Question 2 Intangible Assets

External disclosure of information on intangibles is useful only insofar as it is understood and is relevant to investors. It appears that investors are increasingly interested in and understand disclosures relating to intangibles. A concern is that, due to the nature of disclosure requirements of IFRSs/ AASBs, investors may feel that the information disclosed has limited usefulness, thereby making comparisons between companies difficult. Many companies spend a huge amount of capital on intangible investment, which is mainly developed within the company, and thus may not be reported. Often, it is not obvious that intangibles can be valued or even separately identified for accounting purposes.

Required:

Discuss the potential issues which investors may have with:

1. i. Accounting for different types of intangible asset acquired in a business combination
2. ii. The choice of accounting policy of cost or revaluation models, allowed under AASB 138/ IAS 38 Intangible assets for intangibles assets; and
3. iii. The capitalisation of development expenditure