12 Comments
 
"RobberBaron123"

My understanding is that the PP&E would be capex, as you stated. The patent costs would contribute to an intangible asset, which may (or may not) be amortized. CapEx is depreciated.

Is that really how you distinguish Capex? That it's depreciated?

Do you know what CapEx is and why it's important to know or do you just treat it like 5 letters strung together?

 

The reason I almost always answer with "My understanding..." is because I don't want to look like a fool if someone proves me wrong, alright? That's logical to me. If you want to be a wise ass, let me distinguish better:

You would DEPRECIATE physical assets. INTANGIBLES are AMORTIZED and are not physical assets. A patent is an INTANGIBLE ASSET (not DEPRECIABLE because it's not a PHYSICAL ASSET). Given that the other investing purchase is for PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (a PHYSICAL ASSET), you would DEPRECIATE it. Whether something should be considered capex may depend on the industry, tax laws (you don't need to amortize all assets the same), etc. What are the future benefits of the asset at hand?

You also didn't answer the question, so you did no better to help any cause. Douchebag.

 
Best Response

Dude you're an idiot he's pointing out that you apparently define CapEx as "something that is depreciated." Tangible asset purchases are CAPITALIZED then depreciated, just as intangible asset purchases are CAPITALIZED then amortized.

The only argument that you could make - which you didn't - is that intangible assets shouldn't be included if you're looking to hone in on Maintenance CapEx; however, considering that this company has spent on patents for two years and PP&E for only one, I'd say it's safe to include patent costs in maintenance capex.

I really want to let you continue to dig yourself into this hole of idiocy you've broken ground on but you're putting out too much misinformation. Here's Investopedia to end the argument:

What are Capital Expenditures?

When businesses borrow funds or reinvest their profits on capital investments, hoping to improve future operations, they are likely incurring capital expenses that are included in CAPEX. Funds devoted to CAPEX acquire, upgrade or fix physical assets such as plants, equipment or other property. One of the defining features of a capital expenditure is longevity; if it benefits the company for longer than one tax year, it is likely to be included with CAPEX.

Some examples of non-physical CAPEX items might include patents or other assets that can have costs spread over a useful life. There are exceptions based on individual industries or sectors, however.

Source: http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/112814/whats-difference-between…
 
"RobberBaron123"

The reason I almost always answer with "My understanding..." is because I don't want to look like a fool if someone proves me wrong, alright? That's logical to me. If you want to be a wise ass, let me distinguish better:

You would DEPRECIATE physical assets. INTANGIBLES are AMORTIZED and are not physical assets. A patent is an INTANGIBLE ASSET (not DEPRECIABLE because it's not a PHYSICAL ASSET). Given that the other investing purchase is for PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (a PHYSICAL ASSET), you would DEPRECIATE it. Whether something should be considered capex may depend on the industry, tax laws (you don't need to amortize all assets the same), etc. What are the future benefits of the asset at hand?

You also didn't answer the question, so you did no better to help any cause. Douchebag.

My point was simply that capex is any expense a business needs to make to protect or grow the value of its assets. Whether it is spending on intangibles or PP&E, I really don't care...and neither should you.

 

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