Capital Expenditure

Finance

Quick Definition

Capital Expenditure (CapEx) is the money spent by a company to acquire, upgrade, or maintain long-term assets like buildings, machinery, or equipment.

Detailed Explanation

CapEx refers to investments made to increase a company’s future earning capacity. These expenses are not fully deducted in one year but are spread over time through depreciation.

CapEx is crucial for business growth as it helps in expansion, modernization, and efficiency improvement.

Examples of Capital Expenditure

  • Buying machinery or equipment
  • Constructing buildings or factories
  • Upgrading technology or infrastructure
  • Purchasing vehicles for business use

CapEx vs Operating Expenditure (OpEx)

  • CapEx: Long-term investment (assets)
  • OpEx: Day-to-day expenses (rent, salaries)

Why CapEx Matters

  • Drives business growth and expansion
  • Improves productivity
  • Indicates long-term investment strategy

Accounting Treatment

  • Recorded as an asset on balance sheet
  • Expensed gradually via depreciation

Example

"If a company spends ₹50 lakh to buy new machinery, it is considered capital expenditure and will be depreciated over its useful life."

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