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Share-Based Payment — ASC 718 vs IFRS 2

Both ASC 718 (US GAAP) and IFRS 2 (IFRS) measure equity-settled awards at grant-date fair value and expense over the vesting period. The differences are in forfeitures, attribution, and deferred tax.

US GAAP vs IFRS 2 — the differences that matter

Section titled “US GAAP vs IFRS 2 — the differences that matter”
AreaUS GAAP (ASC 718)IFRS (IFRS 2)
ForfeituresEstimate, or recognize as they occur (policy election)Must estimate
Graded vestingPolicy choice (straight-line or accelerated) for service conditionsAccelerated (each tranche treated separately)
Deferred taxBased on cumulative book expenseRemeasured on intrinsic value each period
  • Fair value model and inputs (volatility, expected term).
  • Vesting conditions — service, performance, market.
  • Modifications, cancellations, and cash-settled (liability) awards.
  • SAP implementation: SAP HCM / payroll — expense accrual over the vesting period — write-up forthcoming under SAP & Enterprise Systems.

An educational reference and original synthesis — not investment advice, and not a substitute for the standard or for professional accounting guidance. For authoritative measurement detail, consult ASC 718 / IFRS 2 directly.