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Ocean Tomo's New Study on Intangible Assets

On February 12, 2026, J.S. Held, a renowned global consulting firm, unveiled the findings of its Ocean Tomo Intangible Asset Market Value (IAMV) study. This comprehensive report incorporates 50 years of data from the United States market, paired with 20 years of data from international markets, showcasing the evolving landscape of corporate value.

Understanding Market Value Transformations

The IAMV study illustrates a fundamental shift in corporate valuation, especially within the S&P 500 index. According to Matthew Johnson, the study's economic expert, the proportion of intangible assets in this index has surged dramatically over the past five decades. In 1975, tangible assets constituted a staggering 83% of market value, whereas intangible assets made up just 17%. Fast forward to 2025, this ratio has completely flipped: intangible assets now represent about 92% of S&P 500 market capitalization with tangible assets dwindling to a mere 8%.

Johnson characterizes this monumental shift as 'economic inversion,' which signifies a transition from physical assets to superior intangible values like intellectual property, brand equity, and corporate reputation. He compares this transformation to the Industrial Revolution, which radically shifted production techniques and economic systems centuries ago. Just as new manufacturing technologies revolutionized that era, the rise of intangible assets marks a pivotal evolution in modern corporate environments.

The Rapid Growth of Intangible Assets

During the years between 1985 and 2005, there was an explosive growth in the market value of intangible assets, soaring from 32% to an impressive 79%. This 47 percentage point leap occurred over just two decades, outlining a new economic paradigm wherein value is constructed through intellectual endeavors as opposed to tangible outputs.

However, the IAMV study draws attention to an intriguing observation during the more recent years, particularly during 2020 to 2025. Throughout this period, the market value of intangible assets has remained stable around 90%, even amidst the most aggressive monetary tightening measures from the Federal Reserve in four decades. Dr. Nikki Tavasoli comments on the unexpected resilience of intangible-intensive firms, noting that traditional financial theories would predict these firms to be sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. This inconsistency raises questions that Dr. Tavasoli and her team plan to explore further in an upcoming research paper.

Expanding Global Perspectives

Since 2005, the IAMV study has broadened its scope beyond the S&P 500. It now assesses the role of intangible assets across various global stock market indexes, examining those in Europe, China, Japan, and South Korea. This expansive analysis aims to determine how intangible assets interplay with market values worldwide, contributing to a richer understanding of the global economic landscape.

Harnessing Intellectual Property Insights

Ocean Tomo's focus on the valuation of intellectual property equips them with unique insights into the impacts of intangible assets in both strategic decision-making and financial expressions. Their expertise spans across diverse contexts involving strategic planning, investments, disputes, and transactions, ensuring that they provide actionable and credible insights.

As the report notes, the understanding of intellectual property valuation is pivotal. This understanding aids not only in accessing capital but also provides clarity on how financial institutions interpret IP as an available asset.

About J.S. Held

J.S. Held is a well-established consultancy firm that integrates technical, scientific, and financial expertise to help clients mitigate risks and realize value. The organization has built a solid reputation, serving numerous high-stake clients across six continents, including significant legal firms and Fortune 100 companies.

The company prides itself on its integrity, analytical capabilities, and a nuanced understanding of both tangible and intangible assets, which collectively support its clients in navigating complex challenges.

For anyone interested in delving deeper into the findings of the 2025 Intangible Asset Market Value Study, the full report is available for download at Ocean Tomo's website.