Final answer:
A fixed asset is characterized by being a long-term, stable, and not easily changed tangible asset, such as machinery or buildings, with associated costs that are constant regardless of production levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
A characteristic of a fixed asset is that it is long term, stable, and not easily changed. Fixed assets are tangible assets that exist physically and are used in the normal operations of a company over a long period. They contrast significantly with short-term assets, which are more impermanent and not as stable.
Examples of fixed assets include buildings, machinery, and equipment necesarry to produce a product or deliver a service. The costs associated with these assets, often referred to as fixed costs, do not fluctuate with the level of production, making them predictable over time.
For instance, the rent of a factory remains constant whether the production levels are high or low. This stability is what generally defines a fixed asset within a business context.