Step 1: Is the Carrying Amount of a Reporting Unit More Than Its Fair Value?
In the first step of impairment testing, the consolidated entity calculates fair values for each of its reporting units with allocated goodwill. Each reporting unit's fair value is then compared with its carrying amount (including goodwill). If an individual reporting unit's fair value exceeds its carrying amount, its goodwill is not considered impaired, and the second step in testing is not performed-goodwill remains at its current carrying amount. However, if the fair value of a reporting unit has fallen below its carrying amount, a potential for goodwill impairment exists. In this case, a second step must be performed to determine whether goodwill has been impaired and to measure the amount of impairment.
Step 2: Is Goodwill's Implied Value Less Than Its Carrying Amount?
If Step 1 indicates potential goodwill impairment, Step 2 then compares the fair value of goodwill to its carrying amount. Because, by definition, goodwill is not separable from other assets, it is not possible to directly observe its fair value. Therefore, an implied fair value for goodwill is calculated in a similar manner to the determination of goodwill in a business combination. As stated in the FASB ASC (Para. 350-20-35-14):
The implied fair value of goodwill shall be determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination...That is, an entity shall assign the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination...
The current fair value of the reporting unit is allocated across that unit's identifiable assets and liabilities with any remaining excess considered as the implied value of goodwill. If the implied value of goodwill is less than its carrying amount, impairment has occurred and a loss is recognized. The loss equals the excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over its implied fair value.
illustration-Accounting and Reporting for a Goodwill impairment Loss
To illustrate the testing procedures for goodwill impairment, assume that on January 1, 2014, investors form Newcall Corporation to consolidate the telecommunications operations of DSM, Inc., and Vision Talk Company in a deal valued at $2.2 billion. Newcall organizes each former firm as an operating segment. Additionally, DSM comprises two divisions-DSM Wired and DSM Wireless-that along with Vision Talk are treated as independent reporting units for internal performance evaluation and management reviews. Newcall recognizes $215 million as goodwill at the merger date and allocates this entire amount to its reporting units. That information and each reporting unit's acquisition-date fair values are as follows: