{"schema_version":2,"canonical_url":"https://asc.understandingaccounting.org/asc/350/20/#35-subsequent-measurement","source":"FASB Accounting Standards Codification, Basic View","usage":"Study and research edition. Verify current requirements with the official source. Summaries, enrichment, and tags are machine-generated study aids. Paragraph html preserves source markup; snippet is abbreviated. Pending content is not necessarily effective.","topic":"350","topic_title":"Intangibles—Goodwill and Other","subtopic":"350-20","subtopic_title":"Goodwill","section":{"number":"35","label":"35 Subsequent Measurement","anchor":"35-subsequent-measurement","is_sec":false,"groups":[{"block":null,"heading":"Overall Accounting for Goodwill","paragraphs":[{"citation":"350-20-35-1","para":"35-1","html":"Goodwill shall not be amortized. Instead, goodwill shall be tested at least annually for impairment at a level of reporting referred to as a reporting unit. (Paragraphs provide guidance on determining reporting units.) Impairment of goodwill is the condition that exists when the carrying amount of a reporting unit that includes goodwill exceeds its fair value. A goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. However, an entity shall consider the related income tax effect from any tax deductible goodwill, if applicable, in accordance with paragraph 350-20-35-8B when measuring the goodwill impairment loss. An entity may first assess qualitative factors, as described in paragraphs , to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test discussed in paragraphs . If determined to be necessary, the quantitative impairment test shall be used to identify goodwill impairment and measure the amount of a goodwill impairment loss to be recognized (if any). An entity may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill.
An entity has an unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment described in the preceding paragraph for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period.
In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, an entity shall assess relevant events and circumstances. Examples of such events and circumstances include the following: - a
Macroeconomic conditions such as a deterioration in general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, or other developments in equity and credit markets
- b
Industry and market considerations such as a deterioration in the environment in which an entity operates, an increased competitive environment, a decline in market-dependent multiples or metrics (consider in both absolute terms and relative to peers), a change in the market for an entity's products or services, or a regulatory or political development
- c
Cost factors such as increases in raw materials, labor, or other costs that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows
- d
Overall financial performance such as negative or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or planned revenue or earnings compared with actual and projected results of relevant prior periods
- e
Other relevant entity-specific events such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, or customers; contemplation of bankruptcy; or litigation
- f
Events affecting a reporting unit such as a change in the composition or carrying amount of its net assets, a more-likely-than-not expectation of selling or disposing of all, or a portion, of a reporting unit, the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit, or recognition of a goodwill impairment loss in the financial statements of a subsidiary that is a component of a reporting unit
- g
If applicable, a sustained decrease in share price (consider in both absolute terms and relative to peers).
If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances such as those described in the preceding paragraph, an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the quantitative goodwill impairment test is unnecessary.
If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances such as those described in paragraph 350-20-35-3C(a) through (g), an entity determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the entity shall perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The examples included in paragraph 350-20-35-3C(a) through (g) are not all-inclusive, and an entity shall consider other relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value or carrying amount of a reporting unit in determining whether to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity shall consider the extent to which each of the adverse events and circumstances identified could affect the comparison of a reporting unit's fair value with its carrying amount. An entity should place more weight on the events and circumstances that most affect a reporting unit's fair value or the carrying amount of its net assets. An entity also should consider positive and mitigating events and circumstances that may affect its determination of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity has a recent fair value calculation for a reporting unit, it also should include as a factor in its consideration the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount in reaching its conclusion about whether to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity shall evaluate, on the basis of the weight of evidence, the significance of all identified events and circumstances in the context of determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. None of the individual examples of events and circumstances included in paragraph 350-20-35-3C(a) through (g) are intended to represent standalone events or circumstances that necessarily require an entity to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Also, the existence of positive and mitigating events and circumstances is not intended to represent a rebuttable presumption that an entity should not perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative goodwill impairment test, used to identify both the existence of impairment and the amount of impairment loss, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill.
The guidance in paragraphs shall be considered in determining the fair value of a reporting unit. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired.
