Interestingly, this process also works the other way around, where stock price declines can trigger the need for an impairment test of goodwill. This is mainly because in goodwill testing for impairment, market capitalization of the company is relevant and decreases with a fall in share prices.
The Bottom Line
Investors react differently to every situation. No strong or clear-cut evidence links goodwill to stock price movement. But in general, news of an acquisition, which means expansion for a company, tends to boost stock prices. Conditions that show loss of goodwill tend to act as a dampener. The “visible reaction” of investors to such announcements is usually short-lived, and the “real impact” is seen over a period of time. Overall, it is best to conclude that investors tend to look at companies beyond the “goodwill factor” and focus on cash flows, revenue generation and dividends.