top of page

Impairment: Cash Generating Units

Updated: Sep 1, 2019


A Cash Generating Unit (CGU) is defined as the smallest identifiable group of assets that are able to generate cash inflows. Additionally, CGUs are mostly independent of cash inflows generated by other assets in other Cash Generating Units. Identifying the different CGUs and their cash flows will enable us to test for impairment. Examples of CGUs include: an individual factory, a shop (from a chain of stores), etc…


When calculating the carrying amount of an CGU we must:

  • Include all the assets that can be directly attributed to the cash flows

  • Exclude liabilities, unless the recoverable amount cannot be determined without the liability. For example, if there are disposal obligations, then these should be included.

  • Goodwill should be allocated to all individual CGUs that benefit from this goodwill

  • Assets that serve more than one CGU (like head offices), should only be allocated to the CGUs to which they relate.


Help improve this article

If you have feedback or questions, please leave a comment in the section below.

Sign Up!

Click our Sign Up button (top of page) to receive updates, additional exam prep information and to connect with our community.



2,731 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Analyzing Financial Issues

When analyzing financial case studies, always break them down into smaller issues, which can then be addressed individually. If you are...

Comentários


bottom of page