When the company uses the lower of cost or market method, it should assign value to its inventory by calculating the middle figure between replacement cost or net realizable value, and net realizable value - normal profit.
In this case, the market value must be either the replacement cost or the net realizable value, but both values are the highest. Since the original cost is below the market value, but above the net realizable value - normal profit, the inventory must be valued at the original cost.
Economists, however, identify six major functions of governments in market economies. Governments provide the legal and social framework, maintain competition, provide public goods and services, redistribute income, correct for externalities, and stabilize the economy.
