Like depreciation but for intangible assets (patents, software, acquired customer lists).
In depth
Acquired-intangibles amortization can dramatically reduce GAAP earnings without affecting cash flow. Companies often report "adjusted" earnings excluding this. Useful for comparing organic businesses vs. those built through acquisitions.
Frequently asked about Amortization
What is Amortization?
Like depreciation but for intangible assets (patents, software, acquired customer lists). Acquired-intangibles amortization can dramatically reduce GAAP earnings without affecting cash flow. Companies often report "adjusted" earnings excluding this. Useful for comparing organic businesses vs. those built through acquisitions.
Why does Amortization matter for investors?
In financial metrics, Amortization is one of the building blocks investors use to compare opportunities and assess risk. Understanding it helps you read research notes, earnings reports, and market commentary without getting lost in jargon.
How is Amortization used in practice?
Acquired-intangibles amortization can dramatically reduce GAAP earnings without affecting cash flow. Companies often report "adjusted" earnings excluding this.