Fixed assets, also known as tangible assets or property, plant, and equipment (PP&E), represent the long-term tangible assets that a company uses in the production of its goods or services, and that are not expected to be consumed or converted into cash any sooner than at least one year?s time. These resources are a critical component of any business, and their efficient management can be a key determinant of a company?s success.
What are Fixed Assets?
So, before we fully start we need to ask one of the most asked accounting questions out there, what are fixed assets? Fixed assets typically include items such as land, buildings, machinery, equipment, vehicles, and furniture. These are not purchased for immediate consumption, but are instead used over a long period to aid the production or selling of goods and services.
Fixed assets can also include intangible items such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks, although these are often classified separately.
As opposed to current assets such as cash or inventories, which are expected to be turned into cash or used up within a year, fixed assets provide benefits to a company for more than one year. This longevity is an important characteristic of fixed assets and differentiates them from other types of assets.
Strategic Decision Making with Fixed Assets
The acquisition, management, and disposal of fixed assets can have a significant impact on a business’s strategic direction and performance. In this section, we’ll explore how fixed assets can inform and influence business decisions.
Investment and Acquisition Decisions
Investment in new fixed assets is a major decision that has long-term implications for a company. These decisions should be informed by a comprehensive analysis of the expected return on investment (ROI), and how the asset will contribute to the company’s strategic objectives. For example, investing in new machinery might enable a company to increase production efficiency, reduce costs, or expand into new markets.
Additionally, businesses often need to decide between leasing or buying fixed assets. While leasing may require less upfront capital and offer greater flexibility, buying can provide financial benefits in the long run such as asset appreciation and tax deductions on depreciation.
Asset Utilization and Efficiency
Understanding how effectively your company utilizes its fixed assets can inform strategic decision-making. Metrics such as asset turnover ratio (total sales divided by the average total assets) and return on assets (net income divided by total assets) can help you understand how efficiently your company is using its assets to generate sales and profit. Low asset utilization could signal that your business has more assets than it needs, or that your assets are not being used effectively.
Disposal and Replacement of Assets
Over time, fixed assets can become outdated or less efficient due to wear and tear, technological advancements, or changes in the business environment. Therefore, businesses need to make strategic decisions about when to repair, upgrade, or replace their fixed assets. These decisions should consider factors like the cost of maintaining the asset, its remaining useful life, the impact on productivity, and the potential benefits of acquiring a new asset.
The Importance of Fixed Assets
Capital Formation
Fixed assets represent a significant part of a company’s investment in capital. Capital formation is an important factor that drives economic growth. As a business owner, investment in fixed assets increases your capacity to produce and deliver goods or services, which in turn, increases your business’s earning potential.
Value Creation
Fixed assets can also be valuable in terms of their potential to appreciate over time. For example, land and buildings often appreciate in value, making them a good investment for the long term. This appreciation can increase the overall value of a business, attracting investors and providing opportunities for business expansion.
Operational Efficiency
The quality and efficiency of fixed assets can greatly affect a company?s operating efficiency. Efficient machines reduce the time it takes to produce goods, reduce waste, and improve the quality of the products. In turn, these improvements can lead to increased customer satisfaction and higher sales.
Fixed Assets Management
Effective management of fixed assets is crucial for any business. Fixed asset management involves the process of tracking and maintaining assets for financial assessment, preventive maintenance, and depreciation calculations.
Asset Tracking
Asset tracking is important for knowing the location, status, and maintenance history of assets. It helps to prevent asset misplacement or loss and is useful for audit and insurance purposes.
Preventive Maintenance
Regular maintenance of fixed assets extends their useful life and ensures they are operating at optimal efficiency. Neglecting maintenance could lead to asset breakdowns, disrupting business operations and leading to potentially costly repairs or replacements.
Depreciation
Depreciation is the method by which a company allocates an asset’s cost over the duration of its useful life. Each year, the depreciated portion is expensed on the income statement and reduces the asset?s book value on the balance sheet. Accurate calculation of depreciation is important for financial reporting and tax purposes.
The Impact on Financial Statements
Fixed assets play a significant role in a company’s financial statements. They constitute a large part of the total assets on the balance sheet, impacting a firm’s net worth. Moreover, the depreciation expense associated with fixed assets affects the company?s net income, presented in the income statement. Therefore, accurate valuation and recording of fixed assets is crucial for the reliability and validity of financial reporting.
In conclusion, fixed assets represent a significant investment for any business, contributing to the production process, providing opportunities for growth and appreciation, and shaping the financial outlook of the company. Therefore, understanding and effectively managing these assets is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of a business. As a business owner, investing in fixed assets management can enhance operational efficiency, improve financial management, and ultimately drive business growth.
