To determine whether an asset is impaired, on an annual basis, companies review the asset for indicators of impairment—that is, a decline in the asset’s cash-generating ability through use or sale. If impairment indicators are present, then the company compares the asset’s recoverable amount with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount is higher than the recoverable amount, the difference is an impairment loss. Recoverable amount is defined as the higher of fair value less costs to sell or value-in-use.