Goodwill can be one of the hardest assets to quantify because it is almost impossible to accurately measure. Time Warner took a very large loss in 2009, due in large part to its intangible assets such as goodwill. How did this loss occur?
Before completing this Discussion, read the Marr and Worden article (attached) and access the corporate website of Time Warner to research the Investor Relations/2009 Annual Report. Further detail can be gathered from the related notes to the financial statements – http://ir.timewarner.com/ phoenix.zhtml?c=70972&p=irol- reportsAnnual
Draw from these resources and the course text, citing them as necessary.
With these thoughts in mind:
Write least 200 words answering the following questions:
- How was goodwill created and accounted for over time on their books?
- What types of intangible assets does Time Warner have on its books?
- What assumptions and methods does it employ in amortizing these investments?
- What are the benefits and challenges of holding goodwill on the company’s ledger?