:''For other uses of 'Amortization', see the
Amortization disambiguation page.''
'Amortization' is the distribution of a single lump-sum
cash flow into many smaller cash flow installments, as determined by an
amortization schedule. Unlike other repayment models, each repayment installment consists of both and
interest. Amortization is chiefly used in
loan repayments (a common example being a
mortgage loan) and in
sinking funds. Payments are divided into equal amounts for the duration of the loan, making it the simplest repayment model. A greater amount of the payment is applied to interest at the beginning of the
amortization schedule, while more money is applied to principal at the end.
The
amortization calculator formula is: (1-''v''
''n'')÷''r'', where ''n'' = number of years, ''v'' = 1÷(1+''r''), and ''r'' = interest rate ÷ 100. See also
time value of money.
Divide by (1+''r'') if a payment is due at the beginning.
Another method of writing this kind of formula is:
:
where: ''P'' = principal amount borrowed, ''r'' = periodic interest rate (annual interest rate divided by 12 in case of monthly installments), ''n'' = total number of payments (for a 30-year loan with monthly payments, ''n'' = 30 years × 12 months = 360), and ''A'' = periodic payment.
Negative amortization (also called deferred interest) occurs if the payments made do not cover the interest due. The remaining interest owed is added to the outstanding loan balance, making it larger than the original loan amount.
Accounting
In
accounting, 'amortization' refers to expensing the acquisition cost less the residual value of
intangible assets (often intellectual property [IP] such as
patents and
trademarks or
copyrights) in a systematic manner over their estimated useful economic lives so as to reflect their consumption, expiration, obsolescence or other decline in value as a result of use or the passage of time.
A corresponding concept for tangible assets is
depreciation. Methodologies for allocating amortization to each accounting period are generally the same as for depreciation. However, many intangible assets such as
goodwill or certain
brands may be deemed to have an indefinite useful life and are therefore not subject to amortization.
Amortization is recorded in the
financial statements of an entity as a reduction in the
carrying value of the intangible asset in the
balance sheet and as an expense in the
income statement.
Under
International Financial Reporting Standards, guidance on accounting for the amortization of intangible assets is contained in
International Accounting Standard 38, Intangible Assets. Under
United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the primary guidance is contained in
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
See also
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Annuity (finance theory)
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EBITDA
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Appreciation
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List of real estate topics
External links
Amortization Schedule Calculator