What must be true for a decommissioning provision to be recognized?

For a decommissioning provision to be recognized, the company must have a present obligation. This means that the company has a legal or constructive obligation to dismantle, remove, or restore an asset at the end of its useful life. Such obligations often arise from regulatory requirements or commitments made by the entity. Recognizing this provision aligns with the principle of accrual accounting, where liabilities are recorded when they are incurred, regardless of when payment occurs.

Additionally, having a present obligation ensures that the company's financial statements accurately reflect its future financial commitments. Notably, the other options, such as third-party guarantees, the depreciation status of the asset, or the availability of cash, do not establish a basis for recognizing the decommissioning provision. The recognition hinges solely on the existence of an obligation faced by the company, making it essential in assessing future costs related to asset decommissioning.