Accounting Standards Adopted During 2013
Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment
In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an accounting standard that allows a company, as a first step in an impairment review, to assess qualitatively whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. We are not required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform a quantitative impairment test unless we determine, based on the results of the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not the asset is impaired.
The standard became effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. We adopted the standard on its required effective date of January 1, 2013. The adoption of this standard had no material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Inclusion of the Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes
In July 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standard that permits the Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes in addition to U.S. Treasury rates and LIBOR. The standard also removes the prohibition on the use of differing benchmark rates when entering into similar hedging relationships.
The standard became effective on a prospective basis for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013 to the extent the Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate is used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. We adopted the standard on its effective date of July 17, 2013. The adoption of this standard had no material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.