Carrying Amount

Definition

The carrying amount, also known as the book value, refers to the value at which an asset or liability is reported on the balance sheet. It represents the original cost or acquisition price of the item, adjusted for any accumulated depreciation, amortization, or impairment. The carrying amount is a crucial concept in accounting, as it is used to determine the net worth of a company's assets and liabilities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The carrying amount of an asset is the original cost minus any accumulated depreciation or amortization, and any impairment losses.
2. For intangible assets, the carrying amount is the original cost minus any accumulated amortization and impairment losses.
3. The carrying amount of a liability is the original amount borrowed, plus or minus any amortization of a premium or discount, and minus any principal payments made.
4. The carrying amount is used to determine the net book value of an asset, which is the amount that would be received if the asset were sold.
5. Comparing the carrying amount to the fair value of an asset is essential in determining whether an impairment loss should be recognized.

Review Questions

• Explain how the carrying amount of an intangible asset is determined and how it is used in the accounting for intangible assets.
  • The carrying amount of an intangible asset is the original cost of the asset minus any accumulated amortization and impairment losses. This carrying amount is used to record the value of the intangible asset on the balance sheet. As the intangible asset is used over its useful life, the carrying amount is reduced through systematic amortization, which is recorded as an expense on the income statement. Additionally, if the intangible asset experiences a permanent decline in value, the carrying amount may be reduced through an impairment loss, which is also recorded as an expense.
• Describe how the carrying amount of a long-term liability is calculated and how it is used in the effective-interest method of amortization.
  • The carrying amount of a long-term liability, such as a bond, represents the outstanding principal balance of the loan. This carrying amount is used in the effective-interest method of amortization, where the interest expense is calculated by multiplying the carrying amount of the liability by the effective interest rate. As the liability is paid off over time, the carrying amount decreases, and the portion of each periodic payment allocated to interest expense also decreases, while the portion allocated to the principal balance increases. This allows the liability to be systematically paid off using the effective-interest method.
• Analyze the importance of the carrying amount concept in the overall financial reporting of a company and how it impacts the assessment of a company's financial position and performance.
  • The carrying amount is a fundamental concept in financial accounting as it directly impacts the reported value of a company's assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. The carrying amount provides a basis for evaluating a company's financial position, as it represents the net worth of its assets and the outstanding obligations of its liabilities. Accurately determining the carrying amount is crucial, as it affects the calculation of key financial ratios, such as the debt-to-equity ratio and the current ratio, which are used to assess a company's financial health and performance. Furthermore, the carrying amount is essential in evaluating the potential impairment of assets and the amortization of long-term liabilities, which can significantly impact a company's net income and cash flows, and ultimately, its overall financial reporting.

Related terms

Depreciation: The systematic allocation of the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life, reflecting the gradual decrease in the asset's value over time.

Amortization: The systematic allocation of the cost of an intangible asset, such as a patent or a loan, over its useful life or the loan term.

Impairment: The reduction in the carrying amount of an asset due to a permanent decline in its value, often resulting from obsolescence, physical damage, or changes in market conditions.