Fair value measurement and pandemics
The context
The virus has significantly impacted the world economy. Many countries have imposed travel bans on millions of people and more people in more locations are subject to quarantine measures. Businesses are dealing with lost revenue and disrupted supply chains. While some countries have started to ease the lockdown, the relaxation has been gradual and, as a result of the disruption to businesses, millions of workers have lost their jobs. The pandemic has also resulted in significant volatility in the financial and commodities markets worldwide. Various governments have announced measures to provide both financial and non-financial assistance to the disrupted industry sectors and the affected business organisations.
The issues discussed are by no means exhaustive and their applicability depends on the facts and circumstances of each entity.
Fair value measurement and pandemics
The objective of fair value measurement is to estimate the price at which an orderly transaction to sell an asset or to transfer a liability would take place between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions (i.e., to estimate an exit price). The impact on fair value measurement (FVM) arising from the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing economic and market disruptions varies across countries, markets and industries.