Capitalized Cost

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Definition of 'Capitalized Cost'

Capitalized Cost (CapEx) is the total amount of money spent on acquiring or improving a fixed asset. This includes the purchase price of the asset, as well as any costs associated with its installation, construction, or development. Capitalized costs are typically recorded on a company's balance sheet as an asset, and they are depreciated over time.

There are a number of reasons why a company might choose to capitalize a cost. For example, a company might capitalize the cost of a new piece of equipment because it expects to use the equipment for more than one year. By capitalizing the cost, the company can spread the expense out over time, which can help to reduce its taxable income.

Capitalized costs can also be used to improve a company's financial statements. For example, a company might capitalize the cost of a new research and development project because it believes that the project will lead to future profits. By capitalizing the cost, the company can increase its reported earnings in the current year.

It is important to note that not all costs can be capitalized. For example, costs that are incurred for day-to-day operations, such as the cost of office supplies or employee salaries, cannot be capitalized. Additionally, costs that are expected to have a useful life of less than one year must be expensed immediately.

Capitalized costs can have a significant impact on a company's financial statements. By understanding the different types of capitalized costs and how they are accounted for, companies can make informed decisions about how to manage their finances.

Here are some additional details about capitalized costs:

* Capitalized costs are typically recorded on a company's balance sheet as an asset.
* Capitalized costs are depreciated over time.
* The depreciation period for a capitalized cost is based on the asset's useful life.
* Capitalized costs can be used to improve a company's financial statements.
* Not all costs can be capitalized.
* Capitalized costs can have a significant impact on a company's financial statements.

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