For Year 8, with ownership in excess of 50% (indeed, 100%), Francisco’s financial
statements would be consolidated with those of Potter. The purchase method is the
only available choice under current GAAP. Under this method, all assets and
liabilities for Francisco are restated to fair market value. To do this, one must know
fair market values. Also, information about off-balance sheet items (such as
identifiable intangibles) that may need to be recognized must be obtained. Due to
these implications to asset and liability values in applying purchase accounting,
knowing that the initial purchase price is in excess of the book value of the acquired
company’s net assets does not necessarily indicate that goodwill is recorded