# Amortization of Intangibles

*Accounting & Reporting — Finicade finance glossary*

Amortisation of intangibles spreads the cost of patents, customer lists and acquired software over their useful lives — depreciation for intangibles.

Amortisation of intangibles spreads the cost of patents, customer lists and acquired software over their useful lives, the intangible equivalent of depreciation. Goodwill is the exception in most modern standards: it isn't amortised, only tested for impairment. Acquisition-heavy companies routinely exclude this charge from adjusted earnings, which flatters serial acquirers precisely where scepticism is most warranted.

**Also known as:** intangible amortisation, amortisation of intangible assets

**Related terms:** [Depreciation](https://finicade.com/glossary/depreciation), [Goodwill](https://finicade.com/glossary/goodwill), [Impairment](https://finicade.com/glossary/impairment), [EBITDA](https://finicade.com/glossary/ebitda), [Non-GAAP Earnings](https://finicade.com/glossary/non-gaap-earnings)

Source: https://finicade.com/glossary/amortization-of-intangibles