Question

Assume that Jordan ​Enterprises's radio broadcast license is renewable at the end of each 10​-year term and management has provided evidence that approval of the renewal is highly probable. In this​ case, the broadcast license qualifies as an​indefinite-life intangible asset and is not subject to amortization.​ Therefore, the firm carries the broadcast license at its original cost of $786,000.

On December ​31, 2015 the company noted substantial declines in radio advertising revenues over the past year due to expanded satellite radio​subscriptions, Internet​ broadcasts, and the use of iPod players. Based on the required annual review and consideration of the available impairment​ indicators, management believes that it is more likely than not that the broadcast license may be impaired.​ Therefore, the company must test the broadcast license for impairment. Similar broadcast licenses have been sold in auctions for $676,000.
Assuming that renewal of the broadcast license is probable for this​ indefinite-life intangible​ asset, analyze the accounting for impairment and prepare the journal entries.
1.) Conduct the impairment test indicated for​indefinite-life intangible asset at the end of the year and determine the impairment​ loss, if any. ​(If you selected​ "No" that an impairment loss is not​ indicated, then leave the impairment loss input cell blank. Show a loss with a parentheses or minus​ sign.)
2.) Next, prepare the journal entry required to record any impairment loss. ​(Record debits​ first, then credits. Exclude explanations from any journal entries. If no entry is required select​ "No Entry​ Required" on the first line of the journal entry table and leave all remaining cells in the table​blank.)

Answer 1

Jordan Enterprises

1) The impairment loss = $110,000.

2) Journal Entry to record the impairment loss:

Debit Broadcast License Impairment Loss $110,000

Credit Accumulated Impairment Loss $110,000

Step-by-step explanation:

a) Data and Calculations:

Broadcast license original cost (book value) = $786,000

Market value of similar broadcast license = 676,000

Impairment loss = $110,000

b) US GAAP defines impairment loss as the decrease in an asset's net carrying value. This means that impairment loss arises when the book or net carrying value is greater than the future estimated cash flows or the market value of the asset.