Intangible assets are resources owned by a company that have value but no physical form. Common intangible assets within a company include patents, trademarks, goodwill and franchise licenses.

Companies that comply with generally accounting principles, called GAAP, may opt to use the declining balance method to calculate depreciation on a particular asset or group of assets. The declining ...

When a business acquires an asset to be used in its operations, the cost of the asset is generally not expensed all at once. Rather, the cost is depreciated over a period of time that depends on the ...

The straight line method spreads asset costs evenly over its lifespan, aiding budget forecasts. Its simplicity is favored by many tax authorities, making it a widely used accounting tool. Businesses ...

Troy Segal is an editor and writer. She has 20+ years of experience covering personal finance, wealth management, and business news. Toby Walters is a financial writer, investor, and lifelong learner.

Depreciation reflects asset value loss over time, affecting financial statements. Straight-line method spreads depreciation evenly, while accelerated front-loads expenses. Understanding depreciation ...

J.B. Maverick is an active trader, commodity futures broker, and stock market analyst 17+ years of experience, in addition to 10+ years of experience as a finance writer and book editor. Khadija ...