What does the term "book value" refer to?

The term "book value" refers to the original amount paid for an asset, which is recorded on the company's balance sheet. It represents the value of the asset as it appears in accounting records, not taking into account current market conditions or depreciation. When a business purchases an asset, it is recorded at the purchase price, which is used to calculate the asset's value on financial statements over time. While book value does evolve as depreciation is accounted for, it fundamentally reflects the initial investment in the asset.

This understanding distinguishes it from market value, which fluctuates based on current conditions, and from other concepts like renovation costs, which do not directly represent the asset's recorded value in accounting terms. The notion helps investors and stakeholders assess an asset's worth from an accounting perspective rather than a market perspective.