In determining the carrying amount of a reporting unit, deferred income taxes shall be included in the carrying amount of the reporting unit, regardless of whether the fair value of the reporting unit will be determined assuming it would be bought or sold in a taxable or nontaxable transaction.
If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity shall consider the income tax effect from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit, if applicable, in accordance with paragraph 350-20-35-8B when measuring the goodwill impairment loss. If a reporting unit has tax deductible goodwill, recognizing a goodwill impairment loss may cause a change in deferred taxes that results in the carrying amount of the reporting unit immediately exceeding its fair value upon recognition of the loss. In those circumstances, the entity shall calculate the impairment loss and associated deferred tax effect in a manner similar to that used in a business combination in accordance with the guidance in paragraphs . The total loss recognized shall not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. See Example 2A in paragraphs for an illustration of the calculation. After a goodwill impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of goodwill shall be its new accounting basis.
Subsequent reversal of a previously recognized goodwill impairment loss is prohibited once the measurement of that loss is recognized.
The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value and shall be used as the basis for the measurement, if available. However, the market price of an individual equity security (and thus the market capitalization of a reporting unit with publicly traded equity securities) may not be representative of the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole.
Substantial value may arise from the ability to take advantage of synergies and other benefits that flow from control over another entity. Consequently, measuring the fair value of a collection of assets and liabilities that operate together in a controlled entity is different from measuring the fair value of that entity's individual equity securities. An acquiring entity often is willing to pay more for equity securities that give it a controlling interest than an investor would pay for a number of equity securities representing less than a controlling interest. That control premium may cause the fair value of a reporting unit to exceed its market capitalization. The quoted market price of an individual equity security, therefore, need not be the sole measurement basis of the fair value of a reporting unit.
In estimating the fair value of a reporting unit, a valuation technique based on multiples of earnings or revenue or a similar performance measure may be used if that technique is consistent with the objective of measuring fair value. Use of multiples of earnings or revenue in determining the fair value of a reporting unit may be appropriate, for example, when the fair value of an entity that has comparable operations and economic characteristics is observable and the relevant multiples of the comparable entity are known. Conversely, use of multiples would not be appropriate in situations in which the operations or activities of an entity for which the multiples are known are not of a comparable nature, scope, or size as the reporting unit for which fair value is being estimated.
Before estimating the fair value of a reporting unit, an entity shall determine whether that estimation should be based on an assumption that the reporting unit could be bought or sold in a nontaxable transaction or a taxable transaction. Making that determination is a matter of judgment that depends on the relevant facts and circumstances and must be evaluated carefully on a case-by-case basis (see Example 1 [paragraphs ]). In making that determination, an entity shall consider all of the following: - a
Whether the assumption is consistent with those that marketplace participants would incorporate into their estimates of fair value
- b
The feasibility of the assumed structure
- c
Whether the assumed structure results in the highest and best use and would provide maximum value to the seller for the reporting unit, including consideration of related tax implications.
In determining the feasibility of a nontaxable transaction, an entity shall consider, among other factors, both of the following: - a
Whether the reporting unit could be sold in a nontaxable transaction
- b
Whether there are any income tax laws and regulations or other corporate governance requirements that could limit an entity's ability to treat a sale of the unit as a nontaxable transaction.
Goodwill of a reporting unit shall be tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests in certain circumstances (see paragraph 350-20-35-30). The annual goodwill impairment test may be performed any time during the fiscal year provided the test is performed at the same time every year. Different reporting units may be tested for impairment at different times. Goodwill of a reporting unit shall be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Paragraph 350-20-35-3C(a) through (g)includes examples of such events and circumstances. Paragraphs describe the process for making these evaluations.- a
- b
- c
- d
- e
- f
- g
If goodwill and another asset (or asset group) of a reporting unit are tested for impairment at the same time, the other asset (or asset group) shall be tested for impairment before goodwill. For example, if a significant asset group is to be tested for impairment under the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets Subsections of Subtopic 360-10 (thus potentially requiring a goodwill impairment test), the impairment test for the significant asset group would be performed before the goodwill impairment test. If the asset group was impaired, the impairment loss would be recognized prior to goodwill being tested for impairment. This requirement applies to all assets that are tested for impairment, not just those included in the scope of the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets Subsections of Subtopic 360-10. The provisions of Topic 280 shall be used to determine the reporting units of an entity. A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business or a nonprofit activity for which discrete financial information is available and segment management, as that term is defined in paragraph 280-10-50-7, regularly reviews the operating results of that component. Subtopic 805-10 includes guidance on determining whether an asset group constitutes a business. Throughout the remainder of this Section, the term
business also includes a
nonprofit activity.
