depreciation Definition

InvestorWords.com

depreciation

Definition 1
A noncash expense that reduces the value of an asset as a result of wear and tear, age, or obsolescence. Most assets lose their value over time (in other words, they depreciate), and must be replaced once the end of their useful life is reached. There are several accounting methods that are used in order to write off an asset's depreciation cost over the period of its useful life. Because it is a non-cash expense, depreciation lowers the company's reported earnings while increasing free cash flow.

Definition 2
A decline in the value of a given currency in comparison with other currencies. For instance, if the U.S. dollar depreciates against the Euro, buyers would have to pay more dollars in order to obtain the original amount of euros before depreciation occurred.

This content can be found on the following page:

Reproduction of all or part of this glossary and/or this page, in any format, without written consent is prohibited. If you have questions about this dictionary please feel free to contact us feedback@investorguide.com

Tools

email to a friend
print this definition
cite this definition
link to this page

'depreciation' appears in the definitions of these other terms on BusinessDictionary.com

declining balance depreciation, sum of the years digits (SYD) depreciation, double declining-balance depreciation, salvage value, units-of-output depreciation, and

Browse by Letter: # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z