Noncurrent Assets
Candlefocus EditorThe costs associated with noncurrent assets are not fully recognized within a single accounting year, but rather are spread over the number of years that the asset is used. For example, a company may purchase a piece of equipment for $200,000 that is expected to last five years. The $200,000 would be amortized to $40,000 per year over the five-year period. This is accounted for so that a company’s balance sheet is a more accurate reflection of the company’s long-term financial health.
Noncurrent assets must be carefully managed by a company, as they represent important investments in the company’s future success. Noncurrent assets may be seen as a sign that a company is planning for the long term. For example, a company may choose to invest in real estate, a potentially long-term investment that could provide cash-flow benefits in the future. Similarly, a company may invest in a heavy piece of machinery that will improve production processes and thus increase profit margins over the long term.
Noncurrent assets play an important role in a company’s balance sheet, as they provide an indication of a company’s long-term investments and represent a key part of the company’s financial health. By carefully managing noncurrent assets, a company can ensure that it is investing in the right projects to ensure future success and growth.