However, two or more components of an operating segment shall be aggregated and deemed a single reporting unit if the components have similar economic characteristics. Paragraph 280-10-50-11 shall be considered in determining if the components of an operating segment have similar economic characteristics. An operating segment shall be deemed to be a reporting unit if all of its components are similar, if none of its components is a reporting unit, or if it comprises only a single component.
Reporting units will vary depending on the level at which performance of the segment is reviewed, how many businesses the operating segment includes, and the similarity of those businesses. In other words, a reporting unit could be the same as an operating segment, which could be the same as a reportable segment, which could be the same as the entity as a whole (entity level).
An entity that is not required to report segment information in accordance with Topic 280 is nonetheless required to test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level. That entity shall use the guidance in paragraphs to determine its operating segments for purposes of determining its reporting units. For the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment, acquired assets and assumed liabilities shall be assigned to a reporting unit as of the acquisition date if both of the following criteria are met: - a
The asset will be employed in or the liability relates to the operations of a reporting unit.
- b
The asset or liability will be considered in determining the fair value of the reporting unit.
Assets or liabilities that an entity considers part of its corporate assets or liabilities shall also be assigned to a reporting unit if both of the preceding criteria are met. Examples of corporate items that may meet those criteria and therefore would be assigned to a reporting unit are environmental liabilities that relate to an existing operating facility of the reporting unit and a pension obligation that would be included in the determination of the fair value of the reporting unit. This provision applies to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination and to those acquired or assumed individually or with a group of other assets. Foreign currency translation adjustments should not be allocated to a reporting unit from an entity's accumulated other comprehensive income. The reporting unit's carrying amount should include only the currently translated balances of the assets and liabilities assigned to the reporting unit.
Some assets or liabilities may be employed in or relate to the operations of multiple reporting units. The methodology used to determine the amount of those assets or liabilities to assign to a reporting unit shall be reasonable and supportable and shall be applied in a consistent manner. For example, assets and liabilities not directly related to a specific reporting unit, but from which the reporting unit benefits, could be assigned according to the benefit received by the different reporting units (or based on the relative fair values of the different reporting units). In the case of pension items, for example, a pro rata assignment based on payroll expense might be used. A reasonable allocation method may be very general. For use in making those assignments, the basis for and method of determining the fair value of the acquiree and other related factors (such as the underlying reasons for the acquisition and management's expectations related to dilution, synergies, and other financial measurements) shall be documented at the acquisition date.
For the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment, all goodwill acquired in a business combination or recognized by a joint venture upon formation shall be assigned to one or more reporting units as of the acquisition date or the joint venture formation date. Goodwill shall be assigned to reporting units of the acquiring entity that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination even though other assets or liabilities of the acquired entity may not be assigned to that reporting unit. The total amount of acquired goodwill may be divided among a number of reporting units. The methodology used to determine the amount of goodwill to assign to a reporting unit shall be reasonable and supportable and shall be applied in a consistent manner. In addition, that methodology shall be consistent with the objectives of the process of assigning goodwill to reporting units described in paragraphs . In concept, the amount of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit would be determined in a manner similar to how the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined. That is: - a
An entity would determine the fair value of the acquired business (or portion thereof) to be included in a reporting unit—the fair value of the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed that are assigned to the reporting unit. Subtopic 805-20 provides guidance on assigning the fair value of the acquiree to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. - b
Any excess of the fair value of the acquired business (or portion thereof) over the fair value of the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed that are assigned to the reporting unit is the amount of goodwill assigned to that reporting unit.
