Question

Inventory at the end of the year is overstated. Which of the following statements correctly states the effect of the error? a. net income is understated b. gross profit is understated c. stockholders' equity is overstated d. cost of goods sold is overstated

Answer 1

Answer:

The answer is stockholders' equity is overstated

Explanation:

When inventories are overstated it reduces the cost of sales because the excess inventory in accounting records means the ending inventory will be higher and cost of sales will be lower.

When ending inventory is overstated, total assets and retained earnings will be overstated. And when retained earnings is overstated, stockholders' equity is also overstated because retained earnings is a line item under stockholders' equity.