What is the impact of using straight-line depreciation on financial statements?

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Q: What is the impact of using straight-line depreciation on financial statements?

Solution: Straight-line depreciation decreases net income evenly over the asset's life, reflecting a consistent expense recognition.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand what straight-line depreciation is. It is a method of spreading the cost of an asset evenly over its useful life.
Step 2: Know that when a company buys an asset, it cannot deduct the entire cost at once. Instead, it deducts a portion each year.
Step 3: Realize that this portion is the same amount every year, which is calculated by dividing the asset's cost by its useful life.
Step 4: Recognize that this annual deduction reduces the company's net income on the income statement.
Step 5: Understand that lower net income can affect the company's financial health, as it may show less profit to investors.
Step 6: Note that straight-line depreciation also affects the balance sheet by reducing the asset's book value over time.