Accounting theory and practice, Volume 2 (of 3) : a textbook for colleges and…
Chapter IX.
472 words | Chapter 44
The Standardization of Depreciation Rates
The determination of the rate of depreciation of a given asset
is essentially an engineering problem. But as the accounting for
depreciation is dependent on the rate, and the records of the
accounting department must furnish much of the information for
estimating the rate, the whole problem of fixing depreciation rates
will be considered under the one head. Much study and effort to reduce
all the conditions under which assets depreciate to a common basis
and so to a definitely stated rate for each set of conditions, have,
so far, come to naught and all qualified experts say without reserve
that the rate of depreciation is an individual problem. It is to be
hoped that a further gathering of statistics as to expectations of
life of different assets under varying conditions will ultimately
furnish tabulations, corresponding to insurance tables, according to
which under known and expected conditions a fairly accurate rate of
depreciation for a particular asset may be made. Unlike insurance
rates, however, the depreciation rate once established will not
necessarily remain constant, but must be subject to a periodic revision
in the light of new data and conditions.
Effect of Local Conditions
Many factors enter into the rate of depreciation. They may be classed
roughly as “stable or normal” factors and “contingent” factors. It
should be constantly borne in mind that in the present state of the
actuarial development of the subject, general rates, i.e., rates
which will apply without readjustment, cannot be determined. For
the determination of individual rates local conditions are always
the controlling factor. An illustration in point is given by Henry
Floy,[28] showing the varying rates used by thirty-one different
concerns for the depreciation of their rolling stock equipment. The
methods vary in almost every case, comprising annual charges of an
arbitrary amount, per cent of the original cost, cents per car mile,
arbitrary deductions from income irregularly applied, per cent of gross
earnings, per cent of present estimated values. Reduced to a common
basis, the per cent methods show a range of expected life varying
between ten and one hundred years. While it is improbable that had
the determination of the depreciation rate for the different concerns
been in the hands of the same expert, there would have resulted these
bewildering variations in method, still it does bring out in strong
relief the fact, well recognized by experts but so often lost sight
of by those unacquainted with the technical phases of the problem,
that local conditions are a _controlling factor_; and that until
local conditions can be somewhat standardized there is no hope of
establishing rates of depreciation which will be of general application.
[28] In “Value for Rate-Making,” pp. 255-256.
Factors in Determining Depreciation Rate
In the determination of rates the factors to be taken into account are:
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