Today, Ocean Tomo has released the 2015 update to the Annual Study of Intangible Asset Market Value. As reported by Geoff Colvin of Fortune Magazine, the data reflected in the chart below reveals that intangible asset value of the S&P 500 grew to an average of 84% by January 1st, 2015, an increase of four percentage points over ten years.
Reflecting on the findings of the study, Ocean Tomo CEO James E. Malackowski notes, “Recent realization of the significant impact of the American Invents Act combined with fundamental economic changes suggests to me that we are likely to see a slight rebalancing towards tangible assets in the coming decade.”
Data from the US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) validates the prospect for a correction. As the data below demonstrates investments in tangible assets (Structures & Equipment) have grown at a rate of 13.1% (2012-2014) while investments in intellectual property products (R&D spending including software), have grown at a rate of 9.6%.
Unlike many who have forecasted increased capital expenditures by companies, Mr. Malackowski points to several dynamics influencing the prospect of accelerated re-investment in structures and equipment, specifically re-shoring. “Fueled by a three-fold wage increase in China versus 2000, the gap is closing on the hidden costs of off-shoring – packaging, shipping, duty, the carrying cost of inventory, among others. Lower energy costs in the U.S. along with exploding domestic investment in 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, will also fuel a return to tangible domestic investments. Combined, such change is poised to measurably alter the manufacturing landscape capping the long-term rise of intangibles” explains Malackowski.
You can view the 2015 Annual Study of Intangible Asset Market Value press release here.