GOODWILL

Eversource recorded approximately $3.2 billion of goodwill in connection with the 2012 merger with NSTAR and $0.3 billion of goodwill related to the acquisition of the parent of Yankee Gas in 2000.

Goodwill is not subject to amortization, however is subject to a fair value based assessment for impairment at least annually and whenever facts or circumstances indicate that there may be an impairment. A resulting write-down, if any, would be charged to Operating Expenses. Eversource's reporting units for the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment are Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission and Natural Gas Distribution. These reporting units are consistent with the operating segments underlying the reportable segments identified in Note 21, "Segment Information," to the financial statements.

The annual goodwill assessment included an evaluation of the Company's share price and credit ratings, analyst reports, financial performance, cost and risk factors, long-term strategy, growth and future projections, as well as macroeconomic, industry and market conditions. This evaluation required the consideration of several factors that impact the fair value of the reporting units, including conditions and assumptions that affect the future cash flows of the reporting units. Key considerations include discount rates, utility sector market performance and merger transaction multiples, and internal estimates of future cash flows and net income.

Eversource completed its annual goodwill impairment test for each of its reporting units as of October 1, 2016 and determined that no impairment existed. There were no events subsequent to October 1, 2016 that indicated impairment of goodwill.

There were no changes to the goodwill balance or the allocation of goodwill as of December 31, 2016 or 2015. The following table presents goodwill by reportable segment:



	As of December 31, 2016 and 2015
(Billions of Dollars)	Electric Distribution		Electric Transmission		Natural Gas Distribution		Total
Goodwill	$	2.5	$	0.6	$	0.4	$	3.5