Intermediate Accounting, 15th Edition

CHAPTER 12 Intangible Assets

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this chapter, you should be able to:

1. Describe the characteristics of intangible assets.
2. Identify the costs to include in the initial valuation of intangible assets.
3. Explain the procedure for amortizing intangible assets.
4. Describe the types of intangible assets.
5. Explain the accounting issues for recording goodwill.
6. Explain the accounting issues related to intangible-asset impairments.
7. Identify the conceptual issues related to research and development costs.
8. Describe the accounting for research and development and similar costs.
9. Indicate the presentation of intangible assets and related items.

Is This Sustainable?

Companies are increasing their focus on sustainability issues. Companies like Southwest Airlines, Clorox, and Northrop Grumman are executing strategic initiatives including fuel-spill control, use of recycled materials, and water conservation. Why the growing importance of responsible management of resource use? One reason is that market participants are now more interested in investing in companies that are pursuing sustainability strategies.

For example, as indicated in the following graph, sustainable investing by professional portfolio managers in the United States has increased from below $500 billion in the mid-1990s to over $2.5 trillion (or 12.5% of the total under management) in 2010.

In light ...