Capitalisés

Capitalisés refers to a concept in finance and accounting related to the treatment of certain expenses and investments. In accounting, it typically means that an expense is not immediately recognized as a cost in the current period but is instead recorded as an asset on the balance sheet. This asset is then gradually expensed over its useful life through a process called amortization or depreciation. Common examples of capitalized costs include expenditures on property, plant, and equipment, as well as certain intangible assets like patents or software development. The rationale behind capitalization is that these expenditures are expected to provide future economic benefits beyond the current accounting period.

In a broader financial context, "capitalisés" can also refer to the accumulation of capital over time, often through reinvestment of profits or savings. This process can lead to significant growth in wealth or the size of a business. For example, a company that reinvests its earnings rather than distributing them as dividends is effectively capitalizing its profits, increasing its equity base. Similarly, individuals who consistently save and invest their income are capitalizing their personal wealth. The term thus highlights the difference between immediate consumption or expense and the deferral of costs or the accumulation of resources for future benefit.