- c
If goodwill is to be assigned to a reporting unit that has not been assigned any of the assets acquired or liabilities assumed in that acquisition, the amount of goodwill to be assigned to that unit might be determined by applying a with-and-without computation. That is, the difference between the fair value of that reporting unit before the acquisition and its fair value after the acquisition represents the amount of goodwill to be assigned to that reporting unit.
This Subtopic does not require that goodwill and all other related assets and liabilities assigned to reporting units for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment be reflected in the entity's reported segments. However, even though an asset may not be included in reported segment assets, the asset (or liability) shall be allocated to a reporting unit for purposes of testing for impairment if it meets the criteria in paragraph 350-20-35-39. When an entity reorganizes its reporting structure in a manner that changes the composition of one or more of its reporting units, the guidance in paragraphs shall be used to reassign assets and liabilities to the reporting units affected. However, goodwill shall be reassigned to the reporting units affected using a relative fair value allocation approach similar to that used when a portion of a reporting unit is to be disposed of (see paragraphs ). For example, if existing reporting unit A is to be integrated with reporting units B, C, and D, goodwill in reporting unit A would be assigned to units B, C, and D based on the relative fair values of the three portions of reporting unit A prior to those portions being integrated with reporting units B, C, and D.
Subsidiary goodwill might arise from any of the following: - a
Acquisitions that a subsidiary made prior to its being acquired by the parent
- b
Acquisitions that a subsidiary made subsequent to its being acquired by the parent
- c
Goodwill arising from the business combination in which a subsidiary was acquired that the parent pushed down to the subsidiary's financial statements.
All goodwill recognized by a public or nonpublic subsidiary (subsidiary goodwill) in its separate financial statements that are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) shall be accounted for in accordance with this Subtopic. Subsidiary goodwill shall be tested for impairment at the subsidiary level using the subsidiary's reporting units. If a goodwill impairment loss is recognized at the subsidiary level, goodwill of the reporting unit or units (at the higher consolidated level) in which the subsidiary's reporting unit with impaired goodwill resides must be tested for impairment if the event that gave rise to the loss at the subsidiary level would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit (at the higher consolidated level) below its carrying amount (see paragraph 350-20-35-3C(f)). Only if goodwill of that higher-level reporting unit is impaired would a goodwill impairment loss be recognized at the consolidated level. If testing at the consolidated level leads to an impairment loss, that loss shall be recognized at that level separately from the subsidiary's loss.
See paragraphs for guidance on disposal of all or a portion of a reporting unit. If a reporting unit is less than wholly owned, the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole shall be determined in accordance with paragraphs , including any portion attributed to the noncontrolling interest. Any impairment loss measured in the goodwill impairment test shall be attributed to the parent and the noncontrolling interest on a rational basis. If the reporting unit includes only goodwill attributable to the parent, the goodwill impairment loss would be attributed entirely to the parent. However, if the reporting unit includes goodwill attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest, the goodwill impairment loss shall be attributed to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest. If all or a portion of a less-than-wholly-owned reporting unit is disposed of, the gain or loss on disposal shall be attributed to the parent and the noncontrolling interest.
The portion of the difference between the cost of an investment and the amount of underlying equity in net assets of an equity method investee that is recognized as goodwill in accordance with paragraph 323-10-35-13 (equity method goodwill) shall not be amortized. However, equity method goodwill shall not be reviewed for impairment in accordance with this Subtopic. Equity method investments shall continue to be reviewed for impairment in accordance with paragraph 323-10-35-32. Paragraph states that deferred income taxes are not recognized for any portion of goodwill for which amortization is not deductible for income tax purposes. For guidance on recognition of deferred income taxes related to goodwill when amortization of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes, see paragraphs . The following guidance for goodwill applies to entities within the scope of paragraph 350-20-15-4 that elect the accounting alternative for amortizing goodwill. Goodwill relating to each business combination, acquisition by a not-for-profit entity, joint venture formation, or reorganization event resulting in fresh-start reporting (amortizable unit of goodwill) shall be amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years, or less than 10 years if the entity demonstrates that another useful life is more appropriate. An entity may revise the remaining useful life of goodwill upon the occurrence of events and changes in circumstances that warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. However, the cumulative amortization period for any amortizable unit of goodwill cannot exceed 10 years. If the estimate of the remaining useful life of goodwill is revised, the remaining carrying amount of goodwill shall be amortized prospectively on a straight-line basis over that revised remaining useful life.
