Impaired Asset

Banking

Quick Definition

An Impaired Asset is an asset whose recoverable value has fallen below its carrying value on the balance sheet, meaning it is worth less than expected.

Detailed Explanation

An asset becomes impaired when there is a permanent decline in its value due to factors like poor performance, market changes, or damage.

In banking, impaired assets often refer to loans that are not being repaid, similar to Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).

Key Concepts

  • Carrying Value: Value recorded in books
  • Recoverable Value: Actual realizable value
  • Impairment Loss: Difference between the two

Why Impaired Assets Matter

  • Reflect financial health of a company or bank
  • Require write-downs in financial statements
  • Impact profitability

Causes of Impairment

  • Economic downturn
  • Decline in asset performance
  • Borrower default (in loans)
  • Technological obsolescence

Impaired Asset vs NPA

  • Impaired Asset: Broad accounting term
  • NPA: Specific to bank loans not generating income

Example

"A machine purchased for ₹10 lakh is now worth only ₹6 lakh due to damage: 👉 Impairment loss = ₹4 lakh"

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