Notes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 > 10 GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS The following table details the composition of our goodwill and other intangible assets at year-end 2008 and year-end 2007. We capitalize costs incurred to acquire management, franchise, and license agreements that are both direct and incremental. We amortize these costs on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the agreements, ranging from 15 to 30 years. We evaluate the carrying values of intangible assets for impairment under the provisions of FAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." Amortization expense totaled $35 million for each of 2008 and 2007 and $33 million in 2006. Our estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years is as follows: $29 million for 2009; $29 million for 2010; $28 million for 2011; $28 million for 2012; and $28 million for 2013. In 2008, following the guidance found in EITF 93-7, "Uncertainties Related to Income Taxes in a Purchase Business Combination," we recorded a net $46 million reduction of goodwill and a corresponding change to the related net deferred tax liability due to the resolution of tax-related matters and a change in management's estimate of tax basis related to the purchase method of accounting for the Renaissance brand acquisition in 1997. > Back to top of page |