Impairment Reviews - American Appraisal [Europe]

IAS 36, SFAS 142, IFRS 3, SFAS 141

Annual impairment reviews for both goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives such as brands and trademarks, are required in most jurisdictions following the issue of the revised IAS 36. IAS 36 requires an entity to test goodwill acquired in a business combination for impairment annually. This approach is consistent with SFAS 142, the standard applicable for US reporting purposes and is in line with the requirements of IFRS 3 and SFAS 141. Nevertheless some specific differentiations between IFRS and US GAAP still exist; should be analyzed and taking appropriately in consideration.

American Appraisal, a fully independent firm, specializes in valuing both businesses and intangible assets for impairment reviews. We have undertaken such impairment reviews for international accounting purposes. Auditors are prohibited from undertaking impairment reviews under the strict independence rules applying to all listed companies worldwide. American Appraisal is regularly recommended by 'Big 4' audit firms where independence rules prohibit their involvement.

To present appropriate calculation of the “value in use” that meets both fiscal and financial reporting requirements, both domestically and across borders, requires accurate and supportable determinations of the hurdle rate, together with a thorough analysis of the economic environment in which the particular asset is located. This is strongly related to the disclosure requirements that force companies to be consistent in the valuation approach adopted from year to year. Consequently the cost of capital cannot be left alone for ad hoc consideration. It has to be dealt with thorough care and attention.

See our brochure (Business Combinations and Impairment Reviews)