The amount of goodwill recognized on a consolidated balance sheet will always be the same when accounting for a business combination under either the acquisition method or the purchase method.

The acquisition method and the purchase method may result in different amounts of goodwill recognized on a consolidated balance sheet. Under the acquisition method, goodwill is equal to the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Under the purchase method, goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the book value of the acquired company's net assets. Therefore, the amount of goodwill recognized may differ depending on the method used.