WIDEPOINT CORP Goodwill & Intangibles Disclosure
The Company accounts for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles”. Under ASC Topic 350, goodwill and certain indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are subject to an annual impairment test, and between annual tests if indicators of potential impairment exist.
The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually as of December 31st and between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. The Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test or bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting period and proceed to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test.
Goodwill impairment testing involves management judgment, requiring an assessment of whether the carrying value of the reporting unit can be supported by its fair value using widely accepted valuation techniques. The quantitative goodwill impairment test utilizes a two-step approach. The first step identifies whether there is potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to the carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the second step of the impairment test is required to measure the amount of any impairment loss.
The Company uses a combination of the income approach (discounted cash flow method) and market approach (market multiples). When preparing discounted cash flow models under the income approach, the Company uses internal forecasts to estimate future cash flows expected to be generated by the reporting units. Our internal forecasts are developed using observable (Level 2) and unobservable (Level 3) inputs. Actual results may differ from forecasted results. When preparing the market approach the Company may adjust market multiples to reflect the Company’s risk profile and other factors deemed appropriate to properly apply the market approach.
The Company uses the expected weighted average cost of capital, estimated using a capital asset pricing model, to discount future cash flows for each reporting unit. Our cost of equity estimate is developed using a combination of observable (Level 2) and unobservable (Level 3) inputs with appropriate adjustments that take into consideration our risk profile and other factors deemed appropriate. The Company believes the discount rates used appropriately reflect the risks and uncertainties in the financial markets generally and specifically in the Company’s internally developed forecasts. Further, to assess the reasonableness of the valuations derived from the discounted cash flow models, the Company also analyzes market-based multiples for similar industries of the reporting unit, where available.
Historical Timeline
| Fiscal Year | Filed | |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Mar 22, 2019 | Showing above |
| 2017 | Mar 21, 2018 | |
| 2016 | Mar 30, 2017 | |
| 2015 | Mar 15, 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.