NTUC Income AR 2019

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) (o) Impairment of assets (continued) Financial assets carried at amortised costs (continued) (i) Loans and receivables Significant financial difficulty of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy, and default or significant delay in payments are objective evidence that these financial assets are impaired. The carrying amount of these assets is reduced through the use of an impairment allowance account which is calculated as the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. When the asset becomes uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are recognised against the same line item in profit or loss. The allowance for impairment loss account is reduced through profit or loss in a subsequent period when the amount of impairment loss decreases and the related decrease can be objectively measured. The carrying amount of the asset previously impaired is increased to the extent that the new carrying amount does not exceed the amortised cost had no impairment been recognised in prior periods. Available-for-sale financial assets In addition to the objective evidence of impairment described in Note 2(o)(i), a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of an equity security below its cost is considered as an indicator that the equity available-for-sale financial asset is impaired. If any evidence of impairment exists, the cumulative loss that was recognised in the fair value reserve is reclassified to profit or loss. The cumulative loss is measured as the difference between the acquisition cost (net of any principal repayments and amortisation) and the current fair value, less any impairment loss previously recognised as an expense. The impairment losses recognised as an expense on equity securities are not reversed through profit or loss. Impairment of non-financial assets Intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated companies are reviewed for impairment at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence or indication that these assets may be impaired. For the purpose of impairment testing, the recoverable amount (i.e. the higher of the fair value less cost to sell and the value-in-use) is determined on an individual asset basis unless the asset does not generate cash flows that are largely independent of those from other assets. If this is the case, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit (“CGU”) to which the asset belongs. If the recoverable amount of the asset (or CGU) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or CGU) is reduced to its recoverable amount. The difference between the carrying amount and recoverable amount is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or loss. Impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss for an asset is reversed if, and only if, there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognised. The carrying amount of this asset is increased to its revised recoverable amount, provided that this amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of any accumulated amortisation or depreciation) had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of impairment loss for an asset is recognised in profit or loss. ANNUAL REPORT 2019 65