LOS b: Discuss how inventories are reported on the financial statements and how the lower of cost or net realizable value is used and applied.
Barber Inc. sells DVD recorders. On October 14, it purchased a large number of recorders at a cost of $90 each. Due to an oversupply of recorders remaining in the marketplace due to lower than anticipated demand during the Christmas season, the selling price at December 31 is $80 and the replacement cost is $73. The normal profit margin is 5 percent of the selling price and the selling costs are $2 per recorder.
Under U.S. GAAP, what is the value of the recorders on December 31?
Under U.S. GAAP, market is equal to the replacement cost subject to replacement cost being within a specific range. The upper bound is net realizable value (NRV), which is equal to selling price ($80) less selling costs ($2) for an NRV of $78. The lower bound is NRV ($78) less normal profit (5% of selling price = $4) for a net amount of $74. Since replacement cost ($73) is less than NRV minus normal profit ($74), then market equals NRV minus normal profit ($74). As well, we have to use the lower of cost ($90) or market ($74) principle so the recorders should be recorded at the lower amount of $74.
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