HELIX ENERGY SOLUTIONS GROUP INC Goodwill & Intangibles Disclosure
Goodwill
Goodwill impairment is evaluated using a two-step process. The first step involves comparing a reporting unit’s fair value with its carrying amount. We have the option to assess qualitative factors to determine if it is necessary to perform the first step. If it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, we must perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test, which involves estimating the reporting unit’s fair value and comparing it to its carrying amount. If the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, but not to exceed the goodwill’s carrying amount.
We perform an impairment analysis of goodwill at least annually as of November 1 or more frequently whenever events or circumstances occur indicating that goodwill might be impaired. Our goodwill balance attributable to the acquisition of a controlling interest in Subsea Technologies Group Limited (“STL”) was fully impaired during 2020 (Note 7).
Historical Timeline
| Fiscal Year | Filed | |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Feb 24, 2022 | Showing above |
| 2020 | Feb 25, 2021 | |
| 2019 | Feb 27, 2020 | |
| 2016 | Feb 24, 2017 | |
| 2015 | Feb 29, 2016 | |
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.