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Goodwill Hunting

For companies mulling write-offs, economic turmoil is a terrible thing to waste.

January 1, 2009

View the S&P 500 deficits chart.

When boards of directors convene to review a dismal 2008, many will vote to leave shareholders with even less. They may have little choice. At dozens of public companies, market values now languish below book values, a situation that makes write-offs likely. While many CFOs may balk at such a move, regulators and stakeholders are increasingly demanding that balance sheets get a makeover. As a result, finance departments are wielding scalpels, knives, and even the occasional ax. Their specific focus: goodwill. Read more...

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