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Understanding Variable Consideration in IFRS 15: How to Navigate Revenue Recognition for Uncertain Transactions
IFRS 15 deals with the application of the variable consideration constraint. Which one of the following statements is reasonable? Prescriptions for You Ltd. is developing a new prescription medication on behalf of the Utopian government. 40% of Prescriptions for You Ltd.’s consideration is dependent on regulatory approval of the new prescription medication. Prescriptions for You's qualified accountant determines that given the medication is being produced specifically for the Utopian government no constraint of the variable consideration is necessary. L.A.M. Inc. are entitled to a performance bonus of up to MU100,000 if performance targets are met. The expected value is MU70,000. After considering all the facts and circumstances it is determined that MU60,000 is the amount that is highly probable that will not reverse once the uncertainty is resolved. Therefore, MU60,000 is included in the transaction price at the inception of the contract. Lawyer Up Inc. are engaged to prosecute the Dystopian government for commissioning the spraying of chemicals over 10,000 hectares of crops which has led to the contamination of the water ways. 60% of Lawyer Up Inc.’s fees are based on the positive outcome of the case. Given the significant uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the case, the estimate of variable consideration must be constrained to zero.

The statement that is reasonable is: "L.A.M. Inc. are entitled to a performance bonus of up to MU100,000 if performance targets are met. The expected value is MU70,000. After considering all the facts and circumstances, it is determined that MU60,000 is the amount that is highly probable that will not reverse once the uncertainty is resolved. Therefore, MU60,000 is included in the transaction price at the inception of the contract."

According to IFRS 15, the standard on revenue recognition, variable consideration arises when there is a contractually specified amount that may vary depending on the occurrence or non-occurrence of a specific future event. When estimating the transaction price, an entity shall include in the transaction price only that amount of variable consideration to which it is highly probable that a significant reversal will not occur when the uncertainty that caused the variability is subsequently resolved.

In the first scenario, involving Prescriptions for You Ltd., the accountant's conclusion that no constraint is necessary might not be appropriate, as there is still uncertainty around the regulatory approval, which could potentially impact the consideration.

In the case of Lawyer Up Inc., constraining the variable consideration to zero might be too conservative, especially if there is some likelihood of a positive outcome, even though the uncertainty is high. The appropriate amount to constraint would depend on the specifics of the case and the assessment of the evidence supporting the probability of success.

In contrast, L.A.M. Inc.'s situation demonstrates a proper application of the variable consideration constraint under IFRS 15. By determining the expected value of the performance bonus and applying a constraint to include only the amount that is highly probable not to reverse, the company is adhering to the principle of recognizing revenue when the amount and timing of that revenue is sufficiently certain.