Which statement is not true about the gross profit method of inventory valuation?

What is the Gross Profit Method?

The gross profit method estimates the amount of ending inventory in a reporting period. This is of use for interim periods between physical inventory counts. It is also useful when inventory was destroyed and you need to estimate the ending inventory balance for the purpose of filing a claim for insurance reimbursement. The gross profit method is not an acceptable method for determining the year-end inventory balance, since it only estimates what the ending inventory balance may be. It is not sufficiently precise to be reliable for audited financial statements.

How to Use the Gross Profit Method

Follow these steps to estimate ending inventory using the gross profit method:

1. Add together the cost of beginning inventory and the cost of purchases during the period to arrive at the cost of goods available for sale.

2. Multiply (1 - expected gross profit %) by sales during the period to arrive at the estimated cost of goods sold.

3. Subtract the estimated cost of goods sold (step #2) from the cost of goods available for sale (step #1) to arrive at the ending inventory.

In addition, it is useful to compare the resulting cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales to the recent trend line for the same percentage, to see if the outcome is reasonable.

Example of the Gross Profit Method

Amalgamated Scientific Corporation (ASC) is calculating its month-end inventory for March. Its beginning inventory was $175,000 and its purchases during the month were $225,000. Thus, its cost of goods available for sale are:

$175,000 beginning inventory + $225,000 purchases = $400,000 cost of goods available for sale

ASC's gross margin percentage for all of the past 12 months was 35%, which is considered a reliable long-term margin. Its sales during March were $500,000. Thus, its estimated cost of goods sold is:

(1 - 35%) x $500,000 = $325,000 cost of goods sold

By subtracting the estimated cost of goods sold from the cost of goods available for sale, ASC arrives at an estimated ending inventory balance of $75,000.

Problems with the Gross Profit Method

There are several issues with the gross profit method that make it unreliable as the sole method for determining the value of inventory over the long term, which are noted below.

Historical Basis Could Be Incorrect

The gross profit percentage is a key component of the calculation, but the percentage is based on a company's historical experience. If the current situation yields a different percentage (as may be caused by a special sale at reduced prices), then the gross profit percentage used in the calculation will be incorrect.

Assumes Inclusion of Inventory Losses

The calculation assumes that the long-term rate of losses due to theft, obsolescence, and other causes is included in the historical gross profit percentage. If not, or if these losses have not previously been recognized, then the calculation will likely result in an inaccurate estimated ending inventory (and probably one that is too high).

Limited Applicability

The calculation is most useful in retail situations where a company is simply buying and reselling merchandise. If a company is instead manufacturing goods, then the components of inventory must also include labor and overhead, which make the gross profit method too simplistic to yield reliable results.

Short-Term Usage Period

In general, any inventory estimation technique is only to be used for short periods of time. A well-run cycle counting program is a superior method for routinely keeping inventory record accuracy at a high level. Alternatively, conduct a physical inventory count at the end of each reporting period.

49.Which statement isnottrue about the gross profit method of inventory valuation?a.It may be used to estimate inventories for interim statements.b.It may be used to estimate inventories for annual statements.c.It may be used by auditors.d.None of these answers are correct.9 - 13

Test Bank for Intermediate Accounting, Fifteenth Edition50.A major advantage of the retail inventory method is that it9 - 14

51.An inventory method which is designed to approximate inventory valuation at the lower ofcost or market is

52.The retail inventory method is based on the assumption that the

53.Which statement is true about the retail inventory method?a.It may not be used to estimate inventories for interim statements.b.It may not be used to estimate inventories for annual statements.c.It may not be used by auditors.d.None of these answers are correct.

54.When the conventional retail inventory method is used, markdowns are commonly ignoredin the computation of the cost to retail ratio because

55.To produce an inventory valuation which approximates the lower of cost or market usingthe conventional retail inventory method, the computation of the ratio of cost to retailshould

Inventories: Additional Valuation Issues

Which statement is true about the gross profit method of inventory valuation?

What is the gross profit method of inventory?

When should the gross profit method of inventory valuation not be used because it is invalid?

In which of the following instances would the use of gross profit method in estimating inventory be not useful?