Depreciation — Parameters of Different Views

The exact nature of depreciation is viewed by different accountants from different standpoints.
These are
1. A Process of Allocation : The cost of an asset is allocated over the years of its useful
life. E. S. Hendriksen observed depreciation as “a systematic and rational method of
allocating costs to periods in which benefits are received.” Allocated portion of a capital
expenditure attributed to any accounting period falling within the working life of a
fixed asset is considered as the periodic charge for depreciation. The periodic flow of
the service potential of such asset is represented by the periodic charge. According to
this concept, the useful working life and the residual value of fixed assets arc considered
as constant for determining periodic depreciation.
2. A Decline in Service Potential : With gradual use and effluxion of time, the capability
of a fixed asset to render service is reduced. So, depreciation is the measure of the total
reduction of service potential over the years of use of a fixed asset. As this concept
believes that the consumption of service potentials of a fixed asset follow a decreasing
trend, depreciations for different years do not become equal.
3. A Source of Fund : Depreciation is a non-cash expense but it is charged against profits,
like rent, salaries etc. As it does not cause any outflow of cash in the period in which
it is charged, some accountants prefer to believe that its equivalent amount is retained
in cash. This helps to build up a fund which, in turn, helps to replace the old and
useless asset by a new and useful asset.
But this view is full of defects. Depreciation is a portion of the total out flow of cash already
made for acquiring an asset. It is an internal arrangement that affects the periodic revenue
and the value of a fixed asset of a business. It does not involve any other party. A fund
presumes appropriation of an amount and its external application. Depreciation neither
helps to create, nor to maintain any fund. It definitely affects periodic revenue and quantum
of tax but it does not involve the creation or extinction of any fund.
4. A Provision for Maintenance of Capital : Some accountants think that depreciation
helps to maintain Capital. They feel that depreciation is charged as a part of expired
cost. So, by the time the fixed asset ceases to render any service, the initial capital that
was invested to acquire it, is recovered fully. The American Accounting Association
(AAA) felt that “depreciation must be based on current cost of restoring the service
potential consumed during the period.”
For restoring ‘service potential consumed’ depreciation is needed. But cost of restoration is
more related to the replacement cost, that is, the cost that will be required at the time of

replacement than the historical cost that was originally incurred at the time of acquiring the
asset. If depreciation is based on historical cost, the initial capital invested can be restored.
But due to change of price level, replacement cost is bound to be more. So, real capital
cannot be maintained. For this reason, Sprouse and Moontiz opined in the Accounting
Research Study publised by AICPA that the current cost of restoring service potential
should be based on current replacement cost.