How is 'impairment' defined in the context of financial reporting?

In financial reporting, 'impairment' is defined as a reduction in the recoverable amount of a fixed asset below its carrying amount. This means that if the asset's value has declined due to various factors—such as market conditions, physical damage, or technological obsolescence—its recoverable amount will fall below what is recorded as its carrying amount on the financial statements.

When determining whether a fixed asset is impaired, entities must estimate its recoverable amount, which is the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. If this recoverable amount is less than the carrying amount, the asset is considered impaired, and an impairment loss must be recognized. This results in the asset being written down to its recoverable amount, reflecting a more accurate representation of its value on the balance sheet.

Revaluations, maintenance costs, and increases in recoverable amounts do not align with the definition of impairment, which specifically focuses on the decline in value. This understanding of impairment is crucial for financial reporting, as it ensures that the financial statements provide a true and fair view of an entity's assets and financial position.