Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. took an impairment charge in the northeastern United States that severely impacted its earnings and led to its stock being down more than 9% this morning. Progressive took a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $360.6 million against earnings during the fourth quarter that resulted in loss for the quarter and the year. Goodwill is considered an intangible asset on the balance sheet, not physical assets such as buildings and equipment. Goodwill includes the value of its brand name, good customer service and employee relations, and therefore is difficult to q...