BECTON DICKINSON & CO | 2013 | FY | 3


Note 2 — Accounting Changes

Change in Accounting Principles

In July 2012, the FASB amended the impairment testing requirements for indefinite-lived intangible assets to allow entities the option to qualitatively assess indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. Further testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment under the traditional quantitative model is only required if an entity determines, through the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value. The revised impairment testing requirements are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The Company adopted the revised requirements, which did not impact its consolidated financial statements, for its fiscal year 2013 indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment review processes.

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance to expand the reporting requirements for amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. These requirements are effective, on a prospective basis, for all reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted the revised presentation requirements, which did not impact the recognition of items in its consolidated financial statements, on March 31, 2013.


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