Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—In accordance with the FASB ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and other,” the Company classifies intangible assets into three categories: (1) intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization; (2) intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization; and (3) goodwill. The Company does not amortize intangible assets with indefinite lives or goodwill. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate the assets might be impaired. Such conditions may include an economic downturn or a change in the assessment of future operations. The Company performs impairment tests of goodwill at the reporting unit level. Such impairment tests for goodwill include comparing the fair value of the appropriate reporting unit with its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit is below the carrying value, the Company recognizes a goodwill impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The Company performs impairment tests for indefinite-lived intangible assets by comparing the fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset to its carrying value. The Company recognizes an impairment charge if the asset’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value.
Following the reorganization of our reporting structure, as discussed previously, and determination that we have two goodwill reporting units, we changed the date of our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test from September 30 to October 1. The change in the date of the annual assessment represents a change in accounting principle. Management believes this change in accounting principle is preferable, as the later date better aligns the timing of the tests with the availability of key inputs, such as forecasts for our two reporting units, and provides additional time for the completion of our annual impairment testing in advance of our year-end reporting.
This change was not material to our consolidated financial statements and was not intended to nor did it delay, accelerate, or avoid an impairment charge. We determined that it was impracticable to objectively apply this change retrospectively as it would require application of significant estimates and assumptions with the use of hindsight.
Any change in testing date for goodwill or an indefinite-lived intangible asset should not result in more than one year elapsing between impairment tests. We performed a goodwill impairment analysis as of January 1, 2023 and October 1, 2023. We performed an impairment analysis of our indefinite-lived intangible assets on September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2023. Based upon the results of these analyses, the Company has concluded that no impairment of its goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite lives was indicated.
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.