Economic Event and Accounting Disclosure
In 2001, publicly traded companies in the United States were required
to implement the new standard mentioned previously in the literature
review. During the first 6 months of the adoption of SFAS 142,
Huefner and Largay (2004) determined that companies that adopted
the accounting method under SFAS 142 included GE, Kraft, and AOL
Time Warner, and the economic event under SFAS 142 illustrated two
major accounting changes:
1. Amortization of all goodwill ceased, regardless of when it
originated. Goodwill is now carried as an asset without
reduction for periodic amortization.
2. Companies are to assess goodwill for impairment at least annually.
If goodwill is impaired, its carrying amount is reduced and an
impairment loss is recognized. (p. 30)