Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The valuation of intangible assets-resources that lack physical substance-presents unique challenges to accounting professionals tasked with determining fair value while remaining within the boundaries of complex rules and industry practices. Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets offers authoritative guidance on recognizing, measuring, and amortizing such assets; analyzing impairments; presenting financial statements; and identifying tax ramifications.
Goodwill-arising from the acquisition of one or more entities in a business combination-is one of many types of intangible assets, the majority falling into one of four categories: marketing-related, artistic-related, contract-based, and technology-based intangibles. Valuation of these assets can prove difficult, lacking the market quotes and transactional history of routinely traded assets. This book covers both everyday and uncommon scenarios, including principles of finite intangible asset identification and multiple impairment testing methods, to provide a practical reference with real-world relevance. By applying effective methodology to difficult intangible asset valuations, the authors provide key guidance for complex situations.
Covering the latest FASB, U.S. GAAP, and IFRS standards, including special exceptions, this invaluable resource:
- Provides a practical framework for identifying and applying rules for intangible asset valuation in business combinations and entity acquisitions
- Illustrates the effective application of valuation methods for self-created and acquired intangible assets
- Demonstrates techniques for determining useful lives of intangible assets, and amortizing assets with finite useful lives
- Offers practical insights into impairment testing, financial disclosure reporting, amortization expenses, and tax consequences
The need for business entities to recognize intangible assets is a necessary aspect of contemporary financial accounting. By clarifying complex standards and demonstrating up-to-date methods, this book eases the valuation process and gives accounting professionals an invaluable resource for handling this challenging asset class appropriately.