Objective
IFRS 2 prescribes how companies should measure and recognize share-based payments, including:
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Equity-settled payments (shares, share options)
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Cash-settled payments (share appreciation rights)
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Transactions with employees or suppliers paid using shares or share-linked instruments
The goal is to ensure these transactions are recorded at fair value and matched with the period when employees render the service.
🧾 1. Types of Share-Based Payments
A. Equity-Settled Share-Based Payments
Employees receive shares or share options.
B. Cash-Settled Share-Based Payments
Employees receive cash, based on the value of shares (e.g., Share Appreciation Rights — SARs).
C. Share-Based Payments with Choice of Settlement
Either cash or equity, depending on terms.
🧩 2. Recognition Principle
Recognize:
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Expense for the services received
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Increase in equity (for equity-settled)
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Liability (for cash-settled)
Recognition period = vesting period
(period employees must work before earning the shares)
🎯 3. Measurement
A. Equity-Settled Transactions
Measure at grant date fair value of equity instruments.
Expense is recognized over the vesting period.
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Market conditions (share price target) → included in FV
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Non-market conditions (service, profit targets) → affect vesting estimation, not FV
✔ Example 1 – Equity-Settled Share Options (Typical Case)
Company grants 1,000 share options to employees.
Fair value of each option at grant date = $5
Vesting period = 3 years
Calculation:
Total FV = 1,000 × $5 = $5,000
Annual expense = $5,000 / 3 = $1,667 per year
Journal Entry (each year):
If some employees leave → revise estimate.
B. Cash-Settled Transactions (Share Appreciation Rights – SARs)
Measure the liability at fair value:
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Recalculate FV at each reporting date
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Recognize changes in profit or loss
✔ Example 2 – Cash-Settled SARs
Company grants 500 SARs.
FV at:
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Year 1 = $4
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Year 2 = $6
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Vesting = 2 years
Year 1 Liability:
500 × 4 × (1/2 vesting) = $1,000
Year 2 Liability:
500 × 6 = $3,000
Increase from Year 1 = 3,000 – 1,000 = $2,000
C. Transactions with Choice of Settlement
Split between equity component + liability component depending on the substance.
🔁 4. Vesting Conditions
(A) Service Conditions
Employee must stay for a certain time
→ Affects vesting estimate, not FV.
(B) Performance Conditions
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Market (e.g., share price > $50): included in FV
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Non-market (e.g., sales > $10M): adjust number expected to vest
🧮 5. Modifications, Cancellations, and Settlements
Modifications (increase fair value)
→ Recognize additional expense immediately.
Cancellation
Treat as accelerated vesting.
Recognize remaining expense immediately.
📘 6. Share-Based Payments to Non-Employees
If company pays vendors/suppliers in shares:
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Measure at fair value of goods/services, unless FV cannot be measured → use FV of equity instruments.
Example:
Legal services worth $20,000 paid with shares
📊 7. Disclosure Requirements
Companies must disclose:
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Nature and details of schemes
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Number of shares/options granted
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Fair value methods used
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Effect on profit and equity
📌 8. Summary Table
| Share-Based Payment Type | Measurement | Recognized As |
|---|---|---|
| Equity-settled | FV at grant date, no remeasurement | Expense + Equity |
| Cash-settled | FV remeasured each period | Expense + Liability |
| Choice of settlement | Split between components | Equity + Liability |
| Non-employee | FV of goods/services | Expense + Equity |
🎯 Key Takeaways
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Equity-settled: measure at grant date, recognize over vesting period
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Cash-settled: remeasure every year, record in liability
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Vesting conditions determine expense timing, not FV
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IFRS 2 ensures fair and transparent reporting of share-based compensation