Upon adoption of this accounting alternative, an entity shall make an accounting policy election to test goodwill for impairment at the entity level or the reporting unit level. An entity that elects to perform its impairment tests at the reporting unit level shall refer to paragraphs and paragraphs to determine the reporting units of an entity. Goodwill of an entity (or a reporting unit) shall be tested for impairment if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the fair value of the entity (or the reporting unit) may be below its carrying amount (a triggering event). Paragraph 350-20-35-3C(a) through (g) includes examples of those events or circumstances. Those examples are not all-inclusive, and an entity shall consider other relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value or carrying amount of the entity (or of a reporting unit) in determining whether to perform the goodwill impairment test. For those entities that have elected the accounting alternative for a goodwill impairment triggering event evaluation in paragraph 350-20-35-84, a goodwill triggering event evaluation shall be performed only as of the end of each reporting period. If an entity determines that there are no triggering events, then further testing is unnecessary. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, an entity may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of the entity (or the reporting unit) is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. Paragraph 350-20-35-3C(a) through (g) includes examples of those qualitative factors. Because the examples included in paragraph 350-20-35-3C(a) through (g) are not all-inclusive, an entity shall consider other relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value or carrying amount of the entity (or of the reporting unit) in determining whether to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity shall consider the extent to which each of the adverse events and circumstances identified could affect the comparison of its fair value with its carrying amount (or of the reporting unit's fair value with the reporting unit's carrying amount). An entity should place more weight on the events and circumstances that most affect its fair value or the carrying amount of its net assets (or the reporting unit's fair value or the carrying amount of the reporting unit's net assets). An entity also should consider positive and mitigating events and circumstances that may affect its determination of whether it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount (or the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit). If an entity has a recent fair value calculation (or recent fair value calculation for the reporting unit), it also should include that calculation as a factor in its consideration of the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount in reaching its conclusion about whether to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity shall evaluate, on the basis of the weight of evidence, the significance of all identified events and circumstances in the context of determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the entity (or the reporting unit) is less than its carrying amount. None of the individual examples of events and circumstances included in paragraph 350-20-35-3C(a) through (g) are intended to represent standalone events or circumstances that necessarily require an entity to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Also, the existence of positive and mitigating events and circumstances is not intended to represent a rebuttable presumption that an entity should not perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity has an unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment described in paragraphs and proceed directly to a quantitative calculation by comparing the entity's (or the reporting unit's) fair value with its carrying amount (see paragraphs ). An entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment upon the occurrence of any subsequent triggering events. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances such as those described in paragraph 350-20-35-3C(a) through (g), an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the entity (or the reporting unit) is less than its carrying amount, further testing is unnecessary. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances such as those described in paragraph 350-20-35-3C(a) through (g), an entity determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the entity (or the reporting unit) is less than its carrying amount or if the entity elected to bypass the qualitative assessment in paragraphs , the entity shall determine the fair value of the entity (or the reporting unit) and compare the fair value of the entity (or the reporting unit) with its carrying amount, including goodwill. A goodwill impairment loss shall be recognized if the carrying amount of the entity (or the reporting unit) exceeds its fair value. A goodwill impairment loss, if any, shall be measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of an entity (or a reporting unit) including goodwill exceeds its fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill of the entity (or allocated to the reporting unit). Additionally, an entity shall consider the income tax effect from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the entity (or the reporting unit), if applicable, in accordance with paragraph 350-20-35-8B when measuring the goodwill impairment loss. See Example 2A in paragraph 350-20-55-23A for an illustration. The guidance in paragraphs shall be considered in determining the fair value of the entity (or the reporting unit). The guidance in paragraphs shall be considered in assigning acquired assets (including goodwill) and assumed liabilities to the reporting unit when determining the carrying amount of a reporting unit. For an entity subject to the requirements of Topic 740 on income taxes, when determining the carrying amount of an entity (or a reporting unit), deferred income taxes shall be included in the carrying amount of an entity (or the reporting unit), regardless of whether the fair value of the entity (or the reporting unit) will be determined assuming it would be bought or sold in a taxable or nontaxable transaction. The goodwill impairment loss, if any, shall be allocated to individual amortizable units of goodwill of the entity (or the reporting unit) on a pro rata basis using their relative carrying amounts or using another reasonable and rational basis.
