Goodwill Case Study

The difference between the purchase price paid for an acquired firm and the price not allocated to acquired assets and liabilities is known as Goodwill. It occurs when a buyer pays a high price to buy another company. This asset may only be obtained through a purchase; it cannot be created internally. Because Goodwill is an intangible asset, it is included in the acquirer’s long-term assets part of the balance sheet.

Because it does not create cash flows on its own, the value of Goodwill is highly subjective. As a result, accounting standards mandate that an acquirer regularly test its goodwill asset for impairment and write down the asset if the impairment is established. 

Understanding a Goodwill

When an acquirer buys a target company, the value of Goodwill usually comes into play. The value of the target’s Goodwill is normally calculated by the amount the acquiring business pays over the target’s net assets at fair value. If the purchasing business pays less than the target’s book value, it obtains negative Goodwill, indicating that the company was purchased at a discount in a distressed transaction. Companies are required to evaluate the value of Goodwill on their financial statements at least once a year and record any impairments under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Because it is not a physical asset like buildings or equipment, Goodwill is classified as an intangible (or non-current) asset.

Limitations

Goodwill is difficult to evaluate, and when a buyer pays less than fair market value for a company, low Goodwill can result. This frequently happens when the target company is unable or unwilling to negotiate a fair purchase price. Negative Goodwill is most frequently encountered in difficult purchases and is recorded as income on the acquirer’s income statement.

There’s also the risk of a previously successful business going bankrupt. When this happens, investors deduct Goodwill from their residual equity calculations. The reason for this is that the company’s previous Goodwill has no market value at the time of insolvency.

Goodwill’s competitive advantages

Employees from all walks of life, including gender and race, physical ability and age, are likely to be found in a local Goodwill retail store. Individuals with impairments, a lack of education, or no work experience can find work through Goodwill. The company has developed programmes for people with criminal records who would otherwise be unable to obtain work, such as fundamental work skills development, job placement aid, and life skills. In 2008, more than 172,000 people found work, earning $2.3 billion in pay and obtaining the skills they needed to contribute to their communities.

Diversity is ingrained in Goodwill’s culture. Employees are comfortable tackling stereotyping and discrimination. It’s hardly surprising that a group of people with such disparate origins would have disparate beliefs and viewpoints.

Management and operations are decentralised within the Goodwill organisation, which has 166 community-based stores. These regional enterprises are self-contained non-profit human services organisations. Despite its decentralisation, the organisation has managed to maintain its core values. Goodwill of Seattle focuses on supporting the city’s large immigrant population as well as those who lack basic literacy and English language skills. Goodwill Industries of Kentucky has invested in specialised software to balance daily sales at stores, allowing managers to spend less time on paperwork and more time managing employees. 

Goodwill Industries versus a firm like Starbucks

Goodwill is a social enterprise pioneer that has successfully created a culture of respect through its diversity programmes. Employees from all walks of life, including gender and race, physical ability and age, are likely to be found in a local Goodwill retail store. Individuals with impairments, a lack of education, or no work experience can find work through Goodwill. The company has developed programmes for people with criminal records who would otherwise be unable to obtain work, such as fundamental work skills development, job placement aid, and life skills. 

Goodwill Industries and Starbucks are two very different companies that collaborate regularly. Goodwill is a non-profit organisation that promotes communal diversity. Goodwill provides career opportunities to people of all races. On the other hand, Starbucks is a multinational corporation that dominates the coffee industry. Starbucks is a coffeehouse and roastery reserve business headquartered in Seattle, Washington. These two companies have different management and strategic planning.

Due to competition, Starbucks will have to establish norms, rules, and criteria that employees must meet before joining the firm. These standards require everyone to have the same mindset, speak the same language, and follow the same traditions. This Starbucks management system also creates a level playing field with other businesses. On the other hand, Goodwill abolished language, background, and cultural standards and customs. The organisation will work with anyone to develop their abilities and empower their efficacy, regardless of their culture, background, or educational degree.

Conclusion

Goodwill, an intangible asset, accounts for a company’s extra purchasing price. Non-quantifiable Goodwill includes proprietary or intellectual property, as well as brand recognition. The difference between the fair market value of the assets and liabilities is subtracted from the company’s purchase price to determine Goodwill. Companies must review the value of Goodwill on their financial statements at least once a year and record any impairments. Goodwill is different from other intangible assets in that it has an endless life span, whereas most others have a limited life span.