DECLINING-BALANCE DEPRECIATION METHOD Definition

Bookmark and Share

DECLINING-BALANCE DEPRECIATION METHOD is an accelerated depreciation method in which an assets book value is multiplied by a constant depreciation rate (such as double the straight-line percentage, in the case of double-declining-balance.). This depreciation method is allowed by the U.S. tax code and gives a larger depreciation in the early years of an asset. Unlike the straight line and the sum of the digits methods, both of which use the original basis to calculate the depreciation each year, the double declining balance uses a fixed percentage of the prior years basis to calculate depreciation. The percentage rate is 2/N where N is the life of the asset. With this method, the basis never becomes zero. Consequently, it is standard practice to switch to another depreciation method as the basis decreases. Usually the taxpayer will convert to the straight line method when the annual depreciation from the declining balance becomes less than the straight line.

Learn new Accounting Terms

RETURN ON EQUITY (ROE) measures the overall efficiency of the firm in managing its total investments in assets and in generating a return to stockholders. It is the primary measure of how well management is running the company. ROE allows you to quickly gauge whether a company is a value creator or a cash consumer. By relating the earnings generated to the shareholders equity, you can see how much cash is created from the existing assets. Clearly, all things being equal, the higher a companys ROE, the better the company. Formula: Net Income / Stockholders Equity

DIVIDEND DATE: The payment date remains the same over the life of the issue, but the board of directors must approve or declare each individual payment. On the date that a board declares a dividend, it also sets a record date and ex-dividend (without dividend) date.

Suggest a Term

Enter Search Term

Enter a term, then click the entry you would like to view.