Goodwill Impairment versus Amortization: Research of Practice and the Theoretical Basis

Abstract:

The quality of information support for external users is the condition of formation of business relations culture in the economy. Consolidated financial statements is one of the sources, including by means of which the investors and creditors relies in making decision. At the same time, the efficiency of decision-making by economic agents has an impact on the sustainability of both national and international economy as a whole. In light of the foregoing, research in usefulness of information content of the consolidated financial statements and, in particular, the accounting for goodwill turn out to be relevant. During the creation and improvement of international financial standards, the subsequent goodwill measurement has been considering as the most controversial topic in the field of accounting. This paper is dedicated to the research of subsequent evaluation of goodwill and is mainly aimed at a comparative analysis of ‘amortization approach’ and ‘impairment approach’. Besides, it presents arguments ‘pros and cons’ these methods of goodwill measurement after recognition.