a wireless technology firm, observed in its recent annual report:
We have determined that our reporting units as of fiscal 2013 are COG, MPG and CSG for purposes of allocating and testing goodwill. In evaluating our reporting units, we first consider our operating segments and related components in accordance with FASB guidance. Goodwill is allocated to our reporting units that are anticipated to benefit from the synergies of the business combinations generating the underlying goodwill.
Thus, all goodwill impairment testing is performed at the reporting unit level, rather than collectively at the combined entity level. Separate testing of goodwill within individual reporting units also prevents the masking of goodwill impairment in one reporting unit with contemporaneous increases in the value of goodwill in other reporting units.
Qualitative Assessment Option
Because goodwill impairment tests require firms to calculate fair values for their reporting units each year, such a comprehensive measurement exercise can be costly . To help reduce costs, FASB ASC Topic 305 allows an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether more rigorous testing for goodwill impairment is needed. The qualitative approach assesses the likelihood that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent.
In assessing whether a reporting unit's fair value exceeds its carrying amount, a firm must examine all relevant facts and circumstances, including
-Macroeconomic conditions such as a deterioration in general economic condition, limitations on accessing capital, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, or other developments in equity and credit markets.
-Industry and market considerations such as a deterioration in the environment in which an entity operates, an increased competitive environment, a decline(both absolute and relative to its peers) in market-dependent multiples or metrics, a change in the market for an entity's products or services, or a regulatory or political development.
-Cost factors such as increases in raw materials, labor, or other costs that have a negative effect on earnings.
-Overall financial performance such as negative or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or planned revenue or earnings.
-Other relevant entity-specific events such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, or customers; contemplation of bankruptcy; or litigation.
-Events affecting a reporting unit such as a change in the carrying amount of its net assets, a more-likely-than-not expectation of selling or disposing 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.
-If applicable, a sustained decrease (both absolute and relative to its peers) in share price. (FASB ASC Para. 350-20-35-3C)
The underlying rationale for comparing a reporting unit's fair value and carrying amount is as follows. If a reporting unit's fair value is deemed greater than its carrying amount, then its collective net assets are maintaining their value. It then can be argued that a decline in any particular asset (i.e., goodwill) within the reporting unit is also unlikely and no further impairment tests are necessary. On the other hand, if the relevant facts and circumstances listed above suggest that a reporting unit's fair value is likely less than its carrying amount, then more rigorous testing for goodwill impairment is appropriate. As shown in Exhibit 3.16, a qualitative assessment of a sufficient fair value for a reporting unit circumvents further goodwill impairment testing.
The FASB ASC (paragraph 350-20-35-28) requires an entity to assess its goodwill for impairment annually for each of its reporting units where goodwill resides. Moreover, more frequent impairment assessment is required if events or circumstances change that make it more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value has fallen below its carrying amount.