Explain the difference between accounting(Book) value
and market value.
- The book value of an asset is its original purchase cost,
adjusted for any subsequent changes, such as for impairment or
depreciation. Market value is the price that could be obtained by
selling an asset on a competitive, open market.
- Book Value is a recorded historical cost whereas market value
is based on the perceived supply and demand for an asset, which can
vary constantly.
- Book Value is the actual worth of an asset of the company
whereas Market Value is just a projected value of the firm’s or
asset’s worth in the market.
- Book Value is equal to the value of the firm’s equity.
Conversely, Market Value shows the current market value of the firm
or any asset.
- Book Value changes annually, but Market Value changes every
next moment.
- For the calculation of book value, only tangible assets are
taken into consideration, but market value considers both tangible
as well as intangible assets.
- Book Value is always readily available, however, the projection
of market value on the current market price of a single share, it
is not readily available.
- When the book value is greater than the market value there is
profit, but if the book value is less than the market value there
is a loss. However, if these two values coincide, there is a
situation of no profit no loss for the company.
Which is more important to the financial manager?
Why?
- The accounts on the balance sheet are generally carried at
historical cost, not market values.
- Although the book value of the current assets and the
liabilities may closely approximate market values, the same cannot
be said for the rest of the balance sheet accounts.
- Market values are more relevant as they reflect today's values
whereas the balance sheet reflects historical costs as adjusted by
various accounting methods.
- To determine the current value of a firm, and it’s worth to the
shareholders, financial managers must monitor market values.