[jlj]

It is common for software development expenses to be capitalized and expensed over time (depreciated).

A lot of what shows up as intangibles is from M&A activity. If the acquirer paid more than book value for a company, then all of the remainder goes into intangibles (goodwill).

The write-up argues that non-physical assets (software) show up as intangables (balance sheet) then argues that they are expenses (income statement). It doesn't make sense.

I don't follow what the article is arguing, and it seems to draw big and likely incorrect conclusions from loosely related accounting terms and data points.

[kgwgk]

> The write-up argues that non-physical assets (software) show up as intangables (balance sheet)

It says that R&D and other intangibles should appear in the balance sheet but currently do not (with some exceptions).