Abstract
Translate Abstract
In business combinations, the value of goodwill represents the sum of all contributing factors and elements, and once the cost of purchased goodwill has been determined, the problem of accounting for it becomes paramount. There are 3 ideas which need to be evaluated when assessing the accounting treatment of goodwill: 1. recognition of goodwill as an asset, 2. recognition of goodwill in stockholders' equity, and 3. amortization of goodwill. Analysis of these 3 ideas indicates that goodwill should not be recorded as an asset because it is based on excess future earnings, realization of which is not highly probable. Goodwill should be recorded as a reduction in stockholders' equity, since the excess payment is a distribution of stockholders' equity to obtain additional earnings. Goodwill should not be amortized because it: 1. has an indeterminate life, 2. is not consumed or utilized, and 3. may be increasing in value.