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Fair value of a share-based payment (IFRS 2)

IFRS 2 specifies what is measured and when for share-based payment transactions; the applicable requirements depend on the transaction and whether it is equity-settled or cash-settled. An option’s intrinsic value is the excess of the underlying share price over the exercise price, if positive; it does not generally capture time value and is not automatically the option’s fair value. IFRS 2 has its own measurement requirements; the IFRS 13 exit-price definition is not automatically substituted.

Worked example

A share option has a current underlying share price of $24 and an exercise price of $18. Its intrinsic value is $6. Its fair value may differ because a valuation model can reflect other relevant assumptions and features.

Common mistake

Treating the $6 intrinsic value as the automatically correct IFRS 2 grant-date fair value.

Where it appears in your exams

QualificationExamRelationshipPeriod
ACCA SBR Supporting September 2026–June 2027