11 GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS |
|
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. Amortization expense totaled $31 million in 2009 and $35 million for each of 2008 and 2007. Our estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years is as follows: $30 million for 2010; $29 million for 2011; $28 million for 2012; $28 million for 2013; and $28 million for 2014. In 2008, following the guidance for 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. The following table details the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for year-end 2008. There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for year-end 2009. |
|
> Back to top of page |