In: Accounting
which of the following methods can be used to estimate ending inventory when a physical count is not possible:
1. lower of cost or market
2. FIFO
3. perpetual cost
4. gross profit
Explain the answer in detail.
Firstly, let us understand the valuation as given in the question.
1. lower of cost or market value: This method requires the value of the inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or market value. This is not possible when the physical inventory count is not possible.
2. FIFO: FIFO stands for First In First Out. As the name suggests, it assumes that the inventory that is purchased first is sold first. The inventory that is left in the end is the inventory purchased in the end. If we donot know the physical inventory count. This method is also not possible to apply.
3. Perpetual Cost: Perpetual inventory is a method of accounting for inventory that records the sale or purchase of inventory immediately at the time of transaction. This method is also not possible to apply when the inventory count is not possible.
4. Gross Profit method:Under this method the inventory is calculated as Opening Inventory+Purchases + Gross Profit - Sales
Gross Profit is assumed as a fixed percentage of sales.
You can note that the inventory count is nowhere required in the formula.Therefore this is the method that can be used when the physical inventory count is not possible.
Hence, The answer to the question is 4.. Gross Profit.