write-down

play

noun \ ˈrīt-ˌdau̇n \

Updated on: 26 Jul 2017

Definition of write-down

:a deliberate reduction in the book value of an asset (as to reflect the effect of obsolescence)

First Known Use of write-down

1932

write down

verb

Definition of write down

transitive verb

1 :to record in written form

2 a :to depreciate, disparage, or injure by writing

b :to reduce in status, rank, or value; especially :to reduce the book value of

intransitive verb

:to write so as to appeal to a lower level of taste, comprehension, or intelligence

Examples of write down in a Sentence

a company forced to write down its assets
write down what you remember about that day

First Known Use of write down

1588

write down Synonyms

Synonyms

attenuate, break, cheapen, depress, devaluate, devalue, downgrade, lower, mark down, reduce, sink, depreciate, write off

Antonyms

appreciate, enhance, mark up, upgrade

Related Words

debase, demonetize; underestimate, underprice, underrate, undervalue; abridge, compress, contract, de-escalate, deflate, downsize, dwindle, lessen, moderate, shrink

Near Antonyms

bloat, blow up, inflate; overestimate, overprice, overrate, overvalue; add, aggrandize, amplify, augment, balloon, boost, compound, dilate, enlarge, escalate, expand, extend, heighten, increase, maximize, multiply, raise, swell, up

Financial Definition of WRITE-DOWN

write-down

noun

What It Is

A write-down is the accounting term used to describe a reduction in the book value of an asset due to economic or fundamental changes in the asset. A write-down is the opposite of a write-up.

How It Works

A write-down can be processed whenever a firm readjusts their balance sheet numbers which typically happens when a company files their quarterly earnings.

Insurance companies often need to write down assets since they must maintain a certain stated level of capital compared to their portfolio of potential liabilities. For illiquid investments such as real estate, book value is calculated by analyzing current market conditions, taking into consideration rental rates, the values of similar buildings, as well as current interest rates. When preparing quarterly financial updates, insurance firms reevaluate the value of their real estate holdings. If market conditions change, the firm writes down the book value of the holding to adjust the value to current market conditions.

Thus a real estate write-down in our example can be caused by either a negative change in the overall macro environment, or a micro economic occurrence such as building deterioration.

Why It Matters

Changes in book values caused by write-downs were at the heart of financial company failures caused by the sub-prime crisis. When write-downs occurred, many financial firms needed to raise capital from other sources to maintain their minimum capital obligations.

Companies that could not raise money by selling stock, new debt, or assets, were forced into bankruptcy or forced mergers when their assets could no longer cover their liabilities.

Source: Investing Answers