Question

Difficulty: MediumValuation and Treatment of Inventory in Final Accounts

Match each inventory valuation rule or accounting treatment in the final accounts of a sole trader with its corresponding description, concept, or financial statement placement.

  • Valuation of inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable valueApplication of the prudence concept to prevent overstatement of assets and profit
  • Deduction from cost of goods available for sale in the Trading AccountAdjustment required to calculate the exact Cost of Goods Sold during the financial period
  • Inclusion of closing inventory under Current Assets in the Balance SheetPresentation of unsold stock as a short-term resource expected to be realized in the normal operating cycle
  • Calculation of Net Realizable Value (NRV)Estimated selling price minus estimated costs of completion and selling expenses

Answer

1. Valuation at lower of cost and NRV matches Application of the prudence concept; 2. Deduction from cost of goods available for sale matches Adjustment required to calculate Cost of Goods Sold; 3. Inclusion under Current Assets matches Presentation of unsold stock as a short-term resource; 4. Calculation of NRV matches Estimated selling price minus completion and selling expenses.
Each inventory rule directly aligns with financial accounting principles: lower of cost or NRV embodies prudence; deducting closing stock isolates cost of goods sold; Balance Sheet inclusion reflects working capital assets; and NRV represents expected net proceeds after completion and selling costs.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the accounting convention governing inventory valuation
IAS 2 / GAAP mandates inventory be valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value based on prudence.
Prevents overstating profits and current assets.
2
Determine the impact of closing inventory on the Trading Account
Closing stock is deducted from Opening Stock + Purchases (less returns).
Separates the cost of unsold stock from goods sold to determine gross profit accurately.
3
Determine the Balance Sheet presentation
Closing stock is listed as a Current Asset.
It is a short-term asset available to generate future income in the next operating cycle.
4
Define the formula for Net Realizable Value
NRV = Estimated Selling Price - (Estimated Completion Costs + Selling Expenses).
Reflects the actual net amount expected to be recovered from the sale of inventory.

Key Concept

Valuation and Treatment of Inventory in Final Accounts
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