Goodwill is a relatively straight-forward concept, although it may be a confusing term for some. It is generally viewed as a term to include everything from a business’s reputation to the goods, services and products it provides. The key idea is that there is goodwill if the business is viewed as a true and functioning business that has longevity in the marketplace.
The Importance of Reputation
It is important to know that many of the aspects of goodwill are not easily noted on a balance sheet. One of those elements is reputation. A good reputation is an intangible asset that is hard to put an exact dollar amount on. Imagine that you had a choice between two businesses that were almost identical. However, one business enjoyed a strong reputation while the other had a reputation for poor customer service and goods and services. This decision is an easy one for most prospective buyers.
Going Beyond the Numbers
When a buyer pays more than the “recognized” value of a business, goodwill usually plays a major role. Goodwill includes many variables, such as quality and track record of management; strength of the local economy; the loyalty of the customer base; good relationships with suppliers; copyrights; trademarks and patents; name or brand recognition; specialized training and knowhow. The list goes on. Business brokers will be sure to highlight these goodwill factors to prospective buyers. Factors that impact the longevity of a business, and its long-term potential, should not be overlooked.
The Evolving Meaning of Goodwill
In 2001, a legal decision prohibited the amortization of goodwill as an intangible asset, although parts of this ruling were rolled back in 2014. In recent years, the accounting profession has changed how it deals with the concept of goodwill and how it is factored into decisions. Its importance has risen in the last two decades as there has been a shift away from tangible assets (stemming from many large companies which were built around the ownership and use of heavy equipment and machinery) towards intangible assets.
Assets under the umbrella of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, brand names and more, are now considered key aspects of goodwill. In short, in the last twenty-years, goodwill has taken on a more complex and varied meaning. Today, businesses are not necessarily based around massive factories and huge assembly lines. Workers and management in the world’s largest companies 50 years ago would be hard pressed to explain the inner workings of some of today’s corporate juggernauts.
Goodwill is more complicated than ever before. This underscores the value, and importance, of working with an experienced, capable and proven business broker who will work in tandem with your accountants. The goodwill elements within a business need to be highlighted so that prospective buyers fully understand the business’ real value.
Copyright: NEBP and Business Brokerage Press, Inc.
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