What is IFRS 15?

IFRS 15, titled "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," is an international financial reporting standard established by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to provide a comprehensive framework for recognizing revenue. Similar to ASC 606 issued by the FASB, IFRS 15 aims to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of revenue recognition across different industries and regions.

The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This standard applies to all contracts with customers, except for those that are covered by other specific standards (e.g., leases, insurance contracts).

To achieve this core principle, IFRS 15 outlines a five-step model for revenue recognition:

First, an entity must identify the contract with a customer. This involves determining whether an agreement between two or more parties creates enforceable rights and obligations. A contract exists when it is approved by the parties, rights and payment terms can be identified, the contract has commercial substance, and it is probable that the entity will collect the consideration.

Next, the entity must identify the performance obligations in the contract. A performance obligation is a promise to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer. Each distinct good or service must be accounted for separately.

The third step involves determining the transaction price, which is the amount of consideration the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for transferring the promised goods or services. This step includes estimating the impact of variable considerations, such as discounts, rebates, and performance bonuses, and adjusting for the time value of money if there is a significant financing component.

Following this, the transaction price must be allocated to the performance obligations in the contract. This allocation is generally based on the standalone selling prices of each distinct good or service. If standalone selling prices are not directly observable, the entity must estimate them, considering all available information.

Finally, revenue is recognized when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation by transferring the promised good or service to the customer. Transfer occurs when the customer gains control of the good or service, which can happen either over time or at a point in time, depending on the nature of the performance obligation.

IFRS 15 requires extensive disclosures to provide users of financial statements with detailed information about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative information about contracts with customers, significant judgments, and changes in judgments used in applying the standard to those contracts.

In summary, IFRS 15 provides a robust framework for revenue recognition that emphasizes the transfer of control of goods and services to customers at amounts reflecting expected consideration. It enhances the consistency, comparability, and transparency of financial statements across industries and geographical boundaries, ensuring that revenue is recognized in a manner that faithfully represents the underlying economic activities.