GOODWILL
Changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment for the years ended August 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
(in thousands)AmericasEMEAAsia PacificTotal
Balance at August 31, 2022$686,412 $277,087 $2,349 $965,848 
Acquisitions18,347 — — 18,347 
Foreign currency translations— 20,647 (106)20,541 
Balance at August 31, 2023$704,759 $297,734 $2,243 $1,004,736 
Acquisitions(305)— — (305)
Foreign currency translations— 6,708 (10)6,698 
Balance at August 31, 2024$704,454 $304,442 $2,233 $1,011,129 
We performed our annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 and 2023. During fiscal 2024, we utilized a qualitative analysis and concluded there was no impairment as it was more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units was not less than its respective carrying value. During fiscal 2023, we utilized a quantitative analysis, electing to bypass the optional qualitative assessment, and concluded there was no impairment as the fair value of each of our reporting units exceeded its carrying value.

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2024Oct 29, 2024Showing above
2023Oct 27, 2023
2022Oct 21, 2022
2021Oct 22, 2021
2020Oct 29, 2020
2019Oct 30, 2019
2018Oct 30, 2018
2017Oct 30, 2017
2016Oct 31, 2016
2015Nov 2, 2015

About Goodwill & Intangibles Disclosures

Goodwill and intangible asset disclosures reveal the premium paid in acquisitions and how management assesses whether that premium retains its value. Since goodwill is no longer amortized under US GAAP, the annual impairment test is the only mechanism that adjusts carrying values downward — making the assumptions behind that test critically important for investors.

Key signals: a history of goodwill impairments suggests management consistently overpays for acquisitions. Watch the gap between reporting unit fair value and carrying amount — when fair value exceeds carrying amount by less than 10-20%, a small decline in business performance could trigger a write-down. For finite-lived intangibles, examine useful life assumptions across customer relationships, technology, and trade names; aggressive estimates inflate near-term earnings. Compare total intangibles-to-total-assets ratios against peers to assess acquisition dependency. Rising goodwill as a percentage of equity can signal balance sheet fragility.