After a goodwill impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of goodwill shall be its new accounting basis, which shall be amortized over the remaining useful life of goodwill. Subsequent reversal of a previously recognized goodwill impairment loss is prohibited.
If goodwill and another asset (or asset group) of the entity (or the reporting unit) are tested for impairment at the same time, the other asset (or asset group) shall be tested for impairment before goodwill. For example, if a significant asset group is to be tested for impairment under the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets Subsections of Subtopic 360-10 on property, plant, and equipment (thus potentially requiring a goodwill impairment test), the impairment test for the significant asset group would be performed before the goodwill impairment test. If the asset group is impaired, the impairment loss would be recognized prior to goodwill being tested for impairment. The requirement in the preceding paragraph applies to all assets that are tested for impairment, not just those included in the scope of the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets Subsections of Subtopic 360-10. The portion of the difference between the cost of an investment and the amount of underlying equity in net assets of an equity method investee that is recognized as goodwill in accordance with paragraph 323-10-35-13 (equity method goodwill) shall be amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years, or less than 10 years if the entity demonstrates that another useful life is more appropriate. However, equity method goodwill shall not be reviewed for impairment in accordance with this Subtopic. Equity method investments shall continue to be reviewed for impairment in accordance with paragraph 323-10-35-32. The following guidance for goodwill applies to entities within the scope of paragraph 350-20-15-4A that elect the accounting alternative for a goodwill impairment triggering event evaluation. An entity may elect to perform its goodwill impairment triggering event evaluation only as of the end of each reporting period, whether the reporting period is an interim or annual period. That is, the entity would not evaluate goodwill impairment triggering events and measure any related impairment during the reporting period. An entity electing the accounting alternative shall assess whether events or circumstances have occurred that would require an entity to test goodwill for impairment as follows:- a
For an entity that has elected the accounting alternative for amortizing goodwill, the entity's evaluation of a triggering event, as described in paragraph 350-20-35-66, shall be performed only as of each reporting date. - b
For an entity that has not elected the accounting alternative for amortizing goodwill:
- 1
If the entity performs its annual goodwill impairment test as of the end of the reporting period, the entity shall not evaluate its goodwill for impairment during the reporting period as described in paragraph 350-20-35-30. - 2
If the entity performs its annual goodwill impairment test on a date other than the end of the reporting period (in accordance with paragraph 350-20-35-28), the entity's evaluation of impairment between annual goodwill impairment tests (as described in paragraph 350-20-35-30) shall be performed only as of the end of a reporting period.
An entity electing this accounting alternative shall apply it only to goodwill evaluated in accordance with this Subtopic. This accounting alternative does not change the following:- a
The requirement to assess other assets for impairment (for example, long-lived assets and indefinite-lived intangibles) under existing guidance. If the impairment test related to other assets would have resulted in a goodwill impairment triggering event, an entity electing this accounting alternative should consider the results of an impairment test related to other assets in connection with its goodwill impairment test only as of its annual goodwill impairment testing date and the reporting date, whether that date is an interim or annual reporting date, as applicable.
- b
The requirements to test the remaining goodwill for impairment if only a portion of goodwill is allocated to a business or nonprofit activity to be disposed of in accordance with paragraph 350-20-40-7.
An entity shall not apply this guidance retroactively to interim periods for which annual financial statements have already been issued.