GE 2015 Annual Report Download - page 116

MD&A CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
88 GE 2015 FORM 10-K
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts
may not be recoverable. Determining whether an impairment has occurred typically requires various estimates and assumptions,
including determining which undiscounted cash flows are directly related to the potentially impaired asset, the useful life over which
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determination of fair value, which is based on the best information available. We derive the required undiscounted cash flow estimates
from our historical experience and our internal business plans. To determine fair value, we use quoted market prices when available,
our internal cash flow estimates discounted at an appropriate discount rate and independent appraisals, as appropriate.
Our operating lease portfolio of commercial aircraft is a significant concentration of assets in Capital, and is particularly subject to
market fluctuations. Therefore, we test recoverability of each aircraft in our operating lease portfolio at least annually. Additionally, we
perform quarterly evaluations in circumstances such as when aircraft are re-leased, current lease terms have changed or a specific
OHVVHH¶VFUHGLt standing changes. We consider market conditions, such as global demand for commercial aircraft. Estimates of future
rentals and residual values are based on historical experience and information received routinely from independent appraisers.
Estimated cash flows from future leases are reduced for expected downtime between leases and for estimated costs required to
prepare aircraft to be redeployed. Fair value used to measure impairment is based on management's best estimates which are
benchmarked against third-party appraiser current market values for aircraft of similar type and age.
Further information on impairment losses and our exposure to the commercial aviation industry is provided in Notes 7 and 22 to the
consolidated financial statements.
GOODWILL AND OTHER IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS
We test goodwill for impairment annually in the third quarter of each year using data as of July 1 of that year. The impairment test
consists of two steps: in step one, the carrying value of the reporting unit is compared with its fair value; in step two, which is applied
when the carrying value is more than its fair value, the amount of goodwill impairment, if any, is derived by deducting the fair value of
WKHUHSRUWLQJXQLW¶VDVVHWVDQGOLDELOLWLHVIURPWKHIDLr value of its equity, and comparing that amount with the carrying amount of
goodwill. We determined fair values for each of the reporting units using the market approach, when available and appropriate, or the
income approach, or a combination of both. We assess the valuation methodology based upon the relevance and availability of the data
at the time we perform the valuation. If multiple valuation methodologies are used, the results are weighted appropriately.
Valuations using the market approach are derived from metrics of publicly traded companies or historically completed transactions of
comparable businesses. The selection of comparable businesses is based on the markets in which the reporting units operate giving
consideration to risk profiles, size, geography, and diversity of products and services. A market approach is limited to reporting units for
which there are publicly traded companies that have the characteristics similar to our businesses.
Under the income approach, fair value is determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at an
appropriate risk-adjusted rate. We use our internal forecasts to estimate future cash flows and include an estimate of long-term future
growth rates based on our most recent views of the long-term outlook for each business. Actual results may differ from those assumed
in our forecasts. We derive our discount rates using a capital asset pricing model and analyzing published rates for industries relevant
to our reporting units to estimate the cost of equity financing. We use discount rates that are commensurate with the risks and
uncertainty inherent in the respective businesses and in our internally developed forecasts. Discount rates used in our reporting unit
valuations ranged from 10.0% to 15.5%.
Estimating the fair value of reporting units requires the use of estimates and significant judgments that are based on a number of
factors including actual operating results. It is reasonably possible that the judgments and estimates described above could change in
future periods.
During the third quarter of 2015, we performed our annual impairment test of goodwill for all of our reporting units. Based on the results
of our step one testing, the fair values of each of the GE reporting units exceeded their carrying values; therefore, the second step of
the impairment test was not required to be performed for any of our reporting units and no goodwill impairment was recognized.
88 GE 2015 FORM 10-K