Accounting for goodwill under IFRS: A critical analysis

In 2005, the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for goodwill accounting replaced the previously used two-component approach (i.e., goodwill amortization plus additional impairment when required) with an impairment-only approach. There has been renewed interest in this issue since the findings of the post-implementation review of IFRS 3. This paper develops a theoretical model of the initial and subsequent accounting for goodwill, that is usable for evaluating the relevance of different standard-setting solutions in this area. The model indicates that the current impairment-only approach creates a buffer that protects accounting goodwill from impairment. The buffer is created as a result of both internally generated core goodwill and the fair value of assets/liabilities not recognized on the statement of financial position. In turn, the impairment test will understate the economic loss and serve as a weak indicator of acquisition success/failure. Based on our model, we propose changing the impairment test procedure so that the same measurement and recognition criteria are employed as at initial recognition. Consequently, the representation of goodwill on the statement of financial position, and the effectiveness of goodwill impairment losses as an indicator, would improve.