Which of the following accurately reflects how customer-related intangible assets are treated in goodwill?

Customer-related intangible assets are included in goodwill calculations because they significantly contribute to the overall value of a business. When a company is acquired, the goodwill figure typically encompasses not only tangible assets but also identifiable intangible assets, including customer relationships and brand reputation, which provide future economic benefits.

In the context of business valuation, customer-related intangibles are often reflected in goodwill as they represent the expected synergies and additional earnings derived from a company's established customer base. When determining goodwill, particularly under the acquisition method of accounting, all identifiable intangible assets, including those related to customers, are considered in the total valuation of the business. This indicates that they play a crucial role in establishing how much a buyer is willing to pay over the fair value of net identifiable assets.

Recognizing customer-related intangibles directly in goodwill embodies the idea that these relationships are a core aspect of a company's operational success and future profitability, thereby justifying their inclusion in the total goodwill calculation.