paragraph 5.7.10.
Note that under IFRS 9, the treatment discussed above does not apply to
investments in equity securities that an entity irrevocably elected to
account for at FVTOCI. An investment in such securities is accounted for
in a manner consistent with the guidance in paragraph B5.7.3 of IFRS 9,
which states that “[s]uch an investment is not a monetary item.
Accordingly, the gain or loss that is presented in other comprehensive
income . . . includes any related foreign exchange component.”
Footnotes
1
Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council,
FFIEC 031 and 041, “Call Report Instructions.”
Appendix B — Titles of Standards and Other Literature
Appendix B — Titles of Standards and Other Literature
AICPA Literature
Audit and Accounting Guide
Credit Losses
FASB Literature
ASC Topics
ASC 250, Accounting
Changes and Error Corrections
ASC 310,
Receivables
ASC 320, Investments —
Debt Securities
ASC 323, Investments —
Equity Method and Joint Ventures
ASC 325, Investments —
Other
ASC 326, Financial
Instruments — Credit Losses
ASC 360, Property, Plant,
and Equipment
ASC 405, Liabilities
ASC 450, Contingencies
ASC 460, Guarantees
ASC 605, Revenue
Recognition
ASC 606, Revenue From
Contracts With Customers
ASC 610, Other Income
ASC 805, Business
Combinations
ASC 815, Derivatives and
Hedging
ASC 825, Financial
Instruments
ASC 840, Leases
ASC 842, Leases
ASC 855, Subsequent
Events
ASC 860, Transfers and
Servicing
ASC 944, Financial
Services — Insurance
ASC 948, Financial
Services — Mortgage Banking
ASUs
ASU 2014-09, Revenue From
Contracts With Customers (Topic 606)
ASU 2016-02, Leases
(Topic 842)
ASU 2016-13, Financial
Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on
Financial Instruments
ASU 2017-03, Accounting
Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments — Equity
Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs
Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November
17, 2016 EITF Meetings (SEC Update)
ASU 2018-19, Codification
Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses
ASU 2019-04, Codification
Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses,
Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial
Instruments
ASU 2019-05, Financial
Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition
Relief
ASU 2019-10, Financial
Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic
815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates
ASU 2019-11, Codification
Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses
ASU 2020-02, Financial Instruments —
Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC
Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update
to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update
No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)
ASU 2020-03, Codification
Improvements to Financial Instruments
ASU 2022-01, Derivatives and Hedging
(Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging — Portfolio Layer Method
ASU 2022-02, Troubled Debt Restructurings
and Vintage Disclosures
Proposed ASUs
No. 1810-100, Accounting
for Financial Instruments and Revisions to the Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities: Financial Instruments (Topic 825)
and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)
No. 2012-260, Financial
Instruments — Credit Losses (Subtopic 825-15)
No. 2023-ED400, Financial Instruments —
Credit Losses (Topic 326): Purchased Financial Assets
IFRS Literature
IAS 21, The Effects of
Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates
IFRS 9, Financial
Instruments
IFRS 15, Revenue From Contracts With Customers
IASB Exposure Drafts
ED/2009/12, Financial
Instruments: Amortised Cost and Impairment
ED/2013/3, Financial
Instruments: Expected Credit Losses
SEC Literature
Financial Reporting Manual
Topic 4, “Independent
Accountants’ Involvement”
Topic 10, “Emerging Growth Companies”
Regulation S-K
Item 10(f), “General;
Smaller Reporting Companies”
Item 302(a), “Supplementary
Financial Information; Disclosure of Material Quarterly Changes”
Item 303, “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations”
SAB Topics
No. 6.M, “Interpretations of
Accounting Series Releases and Financial Reporting Releases; Financial
Reporting Release No. 28 — Accounting for Loan Losses by Registrants Engaged
in Lending Activities Subject to FASB ASC Topic 326”
No. 11.M, “Miscellaneous
Disclosure; Disclosure of the Impact That Recently Issued Accounting
Standards Will Have on the Financial Statements of the Registrant When
Adopted in a Future Period”
Superseded Literature
FASB Staff Position (FSP)
No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2,
Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary
Impairments
FASB Statements
No. 5, Accounting for
Contingencies
No. 114, Accounting by
Creditors for Impairment of a Loan
Appendix C — Abbreviations
Appendix C — Abbreviations
Abbreviation
|
Description
|
---|---|
AFS
|
available for sale
|
AICPA
|
American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants
|
ARS
|
auction rate security
|
ASC
|
FASB Accounting Standards Codification
|
ASU
|
FASB Accounting Standards Update
|
BI
|
beneficial interest
|
CECL
|
current expected credit loss
|
CUSIP
|
Committee on Uniform Security Identification
Procedures
|
DCF
|
discounted cash flow
|
ED
|
exposure draft
|
EIR
|
effective interest rate
|
FAQ
|
frequently asked question
|
FASB
|
Financial Accounting Standards Board
|
FCAG
|
Financial Crisis Advisory Group
|
FDIC
|
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
|
FFIEC
|
Federal Financial Institutions Examination
Council
|
FSP
|
FASB Staff Position
|
FVTOCI
|
fair value through other comprehensive income
|
GAAP
|
generally accepted accounting principles
|
GAAS
|
generally accepted auditing standard
|
HFI
|
held for investment
|
HFS
|
held for sale
|
HTM
|
held to maturity
|
IASB
|
International Accounting Standards Board
|
IFR
|
interim final rule
|
IFRS
|
International Financial Reporting
Standard
|
LIBOR
|
London Interbank Offered Rate
|
MD&A
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
|
MLTN
|
more likely than not
|
OCA
|
SEC Office of the Chief Accountant
|
OCC
|
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
|
OCI
|
other comprehensive income
|
OTTI
|
other-than-temporary impairment
|
PCAOB
|
Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board
|
PCD
|
purchased credit-deteriorated
|
PCI
|
purchased credit-impaired
|
PCS
|
postcontract customer support
|
PFA
|
purchased financial asset
|
Q&A
|
question and answer
|
SAB
|
SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin
|
SEC
|
Securities and Exchange Commission
|
SRC
|
smaller reporting company
|
TDR
|
troubled debt restructuring
|
TRG
|
transition resource group
|
VIE
|
variable interest entity
|
WARM
|
weighted-average remaining maturity
|
Appendix D — Roadmap Updates for 2023
Appendix D — Roadmap Updates for 2023
The table below summarizes the
substantive changes made in the 2023 edition of this Roadmap.
Amended Content
Section
|
Title
|
Description
|
---|---|---|
Added discussion of the FASB’s
proposed ASU (issued in
June 2023) on PFAs.
| ||
Expected Extensions, Renewals, and Modifications
|
Added Changing Lanes to explain that the elimination of the
concept of TDRs does not change how entities consider loss
mitigation activities in calculating the allowance for
credit losses.
| |
Introduction
|
Revised Changing Lanes to mention the FASB’s
recently issued proposed ASU on PFAs.
| |
PCD Considerations Related to AFS Debt Securities
|
Added Changing Lanes to note that the FASB’s
recently issued proposed ASU on PFAs would eliminate the PCD
model for AFS debt securities.
| |
Subsequent Accounting Under the PCD Model in ASC 326-30
|
Added guidance on prospective yield adjustments for adverse
changes in cash flows that are not reflected in the
allowance for credit losses as a result of the fair value
floor.
| |
Proposed ASU
|
Renamed section and replaced content with
discussion of the FASB’s proposed ASU on PFAs.
|