How Does Impairment Affect Financial Statements?

A loss on impairment is recognized as a debit to Loss on Impairment (the difference between the new fair market value and current book value of the asset) and a credit to the asset. The loss will reduce income in the income statement and reduce total assets on the balance sheet.

How impairment is recognized in the financial statements?

Businesses recognize impairment when the financial statement carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group exceeds its fair value and is not recoverable. A carrying amount is not recoverable if it is greater than the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected from the asset's use and eventual disposal.

How does an asset impairment loss impact a company's financial statements?

The asset impairment loss on income statement is reported in the same section where you report other operating income and expenses. An impairment loss ultimately reduces the profit your business reports for the period, but it has no immediate impact on the company's cash balance.