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The method that spreads the cost evenly over the asset's useful life is the straight-line method. This depreciation approach calculates an equal amount of depreciation expense for each period over the asset's useful life. It simplifies budgeting and financial planning, making it easier to analyze an asset's cost and its impact on overall financial statements.

Under the straight-line method, the total depreciable cost of the asset is determined by subtracting its salvage value from its initial cost. This value is then divided by the estimated useful life of the asset, resulting in a consistent annual depreciation charge. This uniform approach is beneficial for assets that have a predictable usage pattern and maintenance needs.

In contrast, other methods, such as the declining balance method, sum-of-the-years'-digits method, and activity-based method, involve varying expense allocations. The declining balance method accelerates depreciation in the earlier years, while the sum-of-the-years'-digits method also prioritizes higher depreciation in the initial years, and the activity-based method focuses on usage rather than time. Therefore, they do not provide the consistent, even spread of cost that defines the straight-line method.