Which best describes a capital expenditure?

A capital expenditure refers specifically to the purchase or upgrade of fixed assets that will provide benefits over a long period of time. This typically includes assets such as equipment, property, or infrastructure that will be utilized in the operations of a business for many years. The key characteristic of capital expenditures is that they are intended to enhance the productive capacity or extend the useful life of the assets, thus providing a long-term benefit to the company.

In contrast, regular monthly expenses, investments in marketing, and operational costs all involve short-term spending that does not usually result in acquiring a lasting asset. Regular monthly expenses are recurring costs necessary to keep the business running, while marketing investments tend to be aimed at generating sales rather than building long-term assets. Operational costs are directly tied to daily business functions and do not typically relate to asset acquisition or enhancement. Therefore, the definition that accurately captures the essence of a capital expenditure is the purchase of a fixed asset or an upgrade with a long useful life.