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What is Net Book Value (NBV)?
Net Book Value (NBV) represents the value of a company’s asset after accounting for accumulated depreciation or amortization. It reflects the asset’s carrying amount on the balance sheet and helps determine how much of an asset’s value has been consumed over time.
Definition
Net Book Value (NBV) is the value of an asset recorded in a company’s financial statements, calculated as the asset’s original cost minus accumulated depreciation or amortization.
Key takeaways
- NBV = Cost – Accumulated Depreciation: A core accounting formula.
- Shows remaining asset value: Indicates how much of the asset’s useful life remains.
- Appears on the balance sheet: Part of non-current assets.
- Used for decision-making: Important for asset disposal and investment analysis.
- Declines over time: Except for assets not depreciated, like land.
How NBV is calculated
Formula:
NBV = Original Cost – Accumulated Depreciation (or Amortization)
Example:
- Machinery cost: P100,000
- Accumulated depreciation: P40,000
NBV = 100,000 – 40,000 = P60,000
Why NBV matters
Financial reporting
- Shows true accounting value of assets
- Helps assess company net worth
Investment & management decisions
- Helps determine asset replacement needs
- Used in assessing disposal gains/losses
Audit & compliance
- Reflects IFRS or GAAP compliance
Factors influencing NBV
- Depreciation method (straight-line, reducing balance)
- Useful life estimates
- Impairments
- Capital improvements
Depreciation methods affecting NBV
1. Straight-line depreciation
Equal expense each year.
2. Declining-balance depreciation
Higher depreciation in earlier years.
3. Units of production
Based on usage rather than time.
NBV vs. market value
| Feature | Net Book Value | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Accounting measure | Current selling price |
| Changes | Predictable over time | Fluctuates with market |
| Use | Reporting & analysis | Transaction & valuation |
Common NBV use cases
- Asset valuation for mergers/acquisitions
- Loan collateral assessments
- Tax reporting
- Disposal or impairment tests
Related concepts
- Carrying value
- Depreciation
- Impairment
- Historical cost
- Fixed assets
Sources
- IFRS – Property, Plant & Equipment (IAS 16): https://www.ifrs.org/
- Investopedia – Net Book Value: https://www.investopedia.com/
- OECD – Corporate Accounting Standards: https://www.oecd.org/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can NBV be zero?
Yes. Fully depreciated assets often have NBV of zero but may still be in use.
2. Does NBV equal asset resale value?
No. NBV is an accounting value, not market value.
3. Is land depreciated?
No. Land retains its value and is not depreciated.
4. Can NBV increase?
Rarely, unless due to revaluation under certain accounting standards.
5. Why is NBV important for investors?
It helps assess asset quality and long-term financial health.
