Sony 2005 Annual Report Download - page 67

64 Sony Corporation
■GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill and other intangible assets that are determined to have
an indefinite life are not amortized, but are tested for impairment
in accordance with FAS No. 142 on an annual basis and
between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances
change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of
these assets below their carrying value. Such an event would
include unfavorable variances from established business plans,
significant changes in forecasted results or volatility inherent to
external markets and industries, which are periodically reviewed
by management. Specifically, goodwill impairment is determined
using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impair-
ment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing
the fair value of a reporting unit (generally, Sony’s operating
segments) with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair
value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of
the reporting unit is considered not impaired and the second
step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying
amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second
step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure
the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the
goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the
reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that
goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill
exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment
loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The
implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner
as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combina-
tion. That is, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all
of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecog-
nized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been ac-
quired in a business combination and the fair value of the
reporting unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the
reporting unit. Other intangible assets are tested for impairment
by comparing the fair value of the intangible asset with its
carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset
exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an
amount equal to that excess.
Determining the fair value of a reporting unit under the first
step of the goodwill impairment test and determining the fair
value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit
(including unrecognized intangible assets) under the second
step of the goodwill impairment test is judgmental in nature and
often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.
Similarly, estimates and assumptions are used in determining the
fair value of other intangible assets. These estimates and
assumptions could significantly impact whether or not an
impairment charge is recognized as well as the magnitude of
any such charge. In its impairment review, Sony performs
internal valuation analyses or utilizes third-party valuations when
management believes it to be appropriate, and considers other
market information that is publicly available. Estimates of fair
value are primarily determined using discounted cash flow
analysis. This approach uses significant estimates and assump-
tions including projected future cash flows, the timing of such
cash flows, discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in future
cash flows, perpetual growth rates, determination of appropriate
market comparables and the determination of whether a
premium or discount should be applied to comparables. During
the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, Sony
performed the annual impairment analysis and no impairment
loss has been recognized.
Management believes that the estimates of future cash flows
and fair value are reasonable; however, changes in estimates
resulting in lower future cash flows and fair value due to unfore-
seen changes in business assumptions could negatively affect
the valuations, which may result in Sony recognizing impairment
charges for goodwill and other intangible assets in the future.
In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations
on the impairment analysis, Sony applied a hypothetical 10%
decrease to the fair value of each reporting unit. As of March
31, 2005, a 10% hypothetical decrease to the fair value of
each reporting units would not have resulted in a material
impairment loss.
■PENSION BENEFITS COSTS
Employee pension benefit costs and obligations are dependent
on certain assumptions including discount rates, retirement
rates and mortality rates, which are based upon current statisti-
cal data, as well as expected long-term rates of return on plan
assets and other factors. Specifically, the discount rate and
expected long-term rate of return on assets are two critical
assumptions in the determination of periodic pension costs and
pension liabilities. Assumptions are evaluated at least annually,
or at the time when events occur or circumstances change and
these events or changes could have a significant effect on these
critical assumptions. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, actual
results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and
amortized over future periods. Therefore, actual results generally
affect recognized expenses and the recorded obligations for
pensions in future periods. While management believes that the
assumptions used are appropriate, differences in actual experi-
ence or changes in assumptions may affect Sony’s pension
obligations and future expenses.
Sony’s principal pension plans are its Japanese pension plans.
Foreign pension plans are not significant individually with total
assets and pension obligations amounting to less than 10% of
those of the aggregate of the Japanese pension plans.
To determine the benefit obligation of the Japanese pension
plans, Sony used a discount rate of 2.3% for its Japanese
pension plans as of March 31, 2005. The discount rate was
determined by using available information about rates of return
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